Hair & Makeup Tips for Photo & Video (If You’re Skipping the Glam Team)

When you’re planning a photoshoot, whether it’s engagement portraits, branding shots, or even a boudoir session, one big question always pops up: Do I book a hair and makeup artist or do I go DIY?

I’ll be real with you, having a glam team takes so much stress and decision off your plate (and we live for giving you that effortless, camera-ready glow). But if you’ve decided to handle your own hair and makeup for your shoot, I’ve still got you!

This isn’t about perfection... it’s about being polished, confidence, and making sure your natural beauty translates beautifully on camera. Here are my best pro tips for doing your own glam and still looking like you stepped out of a magazine spread.

🎨 1. Think Camera-Ready, Not Everyday

The number one mistake I see when people do their own hair and makeup for photos? They do their everyday routine and stop there.

👉🏻Here’s the thing: Cameras eat makeup.

What feels “too much” in your bathroom mirror often reads “barely there” on camera. The key is to turn the volume up and depth but do it with intention.

✨ What to do:

• Foundation: Choose a medium-to-full coverage foundation (preferably one you know wears well on your skin). Avoid formulas with high SPF or heavy zinc, it can cause a white flashback in photos. I have a couple favorites for foundation Clinique Beyond Perfecting Liquid Lightweight Full Coverage Foundation is my ride or die. This is my go-to for foundation, concealer or even touching-up. It's a natural full coverage finish and good for all skin types! I ultimately prefer Beyond Perfecting but if you're looking for other another options I've been loving the new Anastasia Beverley Hills: Impeccable Blurring Second-Skin Matte Foundation This has a natural matte finish but packed with hyaluronic acid to keep you hydrated! If you want a powder foundation one of my favorites is HD Skin Matte Velvet Powder Foundation
  

• Concealer: Add just a little more than usual under your eyes, around your nose, and anywhere redness tends to show. I go for a shade lighter than my foundation to focusing on highlighting and brightening with my concealer. You can use Clinique's Beyond Perfecting foundation for this step, they even have mini sizes available! My favorite concealer is Makeup Forever HD Skin Concealer. This will be a lightweight, natural medium coverage formula! If you're searching for something more resistant & sweat proof I highly recommend IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer - Waterproof Full Coverage Concealer
  

• Blush & Bronzer: Don’t be shy here. A soft flush on your cheeks and warmth on your temples will bring life to your face so you don’t look flat in photographs, your skin needs dimension! Kosas Sun Show Glowy Warmth Baked Bronzer When applying my bronzer I sculpt the cheeckbones, temples, jawline and the sides of the nose. Make sure your art is blended and not blotchy. I always end up reaching for a blush that has a touch of shimmer to capture that inner glow on the cheeks ✨ Saie Dew Liquid Blush for Cheeks

📸 Pro tip: Do a trial run. Take a few test selfies near a window, then step outside and snap some more. The difference will show you where to add a little more dimension or color.

Here I focused on more dimension in the Eyes, Cheeks and Boldness in her lips to give a little balance. Wait until you see the final look from the session too, everything comes together! 💋 2. Prioritize Long-Wear or Waterproof Products

Photoshoots involve movement, posing, heat from lights or the sun, and sometimes nerves. The last thing you want is your eyeliner melting or your lipstick disappearing 20 minutes in!

✨ What to do:

First of all, Primer is your best friend. After years of experience I've come to really love a poreless or hydrating primer best, depending on your skin type. This will make the skin texture look the best especially for an all day wear.

Set it, and you better not forget it! Finish your base with a light layer of translucent setting powder. This light dusting will keep all your products in place without all your hard work melting right off. And yes... setting spray is non-negotiable! This will lock your work into place for the longest wear!

Waterproof everything. Mascara, eyeliner, even brow gel. Trust me.

📸 Pro tip: Avoid super glossy lips,they catch light in weird ways and come off quickly. Stick with satin or matte lipstick, or layer a tiny bit of gloss just in the center for dimension.

💁‍♀️ 3. Go Timeless with Hair

Trendy hairstyles can look amazing in the moment, but not always when you look back at your photos five years later. Plus, the more complicated the style, the more likely it is to fall apart mid-shoot.

My gorgeous friend Tirzah arrived with her hair already done with lots on natural waves and volume! This is beautifully timeless!

✨ What to do:

• Loose waves or soft curls are universally flattering and hold up beautifully in photos.

• Sleek low ponytails or buns are chic, elegant, and practical (especially if it’s windy).

• Volume is key. Even if you love a sleek style, adding lift at the crown will keep your hair from looking flat in pictures.

📸 Pro tip: Flip your hair upside down, spritz a little dry shampoo or texturizing spray, and shake it out before you walk into the shoot. Instant life.

🎯 4. Match Your Glam to the Vibe

Your makeup and hair should tell the same story as your shoot.

• Bridal session? Think soft, romantic, and glowy.

• Branding headshots? Go polished, mattes and professional.

• Boudoir session? Lean into sultry but effortless (think smudged eyeliner, tousled hair, not overly “done”).

✨ What to do:

• Look at your wardrobe and location. Are you in a flowy dress in a field, or a structured blazer in an office? Match your makeup mood to that.

• Neutral palettes almost always photograph best. Pops of color are fun, but bright purple eyeshadow might steal the spotlight (and not in a good way).

📸 Pro tip: If you’re unsure, go “soft glam”—defined eyes, glowing skin, neutral lips. It works for every shoot type.

⚠️ 5. Avoid These Common Mistakes

Some small tweaks make a huge difference in your photos. Here are the pitfalls to skip:

🚫 SPF-heavy foundation. As mentioned earlier, it can cause white flashback.

🚫 Too-light concealer. It’ll look like bright white triangles under your eyes.

🚫 Skipping your brows. Brows frame your face—fill them in softly (don’t go harsh).

🚫 Leaving your hair freshly washed. Day-two hair actually styles better and holds curl longer.

📸 Pro tip: Bring a tiny touch-up kit: powder, lipstick, bobby pins, mini hairspray. You’ll thank yourself later.

🌟 6. Practice, Practice, Practice

Don’t wait until the morning of your shoot to try that new eyeliner wing or curling iron technique. Test it out a time or two before hand and save your stress levels!

✨ What to do:

• Do a full “dress rehearsal” a few days before: hair, makeup, outfit.

• Take photos in different lighting (near windows, outside, and even under harsh indoor lights).

• Notice what needs adjusting...maybe you need more blush, or a darker brow pencil.

📸 Pro tip: Snap a short video of yourself turning your head. Sometimes flaws show more in movement than in still photos.

🕊️ 7. Embrace Imperfection

Here’s the real secret: your photos aren’t about flawless eyeliner, they’re about YOU.

The goal isn’t to look “perfect”... it’s to feel confident and authentic. If your winged liner isn’t symmetrical? No one will notice. If one curl drops? It just looks effortless.

✨ What to do:

• Focus on enhancing your favorite features, not masking your “flaws.”

• Leave space for personality; messy hair flips, genuine laughs, and all.

📸 Pro tip: Confidence photographs better than contour. Always.

How perfect did every detail come together!?

Final Word

Doing your own glam for a photoshoot can be a little intimidating but with the right approach, you’ll look (and feel) like a million bucks in front of the camera.

If you ever change your mind about skipping the glam team? I’ll be here, brushes in hand, ready to take that stress off your plate.

Until then, these tips will have you glowing in every frame!✨