Remembering that, while Photoshop can hide a multitude of sins, with the proper preparation, you’ll love knowing that your pictures have captured your best possible self. At the end of the day, there are some things no amount of preparation can change, (and maybe you wouldn’t want to). A couple of examples are birthmarks or scars. Some people feel that these markings are part of who they are, while others would rather have them “photoshopped” away. Which is right? Whatever you want. It’s your face, your body, your photos.
In this post, we will talk about how to get ready for your close-up. As with your hands, you will want to do the same to love the rest of the skin you're in. Below are a few steps to take to make sure that your skin is it at it's best. Your makeup will only look as great as the skin underneath it does.
Let's get started!
Staying hydrated is most important. Drinking lots of water regularly helps keep the skin healthy. It helps with dryness, fine lines and ensuring your skin is plump and smooth. While this step seems like a no-brainer, and should be fairly easy to do, let's just be honest; for many of us, it's a challenge. I've encountered people who say they 'hate' water? You might be one of those people that's reading this, now. For me, I love water. Especially after a dry day spent in hot weather. That splash of ice cold water hitting the back of the throat is so refreshing. Same with beer, but we're trying to encourage healthy skin, here. Let's save our beer toast for after our session. An easy way to work towards getting and staying hydrated would be to start your day with a tall glass of prepared water stored in your refrigerator. Add slices of lemon and cucumber to help alkaline your water. Go for the water when dining. Keep water at your desk, in your car, on your night stand. Water, water, water! Stay hydrated!
2-3 WEEK BEFORE YOUR SHOOT:
This week, you don't want to use too active of a skincare regimen that may stimulate the skin to break out or cause a possible allergic reaction. Instead…let's keep it simple.
Cleanse twice, daily
Exfoliate 2-3 times a week, once a week
Moisturize twice, daily
Cleansing - avoid harsh cleansers that use chemicals like sodium laureth sulfate which can strip the skin of essential natural moisture and create flakiness. Use a gentle, creamy cleanser like Neutrogena, protecting your skins vital fatty lipid layer, and to help prevent the skin from being overstimulated resulting in oily skin.
Exfoliating - Using a gentle exfoliator like the Ordinary, 2-3 times a week, once a day (M - W - F/morning & evening) then, follow with a hydrating face mask once a week (Friday evenings) for improved skin radiance and visible clarity.
Moisturizing - Use eye cream, facial moisturizer and lip balm daily after every wash. For eye cream, try CeraVe Eye Repair Cream. A highly recommended moisturizer is Weleda Skin Food. And for your lip balm, try Kiehl's Balm #1.
Keeping your routine simple; hydrate, cleanse, moisturize, and maintaining your skin ahead of time will encourage a beautiful, natural glow the day of your session!
2. 3-4 DAYS BEFORE YOUR SHOOT:
Get a spray tan – A faux glow always looks great on camera. Just be sure to opt for a professional that can hand airbrush a soft, subtle natural tint of color for you that wonʼt look too dark or streaky. Do your research! Exfoliate BEFORE but not after you get a spray tan. Use a light exfoliating and moisturizing body scrub in your morning shower. Try to avoiding bar soaps and in-shower moisturizers.
Stop exfoliating!
Get brows waxed or threaded – A groomed brow will give your artist the best potential to create gorgeous eye makeup application. Donʼt wait until the day of or day before your shoot. Makeup will NOT stick to freshly waxed skin. You donʼt want to create any chance for breakout or need for additional coverage.
3. THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR SHOOT:
Avoid alcohol – Alcohol wreaks havoc on the skin, even in small doses. It depletes the skin of vital nutrients and can leave it dehydrated and dull. Drink your water instead!
Get plenty of sleep – 6-8 hours is a must! Pop in some earplugs, and put on a sleeping mask if you must! But getting a great nightʼs sleep will ensure that you feel energized for your shoot, and that your skin will glow!
4. THE DAY OF YOUR SHOOT:
Arrive with a clean face – To make it go smoothly, set your makeup artist up for success! Start your day hydrated. Arrive with a clean fresh face wearing no moisturizers, just a workable canvas!
Trust your artist – Her kit will be full of everything she needs to create your perfect, photographable look. Allow your professional to create the look you desire. With that gorgeous skin of yours, it will be a piece of cake!
Now that you're ready to put these simple steps into action, contact us today to book your photo shoot.
