Look Amazing in Holiday Photos

We have all had that experience. We spend a little extra time on our makeup and hair, go out of our way to make sure we look exceptionally good, only to see photo's later that just don't do our efforts justice. We look shiny, pale, or flat out un-made up. Even I, as a professional makeup artist, have fallen victim to this casual catastrophe from time to time. Our perception of our faces in the mirror is never reflected the same way in the camera, and while you may not be hiring a professional you can still look fabulous. This year, you are going to look amazing in those family-gathering photos, and here is how you are going to do it.

1. Bring your foundation ALL THE WAY down your neck. Many women are choosing to wear mineral foundations, or foundations with sunscreen, which are highly reflective. It's these reflective properties that cause your face to be so much paler than your body in flash-photography. By bringing it further down your neck, you're at least assuring that your face doesn't stand out so harshly in comparison to the rest of your natural, un-made up body.
   
2. Use a warm blush and don't get stingy with it. This isn't really a time for shimmer or overly bright colors, so use a warmer tone more on the neutral rose side as opposed to the coral tinged ones. You also want a matte blush, as the flush from all that holiday cheer-in-a-bottle can make slightly shimmery blushes go from subtle to sweaty. Also, our fair faces need a pick-me-up during the cold months were our precious sun is limited. It's safe to say most women do not apply enough blush in general, so if you're in doubt add a touch more. Don't worry, even if you give it a few more strokes you still won't be able to compete with Grandma.
   
3. Deepen your shadow, even if it's only one color. I prefer to spend my morning routine on my body care versus a complex make-up routine, and usually stick with one great eye-shadow. During the winter, I darken up my eyes a bit by either moving to a darker shadow or applying it a bit more intensely. Smokey blacks and purples look particularly alluring in dimly lit dinner parties. (Note: Not vibrant, spring purple. Go for the more muted shades that are just a hint of color.)