Makeup for Photoshoots: A Complete Prep Guide for Every Skin Type & Style

Whether you're getting glammed up or keeping it natural, your makeup should work with the camera, not against it. Use this makeup guide for photoshoots to prep for a photoshoot based on your skin type and makeup experience; and what not to use so you look your best on camera.

1️⃣  Makeup for Those Who Don’t Usually Wear Makeup

(or The “No Makeup” Makeup Look)

🌿 Key Focus: Skin-like finish, natural tones, subtle enhancement, neutralizing redness.

What to Use:

• Tinted Moisturizer or Light Coverage Foundation: Something breathable that evens tone but lets skin show through.

• Cream Blush: Apply a touch to cheeks and lips for a healthy flush.

• Brow Gel: Lightly define brows without filling them in heavily.

• Mascara: One coat to define the eyes.

• Lip Balm or Tinted Lip Gloss: For a subtle sheen or natural tint.

Tips:

• Use concealer only where needed (under eyes, redness, blemishes).

• Blend everything with a damp sponge for a skin-like finish.

2️⃣ Makeup for Oily Skin

🧴 Key Focus: Long wear, oil control, and reducing shine.

What to Use:

• Mattifying Primer: Especially on the T-zone.

• Oil-Free, Long-Wear Foundation: A demi-matte finish is ideal; avoid anything too flat or too dewy.

• Setting Powder: Lightly press into oily zones with a puff (not a brush).

• Oil-Control Setting Spray: Lock everything in place.

• Gel or Powder Blush/Bronzer: Creams can slide if you’re oily.

Tips:

• Blot with tissue before applying powder—this helps reduce caking.

• Carry blotting papers and powder for touch-ups during the shoot.

3️⃣Makeup for Mature Skin

👩‍🦳 Key Focus: Hydration, glow, and avoiding creasing.

What to Use:

• Hydrating Primer: Smooths fine lines and preps the skin.

• Lightweight Foundation: Go for a dewy or satin-finish foundation that doesn’t settle into lines (e.g., serum foundations).

• Cream Blush & Highlighter: These blend better and give skin a youthful glow.

• Neutral Eyeshadows: Matte or soft satin textures work best.

• Hydrating Lipsticks: Satin or creamy finishes prevent lips from looking dry.

Tips:

• Avoid heavy powders; use a light dusting only where needed (like the T-zone). The more powder you use, the more it settles into and accentuates lines and wrinkles

4️⃣ Makeup Products You Should NOT Use for a Photoshoot

❌ What to Avoid (No Matter Your Skin Type):

• Glitter-based highlighters or eyeshadows: They catch flash in unflattering ways and emphasize texture. Shimmer is OK! It's the glitter that's bad.

• Overly dewy products: Excess shine can look oily in photos.

• HD powders with silica (in excess): Can cause ghostly white patches in flash photos.

• Be careful with a Matte Lip color: Some can look extremely dry and emphasize every line and crease in your lips.

Bonus Tip:

• Always wear blush. Never just wear foundation without adding blush. It adds life back into your face. Without blush your skin looks flat.

• Blend, blend, blend. Blend your foundation into your neck. Blend your contouring so there's no harsh lines.

• If you don't wear lipstick, wear chapstick or something moisturizing on your lips. Dry lips aint cute!

• If you're feeling fancy, false lashes are always welcome and add some drama to a full face of makeup.

• Don't forget about your hands - MOISTURIZE them!!!! Please don't neglect your hands when they will also be in your photos. And while we're on the subject bare, clean nails are better than chipped nail polish always!

• Drugstore brands are great. You do NOT need fancy brands for makeup. Some of my favorite makeup products are by Maybelline, Loreal, NYX, and Essence.

📌 Final Takeaway

Your goal is to wear the right makeup. Whether you’re a makeup minimalist or navigating mature or oily skin, choosing products that enhance your features and photograph well makes all the difference.