Do I have to wear lipstick for my shoot?
Today I’m joined by Make-up Artist Chrys Spaulding Chapman of https://www.chryschapman.com
Chrys has worked with me on lots of Personal Branding photoshoots, so I thought it would be great to get her advise on lipstick.
So this is your year, right?!
To be more boss. To attract your ideal client. In short, to be more visible.
There’s no replacement for putting yourself front and centre in your business to create that most evasive of assets — the know, like and trust factor. So how do you get your image to jump off the page or screen to capture attention?
There are endless tips and tricks around styling, hair and makeup to make the most of your branding photo sessions, but if you’re doing your own makeup, there’s one thing that can make a huge impact almost instantly. Lipstick.
When I deliver masterclasses and lessons to my clients one of the things that I try to explain is that wherever we place the darkest tones is where the emphasis of the photos will be translated. That’s why brows, lashes and lips are essential.
If you feel overwhelmed in a sea of colour when you go searching for your new favourite lippy, fear not. Here’s a quick few insights to get your lips photo ready and your image primed for popping.
Nude is fine, but death lip is no go.
I’m going to level with you. There is nothing that will wash you out (and make you look a little ill) faster than lips that are too pale. Your lips are meant to carry a little colour naturally. If you’re go-to favourite hue is lighter than your actual lip colour, wear it with your friends; wear it when you pop to the shops; wear it when you want your comfort colour, like your favourite loungewear; but please leave it at home for shoot day.
Do you remember when people were wearing actual concealer as lip stick? The thing is anything white based that blocks the natural colour of your lip will not only drain you, but also it leaves the majority of your face with a lack of emphasis and definition.
Notable exceptions include Claudia Winkleman who always wears a very light lipstick. So how does she pull this off? Her heavy fringe, sculpted cheek bones, full lashes and signature eyeliner offer an alternative focus and structure. Unless you are trying to achieve a similarly statement look, I would highly recommend finding a nude that at least matches the intensity of your natural lip colour to augment your features.
Meet my Frenemy, Pearl.
Pearlised finish finish lipsticks are a not so current trend that lots of people still love, but is almost guaranteed to age you and date your look. It only gets worse on a shoot day. The white toned finish will act like SPF on the skin, reflecting light, including your photographer’s flash — resulting in looking washed out, featureless and possibly out of mode. If you love a bit of sheen on your lips, opt instead for a luscious gloss instead.
Colour
I’m a huge advocate for wearing colour. Subtle colour. Bold colour. I throw colour around like confetti. However, I always think about my colour palette.
Choosing a lipstick colour that compliments your outfit, your own colouring and your other makeup choices is really important. I’m not advocating any matchy, matchy nonsense; just being coordinated. If your brand colour is red and your going for a red lip, try on different shades. Pinky red. Orange red. Pure pillar box red. They’re all very different and you can’t know what suits you unless you give them a go.
Top Tip: If you decide on a bold colour, also pop a little extra colour on cheek. You want them to be set at the same volume, though cheek wants to be more of a wash of colour, while your lip is the statement act.
Don’t want to invest in an extra product. You don’t need to! Apply lipstick liberally and use your ring finger to remove a little from lip and then pat on the apples of your cheeks. Voila. Custom cheek in a soft wash of colour.
Colour-Phobic? Find Your Sheer Bliss.
In addition to the full spectrum of colours available, as well as a myriad of textures, you can also choose how full you want to wear a colour on your lips. At one end of the spectrum you’ll find your liquid lipsticks and lip paints. That’s a whole lot of commitment.
Your sheerest, most subtle option is always going to be a gloss or a tinted balm and these can be really effective, but won’t give you much in the way of pigment payoff.
Lots of brands also offer an in between finish known as a Sheer Lipstick. Enough colour to give you a bit more than a tint but not as full a coverage as a true lipstick. These can be a great option if you don’t normally wear lip colour but you want lips to look defined in your photos, without being the main focus of your look.
Want to try one? Make a beeline to Space NK and try their own brand, Lipstick Queen. Their Denim Queen, which is blue on the bullet, and Frog Prince, which is green, turn a subtle berry or perfect pink respective by reacting to the Ph level of your skin; and offer a non sticky, glossy finish.
But Chrys, I hate lipstick. Do I have to wear lipstick for my shoot?
Of course you can. If the thought of anything on your lips is going to make you feel uncomfortable, that will definitely translate in your images. But I believe everyone can wear a little something.
At the very least, I recommend a bit of lip balm, like Dr. Lipp just so lips look nourished. Dry lips on your photos will look a bit lack lustre and unfinished. Additionally, just the act of apply your lip balm will perk of the natural colour of your lips.
If you’re unsure about wearing lipstick, pop to the shops and find a colour you’re attracted to and try in on. Wear it for a few hours, catching glimpses of yourself in mirrors and window. Take selfies — in different lights and from various angles. You may surprise yourself, and you will definitely start to get more comfortable with colour the more you practice.
I hope you’ve found these tips helpful and you feel a little more prepared for you photoshoot. If you’re in any doubt, get in touch with a pro. Now you’ve got one just a DM away. And that’s not just lip service (… sorry I couldn’t resist a good pucker pun).
You can find out more about Chrys:
Website – https://www.chryschapman.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ChrysChapman/
And when you’re ready, here are three ways that I can help you:
1) Visit my blog for tips on VISIBILITY.
Every week I discuss strategies to improve your visibility, get over your fear of visibility and my latest shoots. Read here
2) Plan a bespoke photoshoot.
We can plan a shoot based on what you actually need (read more) or you could join me at a Branding Day.
3) Join ‘Visibility School’.
Visibility school is a membership group where you get 12 months of photoshoots, a fab little Facebook group and lots of bonus content too (new for 2024 members) . Read
