Photoshoots can be very expensive when all is said and done. You spend money to book the photographer, spend money on outfits, spend money on hair and makeup and then spend money to purchase the actual photos. Well I am here to help you with one of those, let me give you 5 tips & tricks that will have you looking like a professional just glammed up your face and hair!
Disclaimer This article may contain affiliate links. When you click on these links, I may receive a small commission. It will not cost you anything, but helps me to keep providing you great content on this site. I only promote and work with brands and products I have personally used and know are great. I have been a licensed cosmetologist for over a decade, and use my education and training to bring you these amazing products. Rest assured I have your best interest at heart!
Sexy Hair Don’t Care
Products are the Key!
When I look at the magazine ads or social media models I see BIG voluminous hair. It looks somewhat messy and just sexy! I’ve got the secrets behind that and more for you! Those curls and that texture aren’t as hard to achieve as you may think.
When doing my own hair or a client’s hair I like to start with a thermal spray. The one I prefer to use is Kenra Dry Thermal Spray. This spray isn’t sticky like some others I have used in the past, it’s an aerosol and sprays out like your typical hair spray. It’s great for a little extra shine, light weight hold and color protection.
For some good texture and volume to the hair I use Kenra 3 at the root of the hair and then take my fingers to rub it in. If I need some more volume I just tease that area and it creates an amazing look!
Styling Tools
My favorite 3 tools to use are curling iron, flat iron and wand. They all give a little different look to the curls and some are easier to use on yourself than others. If you have never used a flat iron or wand to curl your hair I don’t suggest this being the best time to try that! It may take several attempts and a few minor finger burns before you get the hang of it and no one wants that for their photos.
I use at least a 1″ or bigger barrel iron. This gives those beautiful big curls. I let them cool down for awhile and spray with a light hold hair spray, I like Kenra 9 or 13, before brushing them (or using your fingers to lightly comb through them). I use a wide tooth comb for beach waves and a boars hair bristle brush for those S curls to all fall in line. If you need more volume this is the time to tease it to Jesus!
I Woke up Like This
Save the Drama for Your Mama
Back in the day the makeup artists were known for playing up your best features, picking a bold lip or eye and making you look fantastic. These days Instagram throws all that out the window and makes EVERYTHING dramatic! That look is great for some really cool editorial work, but that’s most likely not the look YOU are going for. The biggest request I have when it comes to doing someone else’s makeup is “Please don’t over do it. I still want to look like me.” That’s easily achievable by picking out certain features you want to enhance and letting the others complement that.
Smoky Eye
A smoky eye can be created with any color eyeshadow. The majority of eyes I do for clients are browns and neutral tones. Depending on your eye shape, you will either leave the inner corner lighter and darken the outer corner, or build from the lash line up and keep it darker closer to your lashes and lighter as you go up. The most important advice I can give you about a smoky eye is BLEND BLEND BLEND!
I always do a little eyeliner on the top, but only do it on the bottom of the eye if the client is used to that. If you don’t usually do a bottom eyeliner a photoshoot is not the day to start. If you want just a little added touch to bring the top and bottom together I suggest smudging a little eyeliner or shadow in the outer corner of the bottom.
Contour
When you put on foundation it makes your face a “blank” canvas. To put dimension back on the face we contour and highlight. This makes your face look like you have the perfect lighting everywhere you go. You can enhance your cheeks and hide some chin in an instant. While it’s been said that you have to go darker with your makeup for photos, it’s also not necessary to go overboard. About 1-2 strokes more than you normally would is all you need.
Lashes for Days!
A great set of false eyelashes bring the whole look together! I use several different brands, but a few of my favorites that are easy to find in stores are Kiss lashes and Ardell lashes. They have a lot of varieties to suit everyone’s desired look. The key to false lashes staying on all day is trimming down the band to fit your eye. If they are too long for your eyelid, they will poke you and bother you the entire time and eventually start falling off.
The next thing is glue. I prefer Duo brand in black when I do lashes. The black helps blend into your top eyeliner. I put a small line of the glue on the lash band and then put the lashes on the lid. Most glues contain latex and should not be used if you have an allergy. If you are not used to putting lashes on yourself you may want to practice a few times before your photoshoot. It takes a little getting used to and can get a bit frustrating if you have to peel it off and start over again.
Your sexy hair and beautiful face are just the final touches to your amazing personality that will show in all of your photos! Enjoy every minute of it and have a blast, it’s to worth it!
