Often people get caught up in choosing the perfect location & making sure they order new outfits that they forget about planning their hair and makeup. But hear me out, we typically hire professional hair & makeup for prom and our wedding day so why wouldn’t you get your hair & makeup done for your senior pictures?! These capture and celebrate a momentous step in life. They’ll be showcased in your house, proudly shown to friends & family, and cherished for generations?!? If you need some ideas or inspo for senior picture hair & makeup check here!

Here’s my top 5 tips & tricks for senior picture hair and makeup.

Tip 1: Nobody looks good with spider lashes!

What the heck are spider lashes?! Let me tell you! You know when you do multiple layers of mascara trying to give yourself extra length and volume? But then your eyelashes just become cakey and clumpy and stuck together? Then you try to fix it by running the mascara wand back through your eyelashes again in a desperate attempt to separate and fluff your lashes. But this only further sticks them together – essentially forming three gigantic clumpy black lashes.

We’ve all been there and done that so no judgement here but I call those spider lashes. I assume spider lashes aren’t what you were going for and they certainly don’t photograph well so try to avoid them at all costs! I actually recommend using natural looking false eyelashes. These will give some extra length and oomph to your lashes (key word, natural looking! False eyelashes can be a slippery slope and become way too much so opt for a more natural looking wispy pair).

Tip 2: Leave the crazy colors for another day

Colorful eyeshadow looks just don’t photograph well most of the time. They can honestly come across looking like bruises or discoloration around your eyes if you aren’t really careful. If colorful eyeshadow is what you’re known for and you’ve absolutely perfected the rainbow smokey eye then I say more power to you. But your senior portraits are not the time to try out a fun new lime green smokey eye for the first time ever! Going slightly more dramatic than your everyday look is key to having your makeup translate well in photographs but opt for neutral matte tones.

Tip 3: Neutral nails – always!

I always recommend that my clients wear a neutral shade or a french manicure on their nails. Colorful or patterned nails will be distracting in your final images! These photos are supposed to be all about YOU – highlighting your unique story and genuine beauty! Bright nail colors or crazy patterns can draw the eyes to your hands instead of your face and ultimately be distracting! 

Tip 4: Less is more when it comes to hair!

My advice here is to choose a hairstyle that is easy and low maintenance. I love a good updo or cool braid but if your style requires a thousand bobby pins, pick a different one. That might sound a little harsh BUT you don’t want to waste photoshoot time constantly fixing or trying to re-pin pieces that are falling out.

I also recommend that you ask your hair stylist to curl your hair tighter than they normally would. We will separate and fluff your curls on location. Starting with tighter curls will help save your hair from summer heat & humidity. Editing can fix a lot of things but unfortunately it can’t re-curl your hair to Victoria Secret angel perfection. 

Tip 5: Simply accentuate your natural beauty!

I’ll keep this last one sweet and simple – YOU. ARE. BEAUTIFUL. Now keep reading that over again until you see it within yourself. Your senior portraits are meant to capture your unique story and natural genuine beauty. Your hair and makeup should simply accentuate the beauty that is already there! I will say though, photography can wash out some of your features – so I do definitely recommend wearing makeup that is slightly more dramatic than your everyday look.

Some lashes, a simple fox or smokey eye, slight fill in on your brows, little bit of blush and highlighter to accentuate your gorgeous cheek bones, some contour to give your face dimension, and a neutral lip. Done and done. You still want to look your age and you are already breathtaking – don’t cover it with too much fake-ness, just highlight what already exists!