How should I apply my makeup for a separate photo shoot or evening wedding? - MARY KAY

Since lighting plays such a HUGE role in the appearance of your photos, it is important to understand what to do when you are being photographed in a studio or indoors, when the photographer will be USING A FLASH.

The flash can wash you out, potentially making you appear drab and lifeless (or faceless!!).

-You can help counteract this by wearing foundation that is a shade darker than what you would normally wear; or the BETTER, more natural-looking alternative: sculpting your face using a bronzer to contour and a light loose powder to highlight (or 3 foundation colors: your regular color, one shade darker to contour, and one shade lighter to highlight)

As a general rule of thumb, darker colors will make those features to which they are applied recede, and lighter colors will bring out the areas to which they are applied.
And the goal is not only bring out the best of your facial structure, but if you do not have an oval-shaped face, to give the illusion that it is more oval-shaped.
(I go in-depth on sculpting, and all the specifics for your face shape, at the bridal consultation.)

-Another important step to keep from looking washed out is to use blush.
Youﾒll want to pick a shade that is a little more colorful than what you normally wear.
Warmer colors usually work best, as they give your skin a fresh healthy glow. Find your perfect color by briskly walking until your cheeks begin to flush: Thatﾒs your most natural blush color!

-Define your eyes best with nicely-applied false eyelashes, rather than heavy eye liner or eye make-up.

-Eye colors with warm undertones compliment every eye color, even brown.

-Use matte or shimmer shadows, but never, NEVER frosted ones. And be sure at least one of your eye shadows is matte if you are using shimmer.

- Your brows frame your eyes like your hair frames your faceﾅ.make sure they are well-groomed and then define them with a brow pencil or eye shadow.

-This is NOT the time for bright or bold colors. Choose colors just a few shades darker than your natural skin and lip tones.

-define your lips well!

-In the studio you can use foundation or powder with a sheen to it, if you want. But DO NOT USE IT IN THE CEREMONY.

-Keep you skin powdered and matte ﾖ if it is moist or ﾓdewy,ﾔ it will not photograph well.

-BLEND! BLEND! BLEND! Although you have more room for error when a flash is being used, harsh lines are still a major no-no. Make sure the transitions of color are soft and seamless across your face and eyelids, while your eyes and lips remain clearly defined.

The goal is always to put your best features in the spotlight.
(This means that they need to be clearly defined.)

Donﾒt give in to the temptation to simply cover everything up with lots of heavy make-up.

Give your eyes and lips definition and use a few simple sculpting techniques as described above, and your photos will turn out perfect!