How to Do Makeup That Photographs Well

Use matte textures, heavier coverage, and define your features more dramatically than you would in person.

1. Prime for flash. Apply a mattifying primer all over, focusing on areas that get oily. Flash photography amplifies shine, so eliminate it before it starts. Skip dewy or luminous primers.
2. Build coverage strategically. Use full coverage foundation and build it in thin layers. Cameras flatten features, so you need more coverage than feels natural. Set immediately with translucent powder.
3. Contour heavier than usual. Define your cheekbones, jawline, and temples with contour that's two shades deeper than your skin. Blend thoroughly but keep the definition strong since cameras wash out dimension.
4. Emphasize your eyes. Line your eyes all the way around with black liner, making the top line slightly thicker. Use darker eyeshadows than normal and apply mascara generously to both top and bottom lashes.
5. Make lips camera-ready. Line your lips completely, then fill in with lipstick using a brush. Choose colors with good pigmentation since pale shades disappear in photos.