Makeup and Family Photos
With the gorgeous Jacqueline Smith from JLS Makeup
I recently met Jac when I did one of her workshops with a group of friends to celebrate a special occasion. While Jac happens to be a friend of a friend’s, I have (coincidently) been following her for quite some time and have seen her do the most beautiful makeup on some of Brisbane’s most Insta-famous ladies, like Stace McGregs and Brooke Falvey.
As a photographer, I often get asked questions about what I recommend in the way of makeup for family photos. I believe that when you feel great, it shows in your photos… whether that means doing your makeup yourself or having it done for the occasion - do what makes you feel great.
So, for ladies who are considering having their makeup done for a shoot, who better to get advice from than a professional makeup artist with over 17 years in the biz and an absolute master in her field!
Over to Jac to answer some of my most frequently asked questions!
[I’ve also directly linked some of the products that Jac recommends for ease of finding them! I am in no way affiliated with any of these stores - just trying to make it is as easy as possible for you to find her recommendations!]
I don’t usually wear much makeup - what would you suggest I definitely use on the day?
My go-to products to get me out the door in the morning with very limited time to apply makeup would be:
It Cosmetics CC Cream - Great coverage, illuminating base that is great for the skin and includes SPF
Stila Cosmetics Cream Blush in Peony - apply on cheeks, lips and eyes for a natural flush of colour
Hourglass Mascara to open and define my eyes
I like to fill and define my brow quickly with a brown powder
and then finish off with a little Paw Paw or lip balm on my lips.
Makeup by Jac
My shoot is going to be outdoors - is it best to wear an SPF or not?
I generally try and steer clear of using a foundation with an SPF in it if my clients are doing a photo shoot with a photographer using a direct flash whilst taking their photos because it tends to reflect in photos and make their face appear whiter than it is. SPF is a great additional for any day-to-day foundation but for shoots its a no-go!
I really like my makeup to look natural - is going with a nude lip a good or bad idea for photos?
I love a nude lip but ideally try to pick something with even a slight bit of colour so you don’t appear too washed out and pale in your photos. Your face will have better definition if you line your lips and use a slight tint on them - it doesn’t have to be a bold colour choice.
If you could recommend a lip stick colour (and brand?) that looks good on everyone - what would it be?
Oh this is such a hard one! Everyone has their own favourites and preferences for their skin tone and colouring, but some of my favourite shades include:
MAC - Yash (I love a nude lip!)
I also love all the NARS lip products
Make up by Jac
My complexion can sometimes be a little bit on the oily side - how can I make sure I don’t look too shiny in photos?
A few things you could do would be to wear a mattifying primer under your foundation. Also carry a translucent blotting powder with you to dust over your t-zone if you start to get a bit shiny. This will mattify everything without adding extra thick layers of make up.
Final advice…
I get so many ladies through my doors who have booked in to get natural hair and makeup done for professional photos - which includes maternity shoots and family photos.
I think it is so important because these photos are going to last a lifetime and you want to look back on them knowing you felt at your most confident and beautiful.
Makeup does not have to be applied heavily or alter how you look. I apply it very naturally to enhance your already gorgeous features in a way that will define and make them stand out in your beautiful family photos!