Planning Your Makeup Look For Boudoir Photos

Getting ready for boudoir photos can be difficult when you have to plan your look, choose your lingerie, style your hair…oh…and don’t forget about doing your makeup! Let’s face it, there are a ton of options when it comes to makeup. Last time I walked into Sephora for some foundation, I ended up leaving discouraged because there were too many options.

I don’t want you to feel that way when you show up for your boudoir session. That’s one of the reasons we include a makeup artist when you book a boudoir shoot with Water Bear. But for some, you may take pride in doing your makeup, or maybe you just don’t like someone else’s hands on your face (I get it…I’m a bit of a germaphobe).

Still Deciding If You Should Do Your Own Makeup Look for Your Boudoir Photos?

So how do you sort through the aisles, avoid the salespeople trying to get you to the counter for a free makeup tutorial, and get the right products for your boudoir shoot? The short answer is…when you figure it out, let me know! But all joking aside, there’s no right or wrong way to your makeup look for your boudoir photos.

Here are some questions I like to ask that may help you on your makeup journey:

• Are you the type of makeup person that knows your look and can nail it for your boudoir photo shoot?

• Do you enjoy doing your own makeup? If so, do you have your look down, or are you always experimenting with different looks?

• Do you have every single makeup brush and know how to use them? (If so, please share)

• Are you such a frequent flier at Sephora that the staff knows your name?

If you’ve answered yes to at least one of these questions, you may want to consider doing your own makeup look for your boudoir photos so that you can make sure you look exactly how you want. I have no problem if you want to do your own makeup. Especially if, unlike me, you have the skills to do it well. After all, no one knows your face like you.

If You've Decided on Doing Your Own Makeup, What Look Do You Have In Mind for Your Boudoir Photos?

Maybe you’re going for a certain vibe or feeling during your photoshoot. Research may be key to the perfect looking makeup. For more vintage or retro-themed sessions, it’s really important to look at makeup from those time periods and include certain aspects of it.

For a 50s-themed session, you may want a bright red lipstick with victory curls. Or for a 60s vibe you may want a Twiggy-inspired makeup look with big, dark eyes. Small details like using period-appropriate makeup styles can really help sell a certain look.

Will You Need to Change Your Makeup for a Different Look with Different Outfits?

Ideally, you’ll want a makeup look that will compliment any set or outfit used for your boudoir photos. If you want to do multiple sets and outfit changes, keep your makeup more neutral so that it can easily switch between looks. If you’re using a makeup artist in the studio, I typically request they do a neutral glam look that includes a nude eyeshadow and lashes that can be adapted to different scenes.

If we want a more dramatic switch, you can always change lip colors between sets. Remember, it’s much easier to add makeup than take it off! So, that being said, it’s usually best to start with a more natural look and then progress to more dramatic changes. You can do this by:

• Adding eyeliner

• Using bright-colored eyeshadows or blushes

• Putting on heavier lashes

• Choosing bolder lip colors

• Adding accents like gems, glitter, or maybe pearls

This is something that we’ll plan during your consultation and then share with the makeup artist so the change in looks can be accommodated.

What Is It Like Having a Makeup Artist Create your Look for your Boudoir Photos?

Typically the makeup artist will do a modern glam look that takes about 45 minutes and will then head out. If requested, she may leave a lip color sample for touch ups. For a session with more drastic changes, we may want to book the makeup artist at an hourly rate to stay on set and completely redo your look between sets. It may be worth the extra cost to have someone right there who can quickly get you ready for the next set and to be on standby to watch for any touch-up needs.

We’re fortunate to work with some highly skilled, local makeup artists who can easily transition between multiple genres of makeup and work off of inspiration images. If you’re interested in a really unique makeup look, I have artists who can apply more specialized makeup like prosthetics or special effects.

Makeup May Not Be Necessary If You Want A Natural Look for Your Boudoir Photos

You may have decided you’re someone who is more comfortable without makeup or with minimal makeup. If that’s you, that’s great! We can absolutely still create a stunning boudoir shoot together. Many people feel like their best and most confident selves with professionally applied makeup, but that doesn’t mean that applies to everyone.

For some people, makeup has the opposite effect and makes them feel like they don’t look like themselves. If makeup has that opposite effect on you, we can do a shoot with minimal or sans makeup. We’re all different, and every boudoir shoot should be different. You should feel like the absolute best version of you, whatever that looks like. I’ve found that through years of photographing hundreds of different people, we’re all made a bit different. If you feel confident, you look confident, and if you look confident, you’ll feel confident.

Planning Your Look Is About How You'll Feel Your Best Self

Do a little bit of introspection before your shoot and think about when you feel like the best version of you. For some, it may be in a simple outfit, out in nature. For others, it’s a glammed up bedroom look. There are no right or wrong answers here and I’m never one to judge. If you feel comfortable sharing with me, I’ll work with you to create a look you’re really proud of.