A MUA adds the finishing touches to Kelly's face for her big day.
As a portrait photographer, one of the things I tell my clients during our consultation is to consider having their make-up professionally applied for their session. I then provide them a list of recommended make-up artists because let’s face it, Houston can get really muggy, and make-up artists use professional strength make-up that pretty much defies the weather. They also make sure that our skin looks smooth and flawless, and the condition of your skin is super important to the final look of your images. Photoshop is not the answer that everyone thinks it is. Ever seen those photos where the subject’s skin looks way over smoothed, kind of shiny and looks like plastic? Having someone apply your foundation helps make sure we don’t have spotty areas, which will benefit the retouching process and making your skin look like…well, skin.
Traci looking like a siren with red glossy lips, kohl lined eyes and blushed cheeks.
But if you decide to skip the MUA, here are some tips for you:
- If you use liquid foundation, apply it first with a flat foundation brush in sweeping strokes. Then use a stippling brush in circular motion over the foundation to make sure it sets into your pores. This will also get rid of any lines the flat brush had left behind. Don’t forget to blend to your hair line. If possible, have a second pair of eyes go over your foundation application.
- Use a more liquid-like concealer under your eyes, but use a thicker, chalkier concealer for the rest of your face.
- Set the foundation with a translucent powder. You can also use an Evian hydrating mist instead. This is also great for freshening up limping hair.
- Fake eyelashes are your friend. They make your eyes look bigger and really glam up your gaze. If you’re having a tough time putting them on, fold the eye lash strip around your finger to bend the strip if it is too straight. Don’t forget to cut the ends to fit the length of your eyes!
- Applying some bronzer over your foundation under the blush will help define your bone structure. Turn yourself so that the right side of your profile faces the mirror. Then with one loose stroke, apply the bronzer on your forehead down to your cheek bone, then down your jawline to your chin as if you’re stroking a 3 on your face. Then do the same on the left side of your face.
- Bring some touch up makeup for your session! Having translucent powder, mascara, blush and lipstick handy will keep your make-up looking fresh.
I’m no MUA or make-up expert, but this is just some solid rudimentary steps I have used myself. Well, since the time I was allowed to use make-up by my parents anyway. Do you have some tips you’d like to share?
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