Whether for graduation, a wedding or for a professional head shot, photographs call for specific foundation makeup. You'll want your skin to look flawless, with almost an airbrushed feel to it. This is not the time for makeup to look heavy or cakey. Choosing the best foundation makeup designed specifically for photographs will help you do just that.
The Top 5 Best Foundations for Photographs
When searching for the right foundation for your photograph, the brand you choose should:
- Minimize pores
- Effectively conceal blemishes and redness.
- Feel natural and flexible on your face.
These top brands will help you meet these criteria.
Make Up For Ever
Available at Sephora, Make Up For Ever is oil free, but offers buildable coverage, so you get to decide the amount of coverage you need. This foundation is specially formulated to provide a soft-focus affect that can withstand the brightest lights, and the harshest of flash bulbs. With over twenty shades to choose from, complete with pink, beige and yellow undertones, you should be able to choose a shade that suits you perfectly.
MAC's Pro Longwear SPF 10 Foundation
The Pro Longwear foundation is one that is guaranteed to withstand hot, sticky and humid weather, so if you plan on taking photographs during the warm weather months, this might be a good fit. The Pro Longewear foundation is also lightweight and creamy in texture, so comfort shouldn't be an issue.
Dinair Airbrush Makeup
Airbrush makeup is a favorite of many celebrities and starlets because it feels lightweight, yet provides a flawless finish. Even better is the fact that airbrush makeup helps you not only look great from a distance, but also appears virtually flawless when it comes to close ups. Dinair Airbrush allows you to apply your foundation makeup and/or eyeshadows and lipsticks via their airbrushing system and kit. While this type of makeup is long lasting and lightweight, you will want to take some time getting used to handling the airbrush itself. This way, you'll apply your makeup like a pro on the big day.
Revlon Photo Ready Makeup
There are many reasons why you might want to consider Revlon's PhotoReady Makeup. The formula that Photo Ready Makeup utilizes is one that features pigments that actually bend, reflect and diffuse light; this helps skin to look flawless. Third, and perhaps the best selling point of all is the fact that Photo Ready does all this at a very inexpensive price.
Estee Lauder's Double Wear
Double Wear is a favorite on the market for a good reason; it boasts up to fifteen hours of staying power. Estee Lauder, Double Wear's maker, also claims that the foundation is made to look natural during the hottest of days, and won't smudge, budge or transfer onto clothes. This is another good choice for photographs because it provides excellent coverage, yet feels light on the skin.
Applying Makeup for Photographs
Once you've selected the best foundation makeup for your needs, you'll want to make sure you apply it and the rest of your makeup correctly. To do so:
- Check the lighting. You'll want to apply your foundation in natural light because artificial light can give a false impression of either the color you are using, or the amount of makeup you are applying.
- Moisturize. Moisturize your skin as usual, allowing enough time for the cream to be absorbed into your skin.
- Use a primer: Once you've moisturized, you'll want to reach for a primer. A good primer will help your pores look smaller and help the makeup adhere to skin. A good one to try is Smashbox's Photo Finish.
- Apply your makeup normally, but use bolder colors that you typically would. This will allow your makeup to show up on film, even in the face of flash bulbs. This is important because many colors, like a neutral brown, or nude lips, don't show up in photographs. A key exception is if the emphasis is on your eyes; in that case, you can go with pinky/nude lips.
- Don't forget your blush. Blush is tricky, but you will want to apply slightly more than you would normally wear during your daily activities. To help ensure that you don't apply too much, opt for a shade that exactly matches your skin color when you naturally flush.
Relax and Smile for the Best Photos
You've taken care to use the best foundation makeup for photos possible, and have followed all the right makeup tips, but how can you truly ensure that the photographs you take will be all be keepers? Remember to relax and smile naturally. Think of someone you love or a funny story you heard so that your face naturally lifts upward. It may sound strange, but if you look at the camera the way you would a friend or a dear loved one, the chances are very good indeed that you'll end up with photographs you can't wait to share.
