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Writer's pictureJeff Palicki

Makeup for Family Photoshoot | 13 Best Tips

Updated: Jul 17

When it comes to getting makeup-ready for a family photoshoot, it's important to take the time to prep your skin properly. This will ensure that your makeup stays on all day and that you're working on the cleanest, smoothest canvas possible.

Best Makeup for Family Photoshoot

No, I've never worn or done makeup, but I am a Professional Photographer that has photographed/worked alongside enough makeup-obsessed women to have gathered a surprisingly deep knowledge of the topic. So, I give you the best makeup tips, from a Photographer's perspective, to help you achieve a flawless look in your photos:

  1. Start by cleansing your face. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly and find a cleanser that is pH balanced and suits your skin type. This will help to remove any dirt, oil and makeup that may be clogging your pores.

  2. Exfoliate your skin 1-2x per week to remove dead skin cells and any makeup that may have built up throughout the week. This will leave your skin feeling smooth and refreshed.

  3. Moisturize your skin to keep it hydrated all day. Find a moisturizer that suits your skin type and offers all-day hydration.

  4. Use a primer before applying your makeup. Primer will ensure that your makeup stays on all day without caking or creasing. It will also help with color correcting. Green primers can cancel out any redness in your skin while lavender primers will brighten and dull lifeless skin. Side note: avoid using any new face products a week before the shoot to avoid any potential skin reactions.

  5. Choose a lightweight foundation instead of a heavy one. Heavy foundation can come across as cakey in photographs. You are just looking to cover discoloration and make your skin look smoother.

  6. Conceal any imperfections with concealer. Cover blemishes and under the eyes.

  7. Use powder in your oily zones. The usual spots are forehead, nose and chin. You can also powder under the eyes to prevent creasing. Avoid HD powders because it can create flashback and wash you out in photos.

  8. Use SPF under 30, anything under will cause you to look whiter in photos.

  9. Don't forget to use blush, you may use a little more than usual so it can show up in photos.

  10. Eyebrows are the picture frame of the face. Use a brow gel to keep them in place because they have a tendency to move.

  11. Highlight cheekbones and center of eyelids. Do not go too heavy because it may come off as sweat in photos.

  12. Wear more makeup than you normally would. Go a shade darker for your liner and lip color because it will show up better on photographs.

  13. Remember that your makeup should not be overpowering. It should only enhance your features. Your smile will be your best feature!


Following these tips will help you achieve a flawless look in your photos. And remember, the most important thing is to focus on you and let your natural beauty shine through. In case you're pining for more intel, read on, I'll elaborate a bit more for you.



How to do Makeup for Family Photos (and Why)


Having your makeup done right is essential for an ideal photoshoot because it can make a huge difference in how you look in the final photographs. Not only will the right makeup help to enhance your natural beauty, but it can also help to conceal any imperfections and create a flawless, polished look.


The first step in achieving an ideal makeup look for a photoshoot is to prep your skin properly. This means cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and using a primer to create a smooth, even canvas for your makeup. Preparing your skin in this way will ensure that your makeup stays on all day and that you're working on the cleanest, smoothest canvas possible.


When it comes to foundation, it's important to choose a lightweight foundation instead of a heavy one. Heavy foundation can come across as cakey in photographs, so you want to look for a foundation that will cover discoloration and make your skin look smoother without looking heavy or unnatural. Concealer can be used to cover any blemishes or dark circles under the eyes.



Another important aspect of makeup for a photoshoot is powder. Powder can be used to help control shine in the areas of your face that tend to get oily, such as the forehead, nose, and chin. It can also be used to prevent creasing under the eyes. Avoid using HD powders as it can create flashback and wash you out in photos.


Blush is also a must-have for a photoshoot. It will help to add a pop of color to your cheeks and make them look natural and healthy. Eyebrows are also important, as they are the picture frame of the face. Use a brow gel to keep them in place because they have a tendency to move.


makeup for female photoshoot | Jeff Palicki Photography

Highlighting can also be a great way to add dimension and depth to your face. Highlight cheekbones and center of eyelids. Do not go too heavy because it may come off as sweat in photos. And remember to use SPF under 30, anything under will cause you to look whiter in photos.


Finally, it's important to remember that your makeup should not be overpowering. It should only enhance your features. You should focus on you, and let your natural beauty shine through.


Need help figuring out what to wear for your photoshoot?


In conclusion, having your makeup done right is necessary for an ideal photoshoot. It will help to enhance your natural beauty, conceal any imperfections, and create a flawless, polished look. Make sure to use the right foundation, powder, concealer, blush, brow gel, highlighter and sunscreen to achieve the perfect makeup look for your photoshoot.

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