How to make your makeup look good in photos

Have you ever loved your makeup in the mirror and then barely recognised it in photos? It happens to everyone. A camera sees skin, colour and light differently from the human eye. As a makeup artist who also shoots on a professional camera, these are the things I pay most attention to.

1. Start with the skin, not the foundation

Smooth, hydrated skin is what makes makeup look expensive on camera. Moisturise well the night before and the morning of your shoot, and give it a few minutes to sink in before primer. Heavy layers of foundation show texture far more than a thin layer on well-prepped skin.

2. Watch out for flashback

Some powders and high-SPF products can reflect a flash and leave a white cast on the face, especially under the eyes. For daytime outdoor shoots this is less of a problem, but if there will be flash photography, I choose products that photograph cleanly.

3. Put shimmer only where light would hit

Shimmer on the high points of the cheekbones, the inner corner of the eye and the centre of the lid looks beautiful. Shimmer all over the face can read as shine or oiliness in photos. I usually keep the skin satin and add glow only where it lifts the face.

4. Define a little more than usual

The camera flattens features slightly, so a bit more definition in the brows, lashes and contour than your everyday look helps your face hold its shape. It shouldn't look heavy in person; it should look like you, slightly sharper.

5. Line your lips

Lip liner keeps the shape crisp in close-ups and stops colour moving over a long shoot. A liner a shade close to your natural lip colour works with almost any lipstick or gloss.

6. Plan for touch-ups

Even long-wearing makeup needs a little attention over a few hours outdoors: blotting shine, refreshing lip colour, fixing a lash. On a photoshoot day I do this between shots, so you never have to think about it.

7. Match the makeup to the location

Soft, natural looks suit pastel streets and greenery; fuller glam stands up to grand architecture and city lights. If you're not sure, tell me where you're shooting and what you'll wear, and I'll suggest a look.

Want camera-ready makeup for a shoot, or makeup and photos in one booking? Have a look at editorial and photoshoot makeup or build your London photoshoot day.