A Little Less Shine: Makeup Tips for Your Photo Session

How to Wear Makeup for Your Photo Session (Without the Shine)

Quick answer: Wear your makeup the way you normally like it, but choose matte or soft-matte products, skip or go light on highlighter, and bring blotting papers or translucent powder to the session. These small choices keep shine off your forehead, nose and chin in photos.

One question I hear a lot before a session is “How should I do my makeup?” My answer is simple: do it the way you like it. You know your face better than anyone. There’s just one thing the camera picks up that the mirror doesn’t always show, and that’s shine.

Why does my face look shiny in photos?

Light bounces off oily or dewy skin and turns into bright spots, usually on the forehead, nose and chin. It’s more noticeable outdoors, like in Central Park, where you’re moving around and warming up. The good news is that it’s easy to fix.

What makeup works best for photos?

Lean matte. A matte or soft-matte foundation or tinted moisturizer photographs more evenly than dewy or shimmer finishes. The glow that looks lovely in person can read as shine on camera.

Keep it light. Wear what you’d wear on a day you feel good about how you look. Lighter coverage looks more like you and holds up better over the course of a session.

Should I wear highlighter for a photoshoot?

A touch is fine, but highlighter tends to show up brighter in photos than you’d expect, especially on the cheekbones and nose. If you’re unsure, skip it.

What should I bring to my photo session?

Tuck blotting papers or a small compact of translucent powder in your bag. A quick blot between setups takes a few seconds and makes a real difference.

The short version

Come as yourself, bring something to blot with, and let’s make some good pictures. If you’re planning a family, couples or pet session in Manhattan, see our photo packages.

FAQ

Do I need professional makeup for a family photo session?
No. Your everyday makeup is usually best. Just choose matte products and bring something to reduce shine.

What’s the easiest way to reduce shine in photos?
Blotting papers. They lift oil without disturbing your makeup.

Is translucent powder good for photos?
Yes, in a light layer. Avoid powders with SPF or flash-reflective ingredients, which can cause a white cast under flash.