photo ready makeup
Welp! It's that time of year again... the dreaded day when the mothers of the world scramble around like hound dogs on the hunt for the perfect family photo shoot accoutrements. It's a day when I can expect a whole lotta tears, blow-your-brains-out whining and all around assholery from my kids and husband alike. A time when my bitchiness reaches an all time high, not only when trying to get myself ready but also while primping my three daughters and my unenthused husband, who, by the way, just barely makes it off the couch in time for the first snap of the camera. The good news is... prepping for your big moment doesn't have to be stressful. Let's say my kids starkly resemble the Bride of Chucky from the 1990s horror film... well, shame on them! I can't sweat the small stuff. As long as I'm looking my best, that picture is going to print and will be delivered to 300 of our closest friends by Christmas. Relaaaax, I'm only (half) kidding. Part of the trick is to not take all this stuff too seriously. The other part, and obviously the most critical piece, is to get that stage makeup ON FLEEK. In order to achieve perfect picture peppiness, you're going to have to kick it up a notch when it comes to your usual beauty routine. Don't stress ladies, this Bun on the Run has got you covered. Below are my makeup must-haves for any of life's big moments.
- Primer: Before applying makeup, do not skip the primer. Primer provides an adherent for your makeup and ensures your foundation will last longer and appear smoother. And it fills in all those tiny pores on your face. I've been using Smashbox's Photo Finish Primer for almost a decade now and it hasn't failed me yet. I also love Cover FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment. It rubs in seamlessly and seems to keep clogged pores at bay!
Foundation: Foundation is so so important. Even the most flawless among us need it. Most days, I get by with a little help from my CC cream but for an important event, I rely on traditional foundation. I use one that is medium in weight and in coverage. Choosing a heavy foundation will actually make you appear older and GIRL ain't nobody got time for that nonsense. I recently discovered TooFaced's Born This Way. I've never seen a product fly off the shelves so fast at Sephora. I'll take that as a good sign. I mix together two different shades, Vanilla and Golden Beige, to perfectly match my skin tone and then I blend in WELL with a damp sponge. I also LOVE Marc Jacob's Genius Gel Foundation (shout out to my sis for the rec!). Who knew, Marc is as talented at developing cosmetics as he is at designing bags??? Guess he'll never starve.
Concealer: If you know me, then you know concealer (specifically MAC Mineralize Concealer in NC20) is a way of life for me. I will not go anywhere without this transformational stick. Once my foundation is applied, I strobe on concealer under my eyes, around my nose and lips, and on any imperfections (see picture at end of post). I wait one to two minutes (this is key) and then I take my beauty blender sponge and blend, bla-blend, blend, blend to the tune of "the thong song"... That's right Sisqo, you're still my boo!
Eyeshadow: I use mostly neutral colors on my eyelids. I don't know who keeps saying ninja turtle green is a good look for eyes but please stop listening. First, spread a matte shade that matches your skin tone across the entire lid... I swear by MAC's Brule. And then add a subtle metallic color from this Urban Decay Palette. This palette is widely popular and you really can't go wrong with any of the 12 shades included. Lastly, to make my lashes appear fuller, I apply a basic brown eye liner (I like this one from Estee Lauder) right on my lash line. I'm also a huge fan of donning a cat eye, especially since it flatters most eyes... just make sure you perfect the technique a few days before you need to rock it.
Bronzer: Fake a faux glow on your face even in winter. Dust your bronzed-up brush across your temples, under the cheeks and jawline. Don't go too crazy... Snooki skin is so passe. Even after all these years, I still love Hoola's Matte Bronzer. If you're looking for a larger palette, I recommend MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium Deep.
Blush: Ok, I don't need any excuse when it comes to applying more blush. In my opinion, rosy cheeks scream vitality and health. So when it comes to pictures, just a dusting of blush is not going to cut it. Go bold...be brave...wear blush. My go to shades are NARS Orgasm (I mean, obviously) and Clinique's Aglow.
Contour Stick: Ok ladies, brace yourself. This one sounds scarier than it really is. I promise. I use this super easy, super user-friendly stick by Benefit. I draw a line going down each temple, a line under each cheek bone, a line on each side of the nose and finally, a line on each side of my jaw bones. Blend with this brush and Voila- this technique will work sooo much wonder into your pictures, you'll surely be mistaken for the 22 year old version of yourself............... and then a keg and a short jean skirt will magically appear and you'll be whisked away back to college.
Mascara: Now is NOT the time to play it safe with your mascara wand. Before a big event like a photo shoot, I apply at least three heavy coats of black mascara. It's really important to get your wand at the base of the lash and slowly shimmy your way up. I also like to wing my eyelashes out to make my eyes appear further apart. There are so many great mascaras out there today. I base my opinion on formula as well as brush type. You can't go wrong with these three: Diorshow Mascara, Lancome Definicils High Definition Mascara, and MAC False Lashes Mascara.
Highlighter: Now that your face is almost on par, it is time to rip a page out of Beyonce's book, and highlight the shit out of those cheek bones. I use Benefit's Watt's Up! stick because it is easiest to control and you can blend with your fingers. Apply to the tops of both of your cheek bones and rub in. Also, dab onto your brow line, down the flat part of your nose and in your Cupid's bow (right above the V in your lips). Get Glowing Girlfiend!
Lip Stuff: This one is kind of personal preference. I am for sure a gloss girl but for the days when I need to punch up my pout, I use a lip liner (check "Dervish" out from MAC) and a satin lip pencil by NARS. Personally, I can't pronounce it's name but here it is... And of course, I always keep MAC's Partial to Pink Cremesheen on hand for touch ups. I'm also a huge fan of Marc Jacob's bestselling Hi-Shine Lipgloss in Sugar Sugar. Note: a little bit goes a long way.
Setting Spray: I have only very recently been turned on to this phenomenon of setting your face by spraying your face... and I think I'm on board with it! Listen ladies, if you want your makeup to stay put for any length of time, then I suggest applying Urban Decay's new All Nighter Setting Spray. Mist 8 inches away from your face in a T-formation and then an X-formation and watch your newly finished face stay that way for hours to come. #justsetitandforgetit
Now that you're all dolled up and ready to take on the world, WORK. IT. GIRL. I truly believe that most of our beauty comes from within and the relationship we have with ourselves. If you let your "I've got this shit" attitude shine through, nothing will stand in the way between you and beautiful. Now obviously, putting your best face forward can be exhausting, so I maintain sanity at the end of these times by diving head first into my cat sweater, unhooking my bra and throwing this hair back on top of my head where it belongs.
““A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” -Roald Dahl”
My CONCEALER METHOD
a behind the scenes look at my hard-working, very talented photog/friend @jenjarvisphoto
