Holiday Photo Ops

Penny is back and just in time for the holidays! With social calendars that fill up fast during the holiday season, it is likely that many of us will end up in someone's online photo album, on the family video, and/or on Facebook (*sigh*). We have office parties, charity fundraisers, family gatherings, and more to attend this season. Some of you might also be contemplating a family portrait style holiday card, or a self-portrait gift to a loved one. So what are some things we need to keep in mind when being photographed during this festive season?

• Powder is essential. Not only to set your foundation and give an even, matte complexion, but also to prevent any appearance of oil or shine on the skin. Shiny skin will reflect the light from the camera's flash.
• Photos are two-dimensional, the camera ages subjects by enhancing dark, fine lines and wrinkles. To compensate, gently apply a lighter shade of concealer make-up to darker areas: around the eyes, crevices and expression lines.
• Define and groom your brows; this helps to frame your face. Penny loves a good brown eyebrow powder (Ardell Defining Brow Powder in Taupe) and an angled brush.
• Always make sure your foundation matches your skin tone.  Blend it well; test it against your jawline. You don't want a sudden change of color from your face to your neck or shoulders.
• Stay away from shimmery products; light reflecting powders and creams can sometimes reflect light back at the camera. (Read full story...) 
  
  
• Avoid frosted lip colors; they hardly show up on film and will give the illusion that you are not wearing lip color at all.  Your lip color should be slightly darker.
• Use light color eye shadow to help open and brighten the eyes. If you're going for a dramatic look and wearing a 'smokey eye' be sure to wear ample concealer and not make the eyes so dark that you look like you need sleep.
• It may be necessary to wear slightly more make-up than you're used to, but make sure you don't look like you're going to a costume party. Apply your blush and eye make-up a little heavier than normal but neatly and precisely. Wear your make-up as if you were going out for the evening, wearing more than for daytime use, extra contrast and especially more powder.
• Carry your makeup case with you to your photo session. You may need to touch up during the shoot and will most likely need to add powder as your session advances.

Whether you have dry skin or oily skin, the flash of a camera or studio lights can sometimes give us a shiny appearance. If you typically wear make-up, try a matte or oil control formula foundation or powder to combat shine. Penny's favorite is M.A.C's Oil Blot Powder; excellent for setting foundation and keeping your skin shine-free and flawless.

Make-up Primers are also great for photo sessions (and every day). They help keep your make-up on longer, and help to hide imperfections like large pores, small pimple, skin discolorations, spots, freckles and so on. Penny's favorite primer is Smashbox Foundation Primer SPF 15 & Dermaxl; this primer reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores. Another recommended product is M.A.C's Oil Control Lotion; this moisturizer is great for keeping skin matte before you even apply your foundation. The oil-free formula provides hydration with natural colloidal minerals and antioxidants, and is supposed to help keep skin pH-balanced.

Hope this helps.

Be blessed. Be beautiful.