Camera-Ready: Makeup Tips for Your Branding Shoot
MAKEUP TIPS
Besides “What should I wear?,” the most common question I’m asked by my clients before their brand shoot is “Do you have any tips for achieving a natural makeup look on camera?”
I’m so excited to partner with Diane of Diane Rochelle Beauty to bring you the best tips and tricks for flawless makeup on the day of your brand shoot!
But first, go back and read Part 1 of this series, Prepping Your Skin for Picture-Perfect Branding Photos for tips on how to get your smooth your skin texture and get your makeup to last all day.
8 Makeup Tips For Your Brand Shoot
#1: Invest in quality tools
Great tools are the secret to a professional-looking makeup application. Quality brushes and applicators help you apply products with precision, blend seamlessly, and distribute evenly. If you’re looking to invest in your makeup kit, start with a few key brushes: a foundation brush, a blending brush, a powder brush, and an angled brush for eyeliner or brows. And don’t forget to clean your brushes regularly! Clean brushes not only perform better but also prevent bacteria buildup, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin.
#2: Natural lighting is your friend
For the most accurate makeup application, always try to apply your makeup in natural light. Natural lighting gives you the best reflection of how your makeup will look in different settings. If natural light isn’t available, try to do your makeup near a window or use a light source that mimics daylight. This simple step can make all the difference in ensuring your foundation matches perfectly and your colors are on point.
#3: Know your undertones
Understanding your skin’s undertones—whether cool, warm, or neutral—can make a huge difference in selecting the right makeup shades. For example, cool undertones often pair well with pinks, purples, and blues, while warm undertones shine in earthy tones like golds, oranges, and browns. Neutral undertones are versatile and can rock a wide range of colors. When you choose shades that complement your undertones, your makeup will naturally enhance your complexion, giving you a harmonious and radiant look. If you’re not sure how to find your undertones, this article will help!
#4: Blend, blend, blend
Blending is your best friend for achieving a flawless makeup look. Whether you’re working with foundation, eyeshadow, or blush, blending is what makes everything look seamless and natural. Use a damp beauty sponge or a quality brush to work your foundation into the skin for a smooth finish. When it comes to eyeshadow, a soft blending brush is your go-to for creating a beautiful gradient effect, especially when using multiple shades. The goal is to banish harsh lines and achieve a polished, natural look that’s camera-ready.
#5: Less is more
The first rule of makeup is it’s always easier to add more than to take away. Start with a light hand, especially with bold eyeshadows, lip colors, or blush. Begin with a small amount of foundation and build up coverage only where you need it. This approach ensures a natural, breathable finish that looks effortless rather than heavy or cakey. Remember, makeup is about enhancing your natural beauty, not masking it.
#6: Define your features.
Highlighting and contouring are fantastic techniques for defining and accentuating your facial features. Apply highlighter to the high points of your face—think cheekbones, brow bones, and the inner corners of your eyes—for a subtle, luminous glow. When it comes to contouring, less is more. Use a shade slightly darker than your natural skin tone to add dimension, blending well to avoid harsh lines. The goal is to enhance your natural structure, creating a look that’s both striking and soft.
#7: Set your makeup
Once you’ve perfected your makeup, it’s time to set it so it stays flawless all day. A translucent setting powder or a setting spray can help control shine, reduce the appearance of pores, and extend the wear of your makeup—throughout your entire shoot. If you have oily skin, focus on your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) to keep excess shine at bay. A setting spray can also add a beautiful, dewy finish, keeping your skin looking fresh and radiant.
#8: Practice makes perfect
Makeup is an art, and like any art form, it takes practice to perfect your skills. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks, colors, and techniques in your free time. This is the best way to discover what works for your face shape, skin tone, and personal style. Over time, you’ll build confidence in your makeup routine and develop a signature look that enhances your unique beauty.
If your brand shoot is coming up within the next weeks or months, now is the time to experiment with multiple looks and decide which one feels the most like you so you’re not stressed about makeup application on the actual day.
Are you ready for a brand shoot but don’t want to stress about your brand shoot look? Consider hiring a professional! Diane offers signature services for brand sessions and my clients who have worked with her rave about her talent. Reach out to Diane here to get started and let her know I sent you!
About Diane Rochelle
Diane believes that beauty exists in everyone and everywhere. She takes pride in revealing the inner goddess in each client, highlighting their natural glow.
Her signature style is a soft, natural glam that’s understated yet striking—always photo-ready. Diane’s mission is to help her clients embrace and celebrate the beauty they already have, both inside and out.