Makeup Tips for Holiday Pictures

It's that most wonderful time of year for pictures so, I thought some Holiday application tips would be fun. This will be more of a what 'to do' and 'not do' to keep your pictures pretty.

Holiday or event makeup is all about enhancing and defining... NOT decorating.

The type of foundation you wear is very important for pictures. I love loose mineral powder foundation for everyday wear, but it's not your best choice for pictures. Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and mica all have shiny properties to them and will 'blow out' on camera. You know that look... your face is white while the rest of your body looks natural. So, choose a liquid mineral or pressed mineral foundation with a bit more matte finish.

DO: if you're using liquid foundation, apply it before concealer - so you don't wipe the concealer away.

DO: if you're using a pressed powder foundation, apply it after concealer - as the powder sets the concealer.

DON'T: make raccoon eyes with your concealer, it will show on camera, apply only where needed.

DO: add a healthy glow to the cheeks with a light shimmer blush. Apply to the apples or pillows of the cheeks.

DO: your brows. This is a big tip for enhancing your face for pictures.

DO: wear shadow with shimmer, it is the holidays after all, but on the lid ONLY.

DON'T: put a shimer or frost under your brow on the brow bone area as this will also 'blow out' on camera and make your brows look large while making your eyes look small.

DO: wear lashes. Save money here and buy them at your local drug store. The most important part of the lash application is the glue - DUO glue only. It used to be called surgical glue, it's basically latex. Get Dark, it comes out of the tube grey but darkens as it dries. And don't forget to let it get a bit 'tacky' before you apply to the lid, so your lashes won't slide all over.

DO: wear lipstick. I love lipstick in pictures, just don't go too dark or you'll be all mouth in your shots.

DON'T: wear too much gloss. Use a bit of restraint, too much gloss will make you look like you're drooling!

TIP: if you're going to do the smokey eye or use some glitter/shimmer shadow, I always advise you to do your eyes first, face last. See my Sultry Eyes blog for that particular look.

TIP: and last but not least, don't forget to exfoliate your skin. Your makeup will only look as good as the canvas!

DO: HAVE FUN!