HOW TO DO YOUR MAKEUP FOR your FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT
So, you’ve booked your family session (so exciting!), you have figured out what you and the rest of the fam are wearing. Great! Now, how do you do your makeup? Do you go for less coverage, or full coverage? What colour eyeshadow should you choose? Fake lashes or not?
If upping your makeup game might be something you're considering, keep reading, because I had a chat With Maria, from Maria Savva Makeup Artistry, makeup artist in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs about how to be face ready for your photoshoot.
Here’s how it went:
Tell us a bit about yourself. What made you become a makeup artist and how long have you been doing it for?
I am a 33yo married mum of 3 beautiful girls. I have always been interested in makeup, especially when I hit my teenage years and started going out. I always found myself on YouTube watching tutorials and being asked by family to do their makeup for events. For years I wanted to do a course but life just became hectic especially after having kids and also juggling a corporate job so it always felt impossible. In January 2022 I found a course that was offering evening classes so I took the plunge and did it and haven’t looked back! Loved every second and if anything its further fueled my passion for it. Its definitely a creative outlet for me.
What are your recommendations for creating a flawless complexion that appears natural on camera?
Skin preparation is key! I strongly recommend establishing a consistent skincare routine; at the very least cleansing followed by a hydrating serum and moisturizer morning and night. Makeup will only be as good as the skin beneath it.
When applying makeup you should gently exfoliate, followed by a hyaluronic acid serum, moisturizer, let that absorb into the skin for at least 5 mins and then apply primer followed by foundation. Apply your foundation in thin even layers building up coverage slowly. Blend, blend blend and set with a translucent powder and setting spray for longevity.
What are some common makeup mistakes to avoid for a photoshoot?
The good thing about makeup is there really are no rules! Its such a personal thing and way in which people can express themselves and feel good, ultimately if you’re happy with your makeup this confidence will show on camera.
In my personal opinion though I feel bold colours can be a bit much for a family photoshoot and can really take away from the photo itself. Soft neutral tones are definitely my preference (bronzey eye, nude/pink lip and a flush of blush across the cheeks *chefs kiss*)
Should I focus more on accentuating my features or creating a more natural look?
Too little makeup can sometimes appear under-done on camera, makeup should definitely enhance your features. You still want to look like you in photos 😊
Yay or nay to fake lashes?
Good question. My preference is to have them as in photos it can be a struggle to see natural lashes even with mascara. Even just a few individual lashes on the outer corners can just help the eyes stand out more.
What are some tips for choosing the right colours and shades of makeup to complement different skin tones and outfits in a photoshoot?
· Match your foundation to your chest
· Choose a foundation with the correct undertone (cool/ neutral/ warm)
· Consider the finish you are trying to achieve when choosing makeup products (ie luminous or more matte)
· Avoid shimmer in areas where you don’t want to emphasise texture
· Your concealer should be only 1-2 shades lighter than your foundation
· Neutral tones will match any outfit and are a safer option (no need to match that red blouse with a red lippy!)
How to make sure that makeup looks good both in person and in photographs? Any tips on how to achieve this balance?
From my experience to photograph well you do need a little more than what you would probably have on if you weren’t being photographed. Spot conceal any blemishes with concealer rather than adding more layers of foundation. Take selfies to see how you appear in a photo 😊
Any additional tips you can share to help someone feel confident and comfortable while doing their own makeup for a photoshoot?
Try to avoid too much of anything, apply in thin layers - you can always add more but its hard to remove if you put too much! Practice before the actual photoshoot. Do your makeup for another event or to go out for the day and see how you like it, write down what products you used so you can replicate or tweak anything you weren’t happy with for your photoshoot. Have fun with it, remember all that matters is you still look and feel like you! Makeup is there to enhance not completely cover 😊
Thank you so much for all the tips Maria! Be sure to try it out and let us know on our socials: IG @krystalmontaguephotography and @maria.savva.makeupartistry.
See some of Maria's work below - how amazing is she?!
