Prime time
Using a makeup primer is the best way to prevent makeup meltdowns throughout the day. Primer acts like a buffer between your skin and your makeup, so that colour stays truer for longer, and it prevents foundation from magnifying pores or seeping into fine lines. To apply, smooth a pea-size amount of a primer like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Lock Mattifying Primer on clean skin. It will help to not only absorb excess oil on the skin throughout the day but also blur pores and leave a perfect, smooth canvas for makeup to adhere to.
Best eye makeup for pictures
To get the best eye makeup for pictures, don’t forget to start with the right base on your eyes too. (Sometimes eyelids can appear red in photographs.) Use your fingertips to blend in a primer like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Eye Primer; it will help neutralize any discolouration, your eyeshadow stays put and its pigment will have more impact. When you’re defining your eyes, choose a long-wear gel or pencil eyeliner instead of a liquid liner as it can look harsh—especially on the lower lash line. Finish with a waterproof mascara like L’Oréal Paris Unlimited Waterproof Mascara—a MUST to get through any tear-jerking wedding moments. (Pass the tissues!)
Ace your base.
When you apply makeup for pictures and want it to last all day, a tinted moisturizer or BB cream isn’t going to cut it. Instead, look for a long-wearing foundation formula like L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Pro-Glow Foundation. It has medium coverage that you can build up to full, and it evens out any discolouration and blotchiness. Don’t forget to blend your foundation down into your jawline and try as much as possible to match your face and your neck (and/or décolleté)—if it’s mismatched, it can be really evident in photos. Same thing goes for your ears, especially if your hair is pulled back. (Wedding photographers say they often have to colour-correct ears in photos because they look so red!)
Conceal like a pro.
Do you want to minimize dark circles? A light-reflecting concealer is your best friend for making undereye circles less noticeable. For the best results, dab it in an inverted triangle shape under your eye. (The base of the “triangle” goes under your eye, and the point goes toward your cheek.) This creates a “flashlight” effect under the eyes so dark circles are brightened and less noticeable. Try L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow Concealer.
Contour like a pro.
Hello, cheekbones! A long-standing photographer and makeup artist trick is to use contouring and highlighting powders to add depth and dimension. Try a contour palette duo like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Contour Palette. With an angled brush, dust the darker hue under your cheekbones and along your jawline and the sides of your nose. Next, apply the highlighter shade on top of your cheekbones, on your forehead and along the bridge of your nose.
Minimize shine.
In the snap of a compact, you can be ready for your close-up. A secret application tip from the pros is to use a slightly damp sponge in your pressed powder to set the look; it helps the powder look natural and not cakey. (This is especially important under the eyes, where concealer might otherwise crease.) Just remember not to overdo it with powder—too many layers can look cakey. Instead, stash a few blotting papers in your purse to use if you get shiny during the day. Watch out for the “flash-back” effect: Powders with too much silica can reflect the light of the flash in photographs and make your face look really washed out or caked with powder. (One too many celebrities learned this makeup fail the hard way on the red carpet!) L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Powder gives you a shine-free finish that won’t “flash back” in photos.
Set with a spray.
Makeup pros have a secret weapon to minimize touch-ups and lock in your look: makeup setting sprays like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray + Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray. Hold it at arm’s length from your face and mist in an “x” formation so that you get even application.
