Learn The Art Of Photographic Make-up Part 1

We all want to look our best in photographs however, realistically we are not all blessed with perfectly defined photographic features or, have the benefit of natural daylight following us around to emphasize the true colours and, textures of our make-up application.

To ensure that you successfully achieve a beautifully flawless camera-ready complexion here are a few points to consider when applying photographic make-up:

• Avoid the application of a greasy make-up base and keep cream textured products to a minimum. Excess traces of oil on the face will produce an unattractive shine while emphasising creases and open pores. A great tip is to re-apply loose translucent face powder throughout make-up application until a matte finish is achieved.
• Pearlised products reflect light but can still cause glare. Although they may look great in photographs, they are most effective when kept to a minimum and contrasted with products of a matte finish. It is also important to remember that eye make-up containing too many pearlised products will lose definition, while using these particular products on the face will only emphasize any flaws and defects.
• Take in to consideration that photographic lighting wipes out the natural highlights and shadows created by facial contour. Highlighting and shading techniques should be used to achieve defined bone structure and, balance the features while keeping foundation as light in colour as possible. This will ensure that the effects of contour cosmetics are successfully enhanced.
• It is vital to remember that the camera will pick up any patches of discoloration and the natural shadows created by skin folds. To prevent this, the trick is to even out skin tone by lightening the under eye area, above the chin and, the creases either side of the nostrils prior to the application of foundation.
• Hard lines are emphasized on camera so it is absolutely vital that all make-up products used are thoroughly blended to ensure that there are no visible demarcation lines present. This particularly applies to contouring cosmetics and foundation under the jawline and, in to the hairline.
• Professional photographic lighting in particular can get very hot and as a result, cause make-up to melt. This can easily be prevented by avoiding the application of heavy make-up and ensuring that the skin is kept as cool as possible throughout the make-up procedure.