One of the phrases I hear most before a session is: I don’t know how to do my makeup for photos. It’s a completely normal concern. There’s a big difference between the makeup we use daily and what works best in front of a professional camera. A good look not only makes you look great, but it gives you the confidence to relax and enjoy the moment, and that confidence is what truly shows in the images.
Many women feel lost among so many options: red lips or nude? Hair down or up? Glossy or matte? The uncertainty can create unnecessary stress right before a day meant to create good memories.
But don’t worry. As a photographer, I’ve seen hundreds of looks and I’ve learned what truly works. In this guide, I’m going to share my secrets and professional tips so you can prepare your beauty look without stress. We’ll cover everything, from the most important step that many people forget—skin preparation—to the holiday hairstyles for Christmas sessions in Barcelona that always work. The goal is for you to arrive at the session feeling confident, radiant and, above all, very much yourself.
Skin Preparation: The Real Key to a Flawless Look
We could talk for hours about makeup techniques, but the truth is that 80% of a good result depends on one factor: well-prepared skin. It’s the canvas on which everything else is built. As I always tell my clients, “if your skin is dry, any foundation will show in the photo”, creating a cakey effect that the camera won’t forgive.
Fresh, hydrated and glowing skin is the best base, even if you don’t like wearing much makeup. Studio lighting highlights every detail, and plump skin translates into a healthy and vibrant look in the final image.
Practical tips for radiant skin:
- Days before the session: Intensify your hydration routine. Drink plenty of water and consider using a hydrating mask a couple of nights before the big day. Avoid trying new products or getting aggressive treatments that could irritate your skin.
- The day of the session: Cleanse your face and apply a good moisturizer or a serum that adds glow. Let your skin absorb it well before starting with makeup. A “flash” ampoule can also be a great ally for extra vitality.
- The goal is matte, but not flat: In photography, excessive shine in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) can turn into white spots of light. That’s why a matte or velvety finish is the photographer’s best friend. Use translucent powder to set the foundation in these areas, but let natural light reflect on the high points of your face, like the cheekbones.
In our studio, I design the lighting to enhance natural beauty, and well-cared-for skin is essential to achieve that effect in a Christmas photo session in our Barcelona studio. After your session, enjoy the Christmas plans in Barcelona with your new look.
Makeup for the Session: Less is More (But with Strategy)
A common mistake is thinking you need lots of makeup for photos. The reality is that makeup should be strategic. The camera tends to “eat” some of the color intensity, so we need a look slightly more defined than everyday, but without losing naturalness.
“When I prepare my families for a Christmas session, I always remember that makeup should adapt to the type of setting: in our set this year you can take photos with a morning vibe, in pajamas or with casual looks, but also more elegant with artificial light and an evening touch.” — Tami (Wonderstory)
Foundation and Concealer: Your Second Skin
The goal is to even out the tone, not create a mask. Choose a medium coverage foundation with a matte or satin finish. Apply it evenly and don’t forget to blend it well into the neck area. Use concealer to cover small imperfections or dark circles, but without overloading the area.
Eyes and Brows: The Frame of Your Gaze
The eyes are the focal point in a portrait. Well-defined brows frame the face and add expressiveness. You don’t need to overdo them, just fill small gaps and brush them. For the eyes, choose shadows in neutral tones (browns, taupe, beiges) that define the crease without being heavy. A thin liner along the lash line and a good coat of mascara will make your gaze stand out.
Lips and Blush: The Touch of Life
A touch of color on the cheeks is essential so the face doesn’t look flat. Choose a blush in a natural tone and apply it moderately. As for lips, a practical tip: “avoid very bold red lipsticks. Although they’re pretty, they tend to stain teeth and clothes, and in family sessions with kisses to children they don’t always work”. The best alternatives are nude, pink tones or balms with a hint of color. As Tami says, “a bit of lip gloss and a touch of blush are enough” for a fresh, daytime look.
“Avoid highlighters with large glitter particles. On camera they’re unflattering.” — Tami (Wonderstory)
A fine-particle highlighter, applied to the cheekbones and brow bone, will add subtle and elegant glow.
The Perfect Hairstyle: Comfort and Volume for a Magazine Look
The ideal hairstyle for a photo session has three characteristics: it makes you feel comfortable, it holds well throughout the session and it adds a special touch to your look. You don’t want to be worrying about whether your bun has come undone or if a strand is constantly covering your face.
My star recommendation, which never fails, is soft waves. As a photographer, “I love volume with soft waves. It’s a hairstyle that holds well and is flattering”. They add movement, texture and a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe that works with almost any outfit, from a chunky knit sweater to an elegant dress.
Other ideas that always work:
- Soft waves: As I mentioned, they’re the most versatile and safe option. They give a polished but natural look, and allow you to play with your hair during the session.
- Low and relaxed updos: A low bun or low ponytail with some loose strands can be very elegant, especially if you want to show off pretty earrings or the neckline of your dress.
- Straight hair with volume: If you prefer wearing your hair straight, make sure to give it some volume at the root so it doesn’t look flat. A bit of texturizing spray can work wonders.
Your hairstyle should reflect your personality and complement your outfit. For your look to be completely harmonious, it’s key that your hairstyle matches your clothes. If you need inspiration, don’t miss our style guide for Christmas sessions.
What About Men and Children? Naturalness Takes Center Stage
Beauty preparation isn’t just for women. Although the approach is different, small details can make a big difference in the final result for the whole family.
The fundamental principle for men and children is naturalness. It’s not about putting makeup on them, but making sure they look groomed and feel comfortable.
“For makeup on men and children, nothing special is needed. In some cases men tidy up their brows a bit, but the usual thing is to keep it natural. With girls, we sometimes play with a bit of gloss or blush, as part of the session experience.” — Tami (Wonderstory)
Practical tips for them:
- Men: Clean and hydrated skin is the best base. If you have a beard or mustache, make sure they’re well trimmed and groomed. A hydrating lip balm is a small trick to prevent lips from looking dry in close-ups.
- Children: The key is that they’re comfortable and happy. A clean face, combed hair and comfortable clothes is all they need. For girls who ask for it, a touch of lip gloss can be a fun game that makes them feel special, but always as part of the fun, not as an obligation.
Conclusion: Confidence is Your Best Accessory
We’ve talked about skin, foundation, hairstyles… but the best advice I can give you is this: the most important accessory you can bring to your photo session is confidence.
Remember these key points: well-hydrated skin, matte makeup slightly more intense than usual, with defined eyes, and a comfortable hairstyle that allows you to move naturally.
But don’t take these recommendations as strict rules. They’re a guide to help you feel more confident and prepared. Because when you feel good about yourself, you forget about the camera, you relax and you let your true essence shine. And that, in the end, is what creates a memorable photograph.
If you’re ready to create memories this Christmas, in an atmosphere where you’ll feel incredibly comfortable, I invite you to learn more about our sessions. We’ll create together images you’ll love seeing again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should makeup for a photo session be like?
The ideal makeup for a photo session should have a matte finish to avoid unwanted shine from flashes. It should be a bit more intense and defined than your everyday makeup, as the camera tends to soften colors. Pay special attention to defining your brows and eyes, and make sure the foundation perfectly evens out your skin tone with your neck.
Is it better to hire a professional or can I do my own makeup?
It’s not essential. What’s fundamental is skin preparation and simple makeup adapted to the session lighting. — Tami (Wonderstory)
Hiring a professional makeup artist will give you great peace of mind and guarantee an expert result. However, if you enjoy doing your own makeup and follow the tips in this guide (good skin preparation, matte finish and definition), you can achieve a great result yourself. The decision depends on your comfort and confidence.
What makeup products should I avoid for photos?
Avoid highlighters with large glitter particles. — Tami (Wonderstory)
Besides glitter highlighters, there are other products better to avoid. Foundations with very high sun protection factor (SPF) can cause “flashback” (a whitish reflection) with flash. It’s also advisable to avoid textures that are too greasy or shiny in the T-zone and, as we mentioned before, very bold red lipsticks can be tricky in a family session.
