How-To: Look Flawless In Photos!

Okay girlies, time for us to fess up. We all have that one (or more!) truly awful picture of us floating around out there that we wish we could burn or delete off of social media forever. Unfortunately, there's not much we can do about those pictures that have already been taken (besides Photoshop), but there is hope! Throughout the years I've learned some really useful tips for looking your best in photos. From what to buy to how you should apply, I've got it all covered for you!


Apply Your Makeup In Natural Light
Artificial light can seriously alter the appearance of your makeup. I've had so many times where I think my makeup looks really subtle, and then I do a quick check in my car and my face is a complete streaky mess. I can't give you a super technical reason behind it, but what I can tell you is that artificial or dim light washes out the look of color on your skin. Of course, this doesn't mean that you have to go do your makeup in an open field or anything. Just open up your curtains and set up your makeup in front of a window and that should do the trick!

Stick with Mattes
Shimmery products tend to intensify and make skin look greasy with the flash of a camera. Even on the eyes or lips, any sort of glitter is likely to pick up light in an unflattering way. I actually like to take it one step further and take a matifying powder compact with me to any events where I know my picture will be taken.

Create Contrast
Try to avoid using any eye or lip products that are too close to your skin tone. For example, stay clear of nude lipsticks or brown eyeliner. A little bit of contrast in your look, like a bright lip stain or dramatic black winged eyeliner, will keep you looking vibrant in photos.

Test-Drive Your Look
Before going out, grab your digital camera and take a few self portraits to make sure that everything translates well on camera. That way, you can fix any mistakes and take note of what works for you. I try to do this before any occasion where I know people will be taking pictures to avoid potential Facebook tag disasters.

Have Fun!
My best pictures always come from moments when I am genuinely happy and confident. So get all dolled up, have fun with your friends, and smile!

Have any other tips for looking your best in photos? I'd love to hear what you think in the comments below!

For more product recommendations, be sure to check out my new video showing my makeup collection and storage! Click the video link below to learn the unexpected places I buy makeup storage, the unique way I organize my eyeshadow palettes, and tons more!

Photo Credit: Nasty Gal