Photography Makeup vs. Daily Makeup

The introduction of Youtube has been revolutionary to makeup. The creative flow from makeup artists online allows amateurs and those interested in makeup to learn looks and skills fit for the runway. However, these looks may be amazing for the nightlife, how can you tell when they are good for everyday wear as well? Here are some things to look for when translating those makeup looks from on camera to off the camera.

Flashback

To learn more about flashback, click here.

Makeup that contains SPF may reflect from flash photography and create a pale white cast on your face, commonly referred to as, “flashback” or “ghost face.”

Flashback can throw off the color of your face versus the rest of your body and may be very noticeable in pictures. You may want to consider if your look is a daytime look or a photography look before choosing your foundation. Commonly, BB Creams or CC creams –anything that has skin care benefits usually contains SPF – will be great during the day, but may hinder your photographs at night when using flash. It’s very important to consider these facts when following a makeup tutorial online.

Coverage

Many makeup artists online will boast about how great and full coverage a foundation is, but would it be necessary for a daytime look? When in the studio, bright lights can smooth skin and imperfections, and it may appear that the makeup is working better than it actually is. While the skin may be fully covered, too much makeup may not apply evenly on the skin, causing it to emphasize dry patches or look “cakey.” Also, it’s important to keep in mind that real studios and even popular Youtubers have access to photoshop and can enhance the look of skin and makeup.  While the makeup may look great on the camera, you have to consider that it may look different up close and personal.

Here’s a great video by Lisa Eldridge describing her flawless makeup routine that works great off camera!

Contour

Contour has always been around, but it’s just recently that it took off as a makeup trend and became a necessary part of people’s everyday makeup routines. The practice of contouring is using makeup darker than your natural skin tone to create pseudo shadows on this face. This may be to change the shape of a facial feature or enhance it. The most common places on the face to contour include the eyes, the nose, the cheeks, and the chin. Some may also apply it to the temples to give the appearance of a bronze, just tanned look. Contouring is great for the camera because you can manipulate parts of your face to appear skinnier, tanner, or more defined. However, how does it appear in real life?

It depends on the product you use! Many may use a cream product to contour for photography because they can apply the color more precisely and blend it out. When using this for your everyday makeup routine, you have to worry about how well your contour is blended. If it’s not blended well enough, you may be able to see the lines of product on your face, ruining the illusion that it’s natural shadow. In this case, a powder product applied with a fluffy brush may produce a more natural effect. When paired with a subtle highlighter, the sun may really bring out the look of your contour.

Lashes

Last but not least, lashes. Of course, I mean false lashes. It’s a trend now to wear false lashes as part of an everyday routine. They are an easy and fast way to add glam to any look! While they look beautiful, it’s important to make sure they’re applied right or even wearing them for a normal occasion may seem a bit too much. False lashes will definitely add drama to any photoshoot or video, but is it the best choice off camera?

False lashes are applied with glue – which may easily wear off. If you’re going to wear them for extended periods of time, it’s important to use lash glue that you trust, otherwise your band could lift or they could fall off completely (a dead giveaway that you’re wearing falsies). Keep in mind that at a studio or a YouTube video, they have all the time in the world to touch up if they see an issue, but when you’re working or at school, you may not have the time. In this case, it may be better to use lengthening mascara or individual lashes.

If you really want to rock the glam look every day, I recommend finding a great mascara that is waterproof and wear-proof to define your lashes. For extra thickness, you can also try tight-lining your eyes with a dark mascara on your top lid to give the illusion of darker, thicker lashes. Otherwise, individual lashes are always a great option. Individual lashes can be placed anywhere on your lash line and look more natural. They will also be less dramatic if they accidentally fall off. This way, you get the wear time and the appearance of luxurious lashes!

While every person is free to try out their own makeup style, it’s important to consider where you’re going and what you’ll be doing before you apply it. Will you be taking photos or just hanging out? The difference between photography/video makeup and off camera makeup can determine the application or products you use for that occasion. If you’re not going to be on camera, using photography makeup may be too dramatic or not show up as flawless in real life as in photos. These are some things to consider next time you’re translating a makeup look from Youtube to your own vanity!

For more, see this makeup tutorial on costume makeup to get an idea of the drastic differences!