BIZ TALK | Your complete guide to makeup for photoshoots

One of the most difficult choices we can face when getting our photo taken- apart from what the hell to wear- is how should we ask to get our makeup done?

There's a plethora of information and ideas out there, and often times we just want to look like ourselves, but just more polished, more fresh, more awake.

So how do you decide on what level of makeup you feel comfortable with on cameras?

Most people I know don't want to look completely different in their headshots, they still want to look like themselves. Others want a bit of a bright or bold pop of colour; while others aren't accustomed to wearing makeup AT ALL and may find the idea a little challenging or even scary.

I often find clients have had bad experiences in the past where they have asked for makeup and got too much makeup; or conversely, they have requested a no makeup makeup look but haven't been happy with how 'bare' their face looked and felt they needed more coverage.

Below, I've outlined 3 different types of photographic makeup that differ in level of intensity and coverage, so you can get a good idea of what the difference is, and get used to some of the terminology. That way you can go into your photoshoot feeling confident that you know what you want and know what to ask for.

No makeup makeup

The ‘no makeup’ makeup look takes a pared-back approach to your makeup, using only the bare minimum products to even out your skin tone, conceal imperfections and subtly enhance your features.

Think off-duty model, no makeup vibes for when you want to look like you just woke up like this and like you aren't wearing makeup.

“No makeup” makeup is basically bare minimum, au-natural, I'm-just-genetically-blessed, makeup applied with a light, professional hand to fool the camera into thinking that you don't have any product on.

This look is all about glowing, natural skin, so we usually recommend this kind of makeup for people who have clear, unblemished skin that doesn't require much coverage, as any imperfections may still show through.

If you have textured, blemished, or dull skin, you may wish to consider going a step up to a soft/ natural glam look which will offer a bit more coverage, but will still look you have great, smooth, even skin.

There will often be a bit of brow and lash definition, but not much colour anywhere, so the overall look is of not wearing makeup.

Natural /soft glam makeup

A step up from the 'no makeup' look is the natural/soft glam makeup look. It strikes an ideal balance between no-makeup makeup and full-blown glamour.

Natural soft glam makeup is about enhancing the features that you want to bring out, while using a bit more product to hide imperfections. It’s basically the style of makeup you would lean towards for a photoshoot if you feel like you want to look like you are wearing a little makeup. It is the most popular style for a photoshoot.

This look is all about looking glamorous but without too much makeup. We enhance the eyes but subtly, we sculpt the cheekbones but the contour is soft, and we will define the brow so it is strong but not overly so.

Everything is just a bit more amped up for the camera, so you'll still like you, but with a bit more polish.

It’s all about looking feminine and sophisticated while keeping your makeup fresh. You will look like you are wearing makeup in the photo, but it will be subtle, soft and seamless, usually with a focus on the eyes.

Full glam makeup

This is when you want to go all out and look like you have got makeup ON and plenty of it. It's when you desire to have full coverage over your skin, plus plenty of contouring, highlighting, and eye enhancement.

More often than not this is a look that's reserved more for night time but occasionally clients will request it for a photoshoot.

It's when you want to look completely groomed from top to toe, and you don't really mind if it looks natural or not. It's a bit of an 'extra' look and there isn't much subtlety to it.

This look is typified by the “Instagram” beauty looks we see a lot of today — bold brows, full coverage foundation, winged liner.

With a full glam makeup look, we define and enhance EVERY feature of the face: lips, lashes, cheekbones, brows.

Remember, speaking to your stylist, communicating your ideas and your expectations, and trusting their advice, is key to being happy with the end result.

A good makeup artist with experience in photographic makeup will be able to listen to you and also guide you if you are unsure.

Have a question? Feel free to get in touch with me

I LOVE helping women in business feel amazing before a photoshoot and helping them feel on top of their game.

Making you look and feel amazing as you step into your power is the core of what I do.

At Killer Queen, we're here for you every step of the way and want to make your photoshoot as memorable and epic as possible- it's what it's all about.

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Hey, I'm Danee!

I’m a makeup & hair artist and all-round creative with a serious cheese fetish and a hankering for tequila. A badass beauty disruptor and educator with nearly a decade of clocked miles in the beauty industry. I’m a playlist ADDICT who also stans for writing, drawing, inhaling 70s design and 90s pop culture; and have a mad love affair for thrift shopping, sleeping, and going on roadtrips!

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