By Cari Cooney
Have you ever wondered how to get your face "picture perfect" for photos? Whether for professional sessions or group gatherings, here are a few tips to get your face ready for your closeup!
A smooth base
Let's start out with the most basic tip for a headshot: a smooth base.
If you know ahead of time you'll be taking pictures, exfoliate your skin the night before. Don't rub too hard, or you'll be as red a beet. Exfoliation of the dead skin cells makes your base apply smoother, and your skin will keep a matte finish longer. Just purchase a simple, over-the-counter exfoliation scrub. There's no need to run to the salon for a microderm abrasion. Men can exfoliate too, there's nothing too feminine about great skin care!
Cosmetic choices
One of general problems about women not liking how they look in pictures is their choice in cosmetics. We often pick colors we enjoy in life, but they aren't colors that look good on us. Also, we think that when we are getting pictures taken, we need to slather on more makeup than usual -- but this isn't the case.
Cameras aren't like they were in the old days, and overly pink cheeks and thick eyeliner can make you look painted up like a clown. Use the guide below to understand color choices you should make for cosmetics based on eye color.
- Blue eyes: use colors like purple, gray and dark blue.
- Green/Hazel Eyes: greens, tans and purple.
- Brown eyes: the more natural the color the better, you can use browns, beiges and greens.
Beware of Spider Eyes!
A common mistake women make with eye makeup is putting on too much mascara. Mascara is generally waxy, and it can easily clump up on your lashes, giving you the dreaded "spider eye." Cameras will pick up this bulky mess, but there is a trick to avoid it.
It doesn't matter what the advertisements say, there is no such thing as a no clump mascara. It doesn't matter how many ridges scrape off the brush before you use it, mascara always lingers in the wand, meaning you always have the potential to get nasty results. Look at Figure A to see an example of messy mascara.
FIGURE A
This is an over-the counter, popular brand of mascara that claims to be mistake proof, with an innovative wand to prevent clumping...look at all the glop on the tissue! (click for larger image)
The picture shows just how much product can possibly end up on your delicate lashes. However, this picture also shows the trick to beautiful, photogenic lashes. Use a tissue or soft cloth (no toilet paper, it can leave lint on your brush) and wipe the bristles of the wand. In one motion, drag the tissue up the wand. You can apply two coats to the lashes, as long as you wipe the brush both times. You'll love the clump-free, picture perfect results!
Flash: The pale skin's enemy.
Often in social settings, when someone takes a picture of you, they will use their flash. This can make pale-skinned people looked washed out. It can look even worse if the flash is used because the room is dark, like while at a club.
You don't have to double up on foundation or use something darker than your natural skin tone. The answer is: liquid bronzer. This little beauty is cheap, and when you mix a drop or two into into your usual base or face lotion, you'll get an even application and a hint of extra color to you skin. You'll beat the flash's harsh glare, and you'll look radiant.
Natural lighting is always a great choice for pictures, but sometimes there's no avoiding the flash. Don't use a powder bronzer. You won't be able to achieve results as even as when you use a liquid. Just a dab will do ya! Also, avoid a rosy colored blush, you'll look a little too "synthetic."
No matter how light your skin is, or how pale your eye color is, you can still take a great picture without a professional, and no need for a serious makeover. Take a look at Figure B.
FIGURE B
This photo of Meg has been un-retouched. (click for larger image)
Meg is my lovely model. With no professional training or equipment, we've taken a picture of her, accenting her best feature: her beautiful blue eyes. With nothing more than some mascara and a light base, her beauty is natural (and so was the lighting) and her best features shine through.
If you've ever heard the "less is more" theory of makeup, it's sound advice. Everyone has natural beauty, and by the help of some inexpensive cosmetics, we can channel it. Just follow the tips listed above, and in no time, you'll may notice you're considerably happier with the way your pictures turn out.