I love when clients hire a professional hair and makeup artist to prepare them for their family photoshoot. It makes an incredible difference in both how the final images look and also saves me time during the editing process. But I recognize that, like in life, it may not be for everyone. So Janet Ford of Ford Beauty, a professional hair and makeup artist in Toronto, is here to share some of her hair and makeup tips with all of you if you want to do your own hair and makeup for a photoshoot!
1. Doing a full face of makeup may be intimidating for someone who doesn’t wear a lot of makeup, usually. Where do you suggest one start?
For someone who doesn’t wear a lot of makeup, I recommend more natural feeling makeup – maybe a water based foundation over a silicone based foundation, individual lashes over strip lashes, etc. As good as we want our clients to look, we want them to feel comfortable first. It translates in photos when they don’t feel comfortable in their skin.
2. For a person planning to do their own makeup for a photoshoot, what are the top three things to consider?
If planning to do your own makeup, the three things I recommend is
- I always recommend doing more than what you’re normally used to. 50-70% of makeup will be washed out in photos so keep that in mind when doing your makeup for photos.
- Make sure to do your eyebrows. You may have great eyebrows but fill it in in sparse areas so it doesn’t reflect as bald spots in photos.
- Blush is the first thing to fade, so bring some blush with you for the shoot to reapply if needed (and lipstick, lip gloss, or a tinted balm. Not applying anything on your lips makes it look incomplete in photos).
3. What are some common mistakes that people make when applying makeup?
The most common mistake I find is people don’t match the foundation colour. Usually because most people have one foundation all year round. If it’s slightly off because you became tanned, warm it up with bronzer. If it’s too dark for you then mix in a little bit of moisturizer to sheer out the intensity so it doesn’t look too dark. And always always always blend down your neck. Never stop at the jawline.
4. Is there anything to keep in mind when applying makeup for a photoshoot versus everyday life?
For a photoshoot, you just want to do more than what you’re normally used to. More intensity in colour (it doesn’t have to be dark, just more pigmented) in eyeshadow and blush.
5. What would you recommend when it comes to styling your own hair?
When styling your own hair, wash your hair the night before and do not use any leave in conditioners or products. This will make your hair easier to style. And keep those baby hairs or flyaways down with a medium hold hairspray to lightly spritz the top of your head spray at least 1 ft away. Do not use wax, gel, or mousse to do this as it won’t give that natural look and movement to your hair. I’m sensitive to scents so I highly recommend Kenra’s Volume Spray 25 to keep your hair tame but manageable.
6. Are there any other tips you can share with us without giving away all your secrets?
There are no rules to makeup, or one standard of beauty, so do what makes you feel comfortable and beautiful. Whether that’s full face makeup or very natural. You want to be able to see these photos years down and remember how beautiful you felt at that moment.
(Also, setting powder is key for any photoshoots to make sure your makeup lasts throughout the session).
See examples from sessions where Janet has done the makeup and hair:
This in-studio newborn session
This outdoor maternity session
Contact Ford Beauty
Ford Beauty can be found on Instagram, Facebook, their website (currently under construction), and by email at info@fordbeauty.com
