Like it or not, we live in a highly photographed world. We don’t always have control over when we’ll be ambushed with a camera or know what the lighting will be like but we can make sure our makeup is photo-ready at all times. Here, nine tips that ensure you won’t ever look greasy, tired or washed out.
- BRIGHTEN YOUR EYES
Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose. But seriously, the clearer your eyes are, the brighter the rest of your face will look. Squeeze a few cooling eye drops into each peeper before you start applying your makeup.
- PREP YOUR SKIN
Fact: Soft, hydrated skin equals a seamless foundation application. What does this mean to you? No uneven streaks or creasing as it wears. After washing your face, slap on a sheet mask for ten to 15 minutes while you get ready. Or apply a generous layer of your regular moisturizer and let it sink in for a few minutes before wiping off any excess
- MAKE SURE YOUR FOUNDATION IS AN EXACT MATCH
Here’s the deal: If it’s too pale, you’ll look washed out when the flash hits, and if it’s too dark, you’ll look a bit muddy. (Always test shades along your jawline in natural light.) As for the formula, you want something with light to medium coverage. And if you’re prone to shininess, sweep a simple translucent powder over your T-zone before heading out. (Skip the fancy HD-they have ingredients like silica and mica that can be too reflective.)
- EASE UP ON THE CONCEALER
We hate to break it to you, but a million layers of concealer won’t hide that zit from the camera. In fact, it might bring more attention to the area. Instead, use your ring finger to lightly tap a small amount of concealer (again, one that matches your skin tone) over the spot and stop fussing with it after that.
- HIGHLIGHT STRATEGICALLY
The number one secret to photogenic skin? Lighting. Fake the effects of flattering light by dabbing a pearly shadow or highlighter along the top of cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose and at the inner corners of your eyes. Just be light-handed with the application, as too much shimmer can come across as greasy in photos.
- DARKEN YOUR BROWS
After all, they frame your entire face. Choose a pencil or a powder that is one shade darker than your actual brows (your features tend to look lighter in photos) and use short, light strokes to fill in any gaps between hairs.
- MAKE YOUR EYES POP
Forget the smoky eyes if you really want to stand out. Instead, sweep a neutral shadow onto your eyelids. Then apply a dark brown or soft black liner to only the outer thirds of your upper lids. (Skip the bottom altogether; liner on your lower lids can make your eyes look smaller.) Finish by curling your lashes and adding two coats of mascara to make your peepers look wider and brighter.
- CONTOUR WITH BLUSH
While it’s true that some subtle contouring can slim your face and certain features, there is a lot of room for error. An easier (and more foolproof) way to sculpt your cheeks--while adding color to your face--is to apply blush to the hollows of your cheeks and then blend it up toward your cheekbones.
- GO FOR RED
Dark lips may be super-trendy right now, but unfortunately they tend to make lips look thinner. For a better photo, stick to a brighter cheery red and add a touch of gloss to the middle of your bottom lip to give it a plumped effect.