Makeup tips for business portraits

My business portrait clients often ask me for tips on what to do about makeup. If you normally wear makeup, I highly recommend having a professional makeup artist to help you as they understand what works best on camera to flatter your features and face shape. From behind the camera, I can really tell the difference, which is why I include it as an option in most of my business portrait packages.

But sometimes that’s not possible, so today I’ve got a guest post for you from one of my favourite make-up artists, Rowena Wilson.  She really knows her stuff and she’s given me loads of tips for improving my own makeup as well as helping my clients, who are always delighted with her work.

If the following tips set you thinking, and you’d like to learn more about doing your own make-up for business or pleasure, do check out her Stratford Make-up School.

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Photographic make-up is like most things in life and a little preparation goes a long way towards getting what you want. Here are some simple tips for your session:

1. Be yourself: Stick to what you know and can do well. If you have a favourite lipstick or mascara that always makes you feel on top of the world then be sure to use it. This is not the time to try a new look or technique like contouring!

2. Moisturise your skin: Moisturised skin makes the best base for your make-up products. Even an oily skin should be moisturised but look for oil-free gels and lotions. Use a lip balm for a few days before the session. Put it on last thing at night to be most effective.

3. Think about definition: You don’t need to wear lots of make-up if that’s not your style but ensure that lips, brows and eyes are well defined. Create a change in colour or texture between those features and the surrounding skin to make them stand out a little. Key products – mascara, eye pencil, lip liner and lipstick or gloss, and brow gel.

4. No shine please: Avoid a shiny nose, chin and forehead by pressing a light powder into the skin with a puff or flat brush. Keep movements downwards so that you don’t lift and coat facial hairs. Steer clear of sparkly eyeshadows and shimmering highlighters. Matte textures work best in photographs.

5. Happy and healthy: Blusher and matte bronzer are great pick-me-ups when we feel tired and pale. Just sweep over the cheekbones, browbones, top of the forehead and tip of the chin with a round brush for a healthy glow.

Enjoy your session. You’re going to look great!

Rowena Wilson

Stratford Make-up School