Make-up and skincare: How to prepare for your photo shoot and look your best

I often have clients ask me how to prepare for their photo shoot.   Here are a few tips for "photo-readying" your skin and make-up and getting a little healthier to boot!

Foundation, blush, lip gloss and balm
I don't care how great your skin is, women really benefit from wearing foundation when it comes time for being in front of the camera.  There are lightweight products for those that need just a bit of smoothing and heavier weight products for extra coverage and extra smoothing.  Set your foundation with a loose, translucent powder.  A touch of blush is recommended.  There are a lot of new contouring, highlighting, and bronzing blushes out on the market today that work great.  Don't forget to use lip gloss or lipstick or a neutral balm to soften lips.  Adding lip balm to all your kids' lips really makes a difference.  If you wear eye makeup, wear a bit more than usual.  Be sure to do a trial run with your make-up look beforehand.

Nails
Get a manicure beforehand or simply file and buff.  Don't forget to inspect the man's nails as well as the kids!

Hydrate your skin
Keeping your body well hydrated will result in fresh looking skin. It is so easy to forget to drink 8+ glasses of water every day, so before hitting the coffee or breakfast in the morning drink 2-3 tall glasses of water and repeat with lunch and dinner.

Exfoliate your skin
Exfoliating your skin instantly brightens and lightens it.  A very basic exfoliating product such as St. Ives Apricot scrub is a good choice.  You can also search online for homemade exfoliators using products around your house.  (Avoid the much harsher over-the-counter glycolic peels leading up to your photo shoot as they will cause redness and peeling.)

Moisturize, moisturize!
As soon as you step out of the shower and dry off, apply a basic lotion to arms and legs.  Use a good face moisturizer as well.  For a dewy look, apply moisturizer and while still damp apply a light foundation on top.  Avoid any type of shimmer or glitter lotion.  (If you have oily skin, go light on the facial moisturizer or skip it altogether.)

Feed your skin
Consider adding some of the following foods to your diet which are purported to benefit the skin:  salmon, blueberries, almonds, watermelon, tomatoes/tomato-based products, sweet potato, carrots, mango, and papaya.

Drop the salt
For some, salt may cause you to look puffy.  For a week before your session, cut back salt and avoid processed foods which are generally very high in sodium.