Tips for Portrait Session Make Up Application | Jonathan Curtis Fredericksburg VA Make Up Artist

Jonathan Curtis is here again to talk about prepping your make up for pictures. These tips are great for head shots, weddings, engagement, maternity and family sessions!

Jonathan: My philosophy when it comes to makeup (especially makeup for photography) is that it should highlight your best features, not hide or mask your face, and ultimately should capture who you are at this particular time in your life. If you’re not someone who wears a full face of makeup, now is not the time to try out a smoky eye. If your signature look is a red lip, you want that to translate into your photos as well. Don’t forget to pack a few things for touching up if your photo session is long, I take along my powder, and lip color to make sure I look great in every shot!

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Primer – You want to choose a primer that is right for your skin type, this will ensure your makeup stays on and looks amazing for your whole photo session. I chose Le Blanc De Chanel because it makes my skin amazing luminosity.
Foundation – I always like to grab a foundation with great coverage, but a very blendable texture. Only apply a very thin layer of foundation all over the skin, this is just a base, leave the concealing to the concealer! It’s very important to avoid high SPF products for flash photography, so choose products with no SPF or any SPF 15 or lower.
Concealer – When picking a concealer for spot coverage around the face (blemishes, scars, dark spots) choose a color that matches the skin perfectly and has very high coverage. I like to use “The Eldridge Technique” by using a very small brush to apply concealer to the exact spot I need it, and blend out by patting with a finger or a fluffy brush. When picking a concealer to highlight the face, choose a color one shade lighter to lift shadows. Apply this sparingly and only to the very corners of the eye that need brightening, as well as the high points of the face (brow bone, nose bridge, upper lip, and chin.)
Powder – Using a small amount powder to set the makeup in place will absorb any shine and lock everything in for longer wear. I like a powder with a little extra coverage in it to make sure my skin looks natural, yet flawless.
Bronzer – This is a step I never skip. After using foundation, concealer, and powder the skin can look a little dead or flat. Applying a matte bronzer to the skin where the sun would naturally hit will give the skin warmth and subtle definition. The trick is less-is-more, start out with a small amount and build intensity as needed.
Contour – An optional step, but applying a small amount of a cool toned contour powder under your cheekbones will enhance the natural bone structure that is sometimes lost in photography. You can also do this on the eye sockets, nose, forehead, anywhere. Again, less-is-more.
Blush – For a natural look, choose a color that mimics the natural tone your skin blushes in colder weather. Apply to the upper cheek and follow the cheekbones lightly.
Highlight – Another optional step, but this one helps finish the skin with a natural sheen. Apply to the tops of your cheekbones, brow bone, nose, and upper lip.
Curl Lashes – Self explanatory! This really helps to open the eyes for a wide-awake look! You can apply your eye makeup just before this step!
Mascara – Choose your regular mascara, I like one that really separates my lashes for close up pictures.11. Brows – This step is more important than you think it is! Choose a color that closely matches your natural brow hairs and naturally fill in the gaps. Brows should be sisters – not twins, so don’t panic if they’re not exactly the same.12. Lips – We made it! For lips you want to choose something that makes you comfortable. If you wear the same color everyday, now is not the time to try out something new and daring. I chose a natural color that is just one shade deeper and peachier than my actual lips.