I've received some mails,
found this 'simple tips to have the
picture-perfect look' rather interesting.

Thought I'll share with you guys..




1. Take the shine off



The camera flash has a tendency to exaggerate the shiny parts
of your face. "If there is any sheen to the face,
it will look too shiny and reflective in the photographs,"
explains Robert Jones, author of Makeup Makeovers.
If you have a combination or oily complexion,
prep your face with an oil-control primer before makeup,
so your face stays matte.



2. Even out your skintone



A concealer can even out blemishes,
take your complexion from tired to youthful,
and provide an overall glow which the camera loves.

"You should choose the same shade of concealer
as your foundation, or a shade or two lighter
if you have truly dark undereye circles," says Jones.
If you want to disguise an angry zit or red spots on the face,
go for a yellow-based formula which helps counteract any redness.

Using either a concealer brush or your ring finger,
apply a dab along the lower lashes to the innermost
corner of your eyes and the hollows of the nose and gently blend.



3. Wear the right foundation shade



Wearing a foundation that matches your skin tone exactly
is one of the most important rules to capture a great yet natural shot.

The right foundation shade should blend into your jawline
seamlessly and invisibly. Test out by applying a stripe of
foundation near your jaw and blend under natural lighting
for the most true-to-skin shade.

Dot foundation on your forehead, nose, and chin and
carefully blend outward with a makeup wedge,
foundation brush or fingertip. Set foundation with
loose powder for a smooth, velvety finish.


4. Colors for studio shoots



If you are taking your photos indoors with strong lightings,
all the brightness tends to make your features look flatter.
The solution: Stronger, more dramatic colors will give a
flattering 3-dimensional effect and make your features pop.

* Highlight your brow bones to create lively eyes.
* Apply blush to emphasize cheekbones and eyeliner to make eyes look larger.
* Wear a darker eyeshadow.
* Opt for a richer lip color and top with gloss.

"I have found that lips with a bit of shine to them photograph
more beautifully because the shine gives them
dimension in a photo," says Jones.



5. Colors for outdoors




For an outdoor shoot, lighter colors look gorgeous yet natural.
It's best to avoid super-dark shades as this can
look too harsh in daylight.
Try softer eyeshadows that are matte or barely shiny --
great options are pink, lilac, peach and beige.

For blush, powder formulas tend to photograph best.
Make sure your blush has a matte finish.
"If it has too much shimmer, it will also look
too shiny in the photos," says Jones.
Opt for a blush in the rose or pink family if you have
fair to medium skin and choose rosy-plum shades if you are tan.

For your lips, pick a creamy lipstick that mimics
your natural lip color.




Adapted from ShoppingLifestyle2009