Engagement Photography Session Makeup

Picture perfect makeup for any situation

By Natalie Tsang

November 14, 2011

If there are any guys out there reading this who are about to pop the question, buy these products for your girlfriend or somehow persuade her to wear them so when you propose, she'll be looking her best.

Whether its the day after impromptu photo shoot or a planned out event one month before the big day, engagement makeup has one major difference than bridal makeup, it doesn't have to stand the wear of hundreds of hugs and kisses. You might have to reapply lipstick once or twice from all the on screen kisses between you and your fiancé, but it's nothing like the rabid congratulations you'll get after saying your vows. Even if you're going for all out glam, the makeup does not have to be as heavy as bridal makeup. That being said, an engagement photo shoot is a great time to test drive both your makeup artist, photographer, and videographer (if you choose to have one). Some of them might even include an engagement session in their overall package.

Flash or no Flash

This question often translates to inside or outside, day time or night. Some photographers do use flash during the day so do ask. Flash translates shine into grease. If you're going to have flash, stay away from most mineral products, SPF, and anything that has glitter in it. A tiny bit in lip gloss or eye shadow is fine, but stick to matte foundations, bronzers, lipsticks, and blushes. Since flash washes you out, you will want your colors to be brighter and darker than normal. For instance, your eyebrows should be slightly darker than normal.

If there won't be flash, it's best to stick to your daily routine. The worst thing you want is a reaction to some skin product. However, do make sure your eyebrows are nicely shaped and fill in sparse spaces with eyebrow shadow or a non-glittery eye shadow or eye pencil in the appropriate color. If eyes are the windows into the soul, eyebrows are the window frames. You want to keep that area clean and neat.

Black, white, or color

One of the wonderful things about black and white, is the non-existence of red. That means no redness around the nose or mouth. If you have some blemishes, you'll still want to use concealer but you can go easy on the foundation. The natural texture of your skin should shine through or you run the risk of looking like you have plasticky Barbie skin. This ultra smooth look is great in glossy ads for bridal gowns, but looks a little weird when the only thing in the photo that is airbrushed is you.

Color photography is great because its vibrant and color is a great coordinating tool. There are certain risks of matching your makeup to your outfit or surroundings, but try to only go all out on one facial feature. You can have hot coral lips or jungle green eyeshadow but not at the same time.

Depending on how your engagement photos turn out, it can give you guidance on making choices for your wedding day.

Run, hop, skip

The level of activity is also important to consider. It's one thing to take photographs of you interacting in each room of your apartment. Pretending to cook, watching TV, brushing teeth is not rigorous. It's another to play a pick up game of basketball or soccer. Nothing's as cute as documented proof of you crushing the hubby, even if it's staged. And it's an entirely different beast to be rolling around the surf or frolicking in the pool.

If you're going to sweat from nerves, not exercise, use whatever you normally use. If you're going to move a lot or if the weather is super muggy, follow the lead of pro female athletes. Unless they're shooting a campaign, they stick to tinted moisturizers and some water resistant eyeliner and eye shadow. Keep it light so you don't run the risk of looking like you're melting. You'll want to use eye primer to keep your makeup on your eyelids.

If you're going to get wet, use waterproof products. This kind of makeup includes oils that do not dissolve in water. There is a difference between water resistant and waterproof. However, waterproof products are more difficult remove and ultimately, not good to wear everyday.

During the shoot

Remember to bring makeup, oil blotting sheets, and mirror to the shoot. And don't take these guidelines as hard and fast rules. Be mindful of the weather. For instance, water resistant or water proof mascara is a great choice for high humidity, a chance of showers, or if you're feeling especially sentimental.

If you get makeup on your clothes, take it as a great opportunity to learn how to get the stains out so you'll be prepared to deal if it happens to your wedding dress.