Most of our time these days is spent on the run due to our busy everyday schedules! Yet, these passing moments can last a very long time in the form of photographs! Therefore its worth a little bit of effort to look your best in photos, because they can serve as a reminder of the best version of you. Taking good photos should not require a studio setting and elaborate arrangements. Here are a few tips that can help you look great in photos!
PREP YOUR SKIN
Maintaining a good skincare routine on an everyday basis is the key to prepping your skin for photo-friendly makeup. Prepping your skin with moisturizer and a primer can make help the makeup adhere to your skin better, and make the application process much smoother. You can find a primer that suits your particular skin type. For those with oily skin, mattifying primers can help reduce excess oil which may cause the makeup to become patchy. On the other hand mixing in a drop of oil with your moisturizer can help those with dry skin, by providing a healthy and hydrated glow!
GIVE YOUR FACE DEFINITION
In the generation of endless filter options, we have a lot of easy cheat codes to enhance our appearance in photos. However, for those days when you want to look your best both on and off-camera, a few simple tricks can make a world of difference. With a few simple products and a single fluffy brush you can give your face a more structured appearance instantly! Simply apply a thin layer of pressed powder foundation in a shade suitable for your complexion on the areas of your face that tend to get oily. Use a fluffy brush to apply this to achieve a natural finish! This will mattify the unwanted shine in those areas. Then grab the same brush and pick up a blush of bronzer with a slight shimmering overlay. Apply to the perimeter of your face, and bring it in towards the apples of your cheeks. This will add a hint of colour to give your face more definition, while the shimmer overlay will act as a highlight and give you a subtle glow! Using the same brush for both products will ensure they blend in seamless on the skin, and also make the process quicker for you! *Try an angled fluffy brush for more definition!
HAIR
Our hair acts as a frame for our faces, and changing up your hair-do can help you tremendously to achieve your desired look in photos! Finding the hairstyles that are suitable for the shape of your face are thus very important. You can try up-do hairstyles back to show off a defined jawline, half up-dos to highlight high cheekbones but also let your lock longs underneath frame your neck or leave it untied with a simple blow-dry!
*PRO-TIP: Blow dry your hair inwards to make your face appear slimmer or try an outward rolled blow dry to give your hair more volume immediately. You can also use accessories like headbands or jeweled hairpins to enhance the look!
LIGHTING
The most important element in any image is light. Light and shadow are what define any visual element, and it is important to find the right light source to frame your photo the way you want it. For a softer effect, take pictures slightly angled against the source of light, for instance facing away from a window that serves as a source of natural light. This will give you an ethereal glow, and a soft focus. However, if you want a crisp and clear image, with all your features sharply defined, you need to directly face the light source.
Finally, it is important to know that these makeup and lighting tips will only enhance your appearance when you are comfortable. Wear colours that make you happy and choose outfits you are comfortable in. When you feel good, it is easy to look great!
