Everyone wants to have clear, smooth and supple skin, especially if there is an important occasion or photo shoot on the horizon. In this blog post I've outlined a skin care time line to prepare for your senior photo shoot or special event. Feel confident in your skin whether you plan to wear makeup to your session or not. Get this guide, along with a nail prep guide, in print with your senior welcome packet when you book a senior portrait session with me. I'm currently booking class of 2022 senior sessions, shoot me a message in the contact section to get started! OK here we go...
*please note I am not a licensed esthetician, these are just tried and true tips and tricks.
4 MONTHS before your session. It's never too early to figure out what the best skin care regimen is for you. If you haven't already, start a daily routine of cleansing and moisturizing morning and night. NEVER go to bed without removing your makeup. Also consider using sunscreen daily to protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun (even in the winter). Don't go crazy and start trying every cream and serum known to man, it might take a few tries to find out what types of products are best for you. I have personally loved using Curology skin care but Cetaphil is another easy to find, affordable product that will be gentle on your skin. Once you've found some simple products that don't irritate your skin, stick with them!
1 MONTH before your session. Avoid the sun! Starting 1 month prior to your session avoid tanning and apply sunscreen religiously. You could appear red, get those nasty tan lines or even burn. Un-tanned skin photographs best as it can actually reflect the light better. Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize. Apply a hydrating moisturizer to your face and body after you shower and/or wash your face. Every. Single. Time.
1 WEEK before your session. Please groom your brows so they look clean! If you plan to have your brows waxed, have it done at least 7 days prior to your shoot. It can cause a lot of redness and swelling. In some cases even some scabbing. For the entire week before your session, use your toothbrush to brush your lips vigorously. Then apply Vaseline to your lips and sleep in it. This will make your lips smooth and photo ready. Chapped lips look awful in camera (and let’s face it, in life too) and are almost impossible to retouch naturally. Try to avoid using products containing salicylic acid at least 3 days before your appointment. It can leave your skin red and extremely dry which can look patchy and textured. Exfoliate with a physical exfoliator at least 2 days prior to your session. It will help reduce dry patches and texturing. It will also smooth your skin which will make the best canvas for makeup application.
THE NIGHT BEFORE your session. Wash your face thoroughly and apply a hydrating moisturizer. Also do this the morning of your session. Foundation will apply more evenly if your face is prepped and ready. If you plan to wear minimal makeup your skin will look healthy and clean. Be sure to get a good night’s rest prior to your appointment... there is nothing flattering about puffiness and bags under the eyes. Apply some ice cold tea bags to your eyes if you wake up with any issues. Don't stress! You are going to rock your shoot!
If you book a senior photo shoot with me all the images you see from your session will be fully retouched. Does that mean you are going to look like a mannequin in your photos? No. What it does mean is that if you wake up on the day of your session with a new friend on your forehead you don't have to worry, by the time you see your photos you won't even know it was ever there. My portraits have an authentic vibe and showcase the REAL you, skin texture, natural pores and all. My general retouching rule of thumb is, if it wasn't there two weeks before your session and won't be there two weeks after...it gets removed. Scars are a visual representation of your personal journey through life, they are never removed unless specifically requested by you. Getting a good grasp on your skins health will give you confidence to rock a photo shoot and let's face it (no pun intended)...everyday life too!
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