I am not a particularly photogenic individual, and yet most of the pictures you'll find of me are relatively flattering. Part of this is my tendency to swipe my friend's cameras and delete all the bad photos of myself, but mostly it's just wearing the right hair and makeup. The highlights of my arsenal:
Primers containing silicone improve skin's texture by softening fine lines and disguising pores. A matte foundation evens skin tone while keeping shine to a minimum, which a camera flash can really exacerbate! The Make Up For Ever HD Complexion Starter Kit offers incredible versions of both of these products, along with the HD Microfinish Powder, which adds a soft-focus finish.
Make Up For Ever is the same brand that made waves last year when they released a cosmetic ad with no retouching. These products are the special sauce they used to perfect the model's complexion.
Lip color frames your smile and keeps you from looking washed out in photos. I used to attempt re-applying lipstick every time someone pulled out a camera, but these days favor a lip stain that I can apply and forget about. Stila Lip & Cheek Stains have serious staying power, and come in both natural and vibrant shades.
Large, full, loose waves look good on most women. That's why they're the standard Victoria's Secret model hairstyle. Plus, voluminous hair can have a slimming effect. Steam rollers are a great way to get the look, but a good set can be hard to find.
Fortunately, Pro Beauty Tools recently partnered with the Twilight film franchise to create the Sparkle Ionic Steam Hairsetter. The set uses ionic technology for extra shine, and is much gentler on my hair than my regular hot rollers. I use mine EVERY DAY and I hate the &%$#@! Twilight movies. They're that good.
Nothing ages you in a photo like dark circles. The best disguise is a concealer that both covers and brightens the under eye area. Maybelline's Dreamlumi Touch is currently my highlighting concealer of choice. It's a highly pigmented, gel-based formula with impressive staying power, and it's mercifully affordable.
Most acne products are too drying for my adult complexion, so I stick to those that contain Glycolic and Salicylic Acids, like my beloved Cane + Austin Acne Treatment Pads. They gently exfoliate pore-clogging dead skin cells and increase skin's cellular turnover, leaving skin clear and glowing. And they work on chest and back acne, too.
Seriously. It's an instant facelift. Say cheese!