Best makeup for a boudoir photoshoot

In a rush? Here are the essentials:

Boudoir makeup is all about being true to yourself. Whether you wear makeup daily, love a glamorous Saturday night look, or prefer a more natural face, your choice is perfect for a boudoir session. We can also arrange for a professional makeup artist to help you prepare, but remember that boudoir is about celebrating your true self. Over-the-top, fashion-style makeup might not be ideal. Whatever makes you feel confident and beautiful is the right choice for your boudoir shoot.

What is Boudoir Makeup?

Boudoir photography is about capturing you as you are—beautiful, unique, and authentic. When it comes to makeup for your boudoir shoot, the key is to stay true to yourself. Whether you wear makeup daily, reserve it for special occasions, or rarely use it at all, your choice is perfect for boudoir. This session is a celebration of your natural beauty and confidence, not a transformation into someone you’re not.

Boudoir and makeup: express your personality with a natural look, glamour, or whatever feels right.

There’s a common misconception that boudoir shoots require glamorous, exaggerated makeup, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The best boudoir photos often highlight your true self. The makeup you choose should reflect your personal style—whether that’s a barely-there look, bold red lips, or something in between. There’s no need to go overboard unless that’s what you love. Your everyday makeup or even your fun Saturday night look can work beautifully.

Stay True to Yourself

A common concern for many women before a boudoir shoot is whether they need to fit a certain image. Let me reassure you: there’s no “standard” boudoir makeup. This experience is all about you, and the makeup you choose should reflect that. If you’re someone who wears minimal makeup daily, that’s perfectly fine for your session. There’s no need to layer on foundation or create complex looks to be camera-ready. In fact, keeping it simple often leads to photos that feel more genuine and true to who you are.

Boudoir makeup is you: simple or bold, choose what makes you feel comfortable.

On the other hand, if you love experimenting with makeup and prefer a more dramatic look, go for it! Your boudoir shoot is your opportunity to own your personal style and have fun with it. The most important thing is to wear what makes you feel confident and at ease. Boudoir photography is about capturing your essence, not creating a persona that doesn’t feel like you. Whether it’s a swipe of mascara and a hint of blush or a full glam look, your makeup should make you feel like the best version of yourself.

Professional Makeup: An Option, Not a Must

If you’re unsure of your makeup skills or want to indulge in a bit of pampering before your shoot, we can arrange for a professional makeup artist to help you get ready. Having your makeup done by a pro can be a relaxing way to ease into the mood of your session. Plus, makeup artists are skilled at creating looks that photograph beautifully, so if you’re after a polished finish, it’s a fantastic option.

Professional makeup can enhance your features, but staying natural is equally perfect for boudoir.

That said, professional makeup isn’t a requirement for a boudoir shoot. The goal of boudoir is to capture you authentically, so if you prefer to do your own makeup, that’s absolutely fine. The key is to feel comfortable and confident, whether you apply your makeup yourself or let a pro handle it. If you opt for professional makeup, it’s important to communicate with the artist about the look you want. Remember, this isn’t a high-fashion shoot, so overly heavy makeup may not be ideal for boudoir. You want to highlight your natural features, not overshadow them.

Glam Makeup vs Boudoir Makeup

There’s a difference between the makeup you see in fashion magazines and what works best for boudoir photography. While high-fashion glam makeup aims to make a statement, boudoir makeup should feel more personal and intimate. Overly heavy makeup can sometimes distract from the natural beauty that boudoir photography seeks to capture. If the makeup becomes the focal point of the photo instead of you, it can take away from the overall effect.

Overly heavy or trendy makeup can distract and may look dated over time.

Boudoir is about celebrating your true self, and the makeup you choose should enhance that. While there’s nothing wrong with adding a touch of glamour, it’s important to remember that boudoir photos should reflect your inner beauty and confidence. If your makeup makes you feel “overdone,” you might not feel like yourself, and that will show in the photos. The goal is to look and feel like the best version of you, not someone you don’t recognise in the mirror.

Another point to consider is that boudoir makeup aims for a timeless look. Trends come and go, but your boudoir photos should remain classic and elegant for years to come. This is why it’s often best to avoid overly trendy looks that might feel dated later. Stay true to what makes you feel beautiful and confident, and you’ll have images you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Your Makeup, Your Way

In the end, boudoir makeup is all about you. Whether you choose a simple and natural look, a bold and glamorous style, or something in between, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident. Boudoir photography is about capturing your unique beauty, so the makeup you choose should reflect your personal style and make you feel like the best version of yourself.

If you’re undecided on which look to choose or want to discuss your options, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We can chat about your ideas and help you select the perfect makeup for your boudoir shoot.