Even if you’re completely dressed up with the best makeup you could do, you may still be disappointed with the pictures you end up with. Whether they’re selfies or DSLR photos, you may wonder why your makeup isn’t showing up despite the countless angles you’ve tried out. If that’s the case, your camera roll may be filled with hundreds of photos - all garbage. 

With the hold the digital age has on us, it’s no surprise that you and everyone you know may want to commemorate special occasions with photos. Many people hire professional photographers to get the desired result. However, it’s not always possible to book an incredible photographer. In that case, what’s left at your disposal is your very own camera - mobile or otherwise. You’re dressed up in your new outfit and have the perfect complimentary makeup on, but it’s not showing up - what now? 

Here is a helpful guide to making sure your makeup actually shows up on the pictures you take! 

Use Bold Colors

Although nude makeup may be the trend these days - especially for fancier parties - it doesn’t often show up on camera, least of all mobile cameras. That doesn’t mean you need to use some absurd colors, however. Just make sure the shades you use are bold enough that they stand out in any light - you’re not always in charge of the lighting of whatever venue you’re taking your photos, so try to compensate with bold colors, particularly lip colors! Cameras tend to desaturate whatever color appears on the screen so that intense colors will pop out nevertheless!

Use Fake Lashes 

Another thing that will allow your makeup - particularly eye makeup - to really pop out and show up on camera is fake lashes. Makeup photographers tend to focus more on the eyes and lips. Bold colors will have your lips covered, so to accentuate your eyes, use fake lashes. Experiment with different kinds of lashes to achieve your desired looks, whether they are fuffy or wispy, or sharp. Make sure it goes well with your overall look. 

Avoid Heavy Foundation for Natural Looks

This tip doesn’t mean you should avoid foundation altogether - rest assured! Although you may not be able to skip on foundation altogether (what else will even out your complexion, after all?), it is still important to keep the application as thin as possible. The last thing you want is for the camera to pick up on a cakey foundation - unlike makeup, it is much easier for the camera to pick up on a badly applied foundation. As such, keep it minimal, so your features appear enhanced rather than completely removed. 

Emphasize Your Skin  

On the same topic of enhancing your features, don’t shy away from accentuating your freckles or skin texture! Beauty standards are changing for the better - you no longer have to worry about removing every single flaw you can think of or conjure up. You can draw over freckles with your eyeliner or even an eyebrow pencil - using a skin tone will look all the more natural in your portrait photos. Try not to overdo it though; you don’t want to end up with the opposite effect you’re looking for!

Use Powder

This is specifically for those who have oily skin - photos can often make your face look more oily or sweaty than it is. If your face is naturally oily, make sure you apply a bit of powder to your face. It adds a clear layer over any excess sweat or oil that may otherwise ruin your perfect photos. The powder leaves you with the exact even look you may be going for - on top of that; it adds a natural glow as well!

Reapply Your Makeup 

Chances are you sweat away some of your makeup before you have an opportunity to get your photos taken - this is particularly the case at big events like weddings. Because you’ve waited too long, the makeup looks more washed out than it originally was. If that’s a problem you struggle with, then make sure to touch up your makeup or even reapply the whole thing in a quick trip to the restroom. Once you’re refreshed and have your makeup look good as new, you’re ready for those photos - and no doubt, they’ll turn out incredible with a simple reapplication! 

Don’t Use Shimmery Makeup 

If shiny photos are not the exact effect you want to go for, beware of shimmery makeup! True, it looks amazing in person and adds a little something to a very regular or average look - perfect for parties. However, even though it is fun to apply, it doesn’t always look the best in the photos themselves. If you’re conscious about the final photo more, then try to avoid the extra shimmer wherever you can. Bright lights end up reflecting the shiny makeup and take the spotlight away from your actual features, so they look more washed out. The key to good photos is keeping your face as matte as you can. 

Other Tips 

Now that you know how you can adjust your makeup to show up and look good in photos, here are some extra tips besides makeup! 

Use Natural Light (if possible)

If possible, try to get your photos where natural light is abundant. This is because such light doesn’t wash away your features or makeup but rather makes both those things pop out and look extra pretty. 

Complement Your Outfit 

For makeup to look natural, make sure it compliments your outfit - bold colors are the style to go for but make sure it doesn’t clash with your outfit, or your outfit could end up stealing the attention from your face! The important thing is to make yourself stand out, rather than your clothes. 

Just keeping these little tips in mind can make a world of difference - don’t underestimate the power of natural light and good, matching makeup!

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What tips do you have that will make your makeup stand out?

Let me know below.