Boudoir Makeup

With 2010 right around the corner I thought I would do a little research about what the experts think will be the big makeup trends for this coming year so I could share them here.

A few seconds in I realized that trends are just that - trends. They won't necessarily flatter you, they may look dated in time, etc. So! With that in mind, we still want to look current and hot, right?

So let me share a few of my favorite makeup looks for boudoir photography:

Eyes: Dramtic eye makeup is great for boudoir photography. Smokey eyes are really popular and the look really photographs well and is super sexy.

Lips: I have always been told to do either dramatic eyes or dramatic lips, not both. However, you can be a touch more bold for this type of photography than you would want to be for just every day wear. Most women are surprised at how well they can actually pull off red lipstick. It just all depends on the shade and application. You don't need harshly lined lips, think more of a cherry stained look, like what you get after eating a bright red popsicle.

Nude lips can also be really sexy, but you will want lots of shine. And don't be fooled, nude colored lips aren't bare, makeup artists will put a touch of lipstick in a neutral shade on and then gloss over that. This will give a nice even and full appearance.

Skin: Super matte skin and super glowy (i.e. shiny) skin don't photograph well. You want something in the middle. You want to look fresh and dewey, not overly made up. Great makeup artists will also do a touch of contouring which will look very natural in photographs.

Keep in mind that makeup for photography should be a little heavier than normal, especially with the studio lights that I use. They can wash you out a touch.

If you are doing a session that includes 2 makeup looks it's best to start with a more natural look and then change it up a little and do a really dramatic look. It's easier to apply darker colors over lighter colors. Doing two looks also gives you the opportunity to try something new with the second look and it will give you more of a variety of images to choose from.

If you are doing a mini-session you will need to come with your hair and makeup already done and ready to shoot. If you are doing your makeup yourself make sure to practice. Stop by a MAC counter in the mall (Denise at the Fashion Place Mall is the best! She is one of my favorite hair and makeup artists) and they can show you makeup that will look great on you and you can buy everything you need there. Make sure to bring your makeup along with you for touchups.