When having your pictures taken, a little advanced preparation of your skin can make a huge difference in how the finished portraits end up looking. After all, the makeup you put on your face only looks as good as the canvas underneath it, which is why it is extremely important to start taking proper care of your skin at least a week before your scheduled photo shoot.
If you neglect it, an otherwise perfect photo could end up with distracting elements that take the focus away from where it should be. So, if you want to look naturally beautiful and absolutely glowing in front of the camera, here are a few simple ways of prepping your skin for a professional photo shoot:
The Week Before the Photo Shoot
In order to achieve a flawless and radiant complexion, it’s important to construct a great skincare routine during the week leading up to your photo shoot.
Start your regimen off with a gentle face scrub that will help clean out your pores, get rid of dead skin cells and protect the outer layer of your skin, while preventing it from being overstimulated to produce excess oil.
Cleanse your skin with a micellar water that will remove any residual dirt or makeup, then follow your routine up with a good toner that will even out your complexion and help create a radiant glow.
Get in the habit of using a natural moisturiser twice a day to keep your skin soft and supple, while avoiding potential inflammation and irritation that can occur with the use of harmful chemicals, and never overlook the importance of a good eye cream and moisturising lip balm.
Try to avoid facials or other skin treatments during this period, as a too harsh or too active skincare regimen might stimulate your skin to break out, irritate, or even cause an allergic reaction. Instead, keep your routine quick and simple for optimal results.
Don’t forget about the rest of your body, as it will show in your pictures as well, and exfoliate your skin every day in the shower, then follow it up with a heavier cream or lotion that will keep the skin on your whole body soft, silky and absolutely radiant.
Remember to drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses a day, in order to keep your skin hydrated and avoid any dryness and flakiness, and even help smooth out any wrinkles and fine lines you might have.
3-4 Days Prior to Your Shoot
During those few days leading up to your shoot, make sure to take care of the little details that help you look more polished and refined. Schedule a threading or a waxing appointment for your eyebrows, as a clean and groomed brow will give your makeup artist the best potential to create a flawless eye look.
Just be careful not to do it the day of your photo shoot, because makeup has a difficult time sticking to freshly waxed skin, and you might even be at risk of breakouts or irritation, or you might simply add texture to your skin that will require additional coverage and work.
Another good idea would be to opt for a tanning lotion, or even a professional spray tan, as a faux glow always looks incredible on camera. Just make sure to choose a soft and subtle hue that won’t look too dark or uneven on your natural complexion.
The Night Before the Shoot
Avoid those harmful substances, such as alcohol or cigarettes, which wreak havoc on your skin and deplete it from vital nutrients, leaving your complexion dull and dehydrated, and replace them with a hydrating glass of water.
Make sure to get at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep before your photo shoot, to ensure you arrive rested and energized, and that your skin looks absolutely radiant. Don’t forget to add a few finishing touches, such as a great nail polish, that will pull your whole look together.
The Day of Your Photo Shoot
Make it a point to arrive to your shoot with a clean face. Remove all traces of your makeup from that day or the night before, and don’t forget to moisturise and put on a hydrating lip balm.
While your artist will undoubtedly remove any residual traces of your skincare while prepping your face for makeup, they will thank you for the time they will save if you’ve already done the work for them, and so will your photographer.
Finally, the most important thing you can do is have trust and faith in your makeup artist. Apart from having all the necessary tools to give you the look you desire, the artist will have no problem creating the perfect, most photographable look, when you have beautiful skin you’ve taken excellent care of.
