As a professional bridal hair and makeup artist I also get called upon to provide makeup and hair for the engagement photo shoot.
This is different from the wedding makeup and hair, and the emphasis is also looking gorgeous in photos. Take a look at my tips for getting gorgeous makeup and hair for your engagement shoot.
Are engagement pictures necessary?
It’s not a frivolous idea to have an engagement photo shoot. This is an important step to announcing your wedding to friends and family, and to get used to the idea of being in front of the camera as a couple!
Consider this a trial run for being photographed on your wedding day. Also it’s the best opportunity to test out your beauty stylist’s makeup artistry and hairstyling to see how it will look in photos.
What is an engagement photo session?
An engagement photo session is a portrait session of you and your future spouse. This is a very important way to celebrate this important milestone in your life: of becoming engaged and preparing for wedding day.
The period of time that a couple spends engaged is usually short, and is a very special and romantic period in life. It really should be celebrated, commemorated, and shared with friends and family.
What is a vintage engagement shoot?
A vintage engagement photoshoot is the same as a regular engagement shoot, but with a vintage theme. Consider having your hair styled by a vintage makeup and hair stylist, and choose some vintage style clothing.
You can have these photos take at a photo studio that specializes in vintage photos and has vintage sets, or you can shoot somewhere historic in your city: consider a vintage train station or city hall.
When should you take your engagement photos?
Engagement photos are usually taken a couple months after getting engaged. It’s also important to have this trial run with your photographer, to make sure that he or she really “gets” you as a couple.
After all, it’s likely that this will be your wedding photographer as well, and you really need to get comfortable together, and to see how you work together before the wedding itself.
What is the point of an engagement shoot?
Once again, this is the time to get to know your wedding photographer. It’s also your opportunity to get comfortable as a couple in front of the camera, so that by the time your wedding day arrives you will be a pro.
It’s also very important to give a trial run to your makeup and hair person: it’s crucial to see how the makeup and hair will look on camera so that modifications can be made for the big day.
Should I get engagement shoot makeup and hair for my photos?
I always recommend having a professional do your makeup and hair for your engagement photo session. It gives you a chance to preview the look of the hair and makeup artist’s look, and see if you like it, that it wears well, and especially if it looks good in photos.
The bridal makeup and hair should look gorgeous in pictures, since these will be memories for your lifetime.
How should I do my engagement shoot makeup and hair?
An engagement photo shoot is somewhere between casual everyday and your wedding day. It should look dewy, glowing and luminous, with a little bit of drama, but not overly done.
The most glamorous version of you should be saved for your wedding day, as you will want to take everyone’s breath away when you walk down the aisle.
What makeup is best for an engagement shoot?
Engagement photo shoot makeup styles can definitely vary, and it depends on what time of the year you are shooting, what the theme of your wedding is, and also where you are shooting the engagement shots. Is it casual at a park? Or elegant somewhere by some classic architecture? Is it old Hollywood glamour, or bohemian?
Still , there are some constants that go well with ANY engagement shoot.
It’s looking good on camera!
I can’t emphasize enough; avoid drugstore products. They don’t last, and they won’t look as lush on camera as the more pro brands. Anyway, this once in a lifetime event isn’t the time to skimp!
Go for some light, fresh, dewy skin. For a natural looking glowing foundation, I love Nars Sheer Glow Foundation. It’s light and dewy and gorgeous, and comes in a wide variety of tones.
Bold eyelashes! Now, choose a waterproof formula because, you never know, there may be a few tears of joy! Choose a luxurious brand for long, luxurious eyelashes. You can’t beat Christian Dior waterproof mascara.
- A new waterproof version for long lasting effect.
- Effectively thickens, prolongs & curves lashes.
- Gives your lashes fullness, length & volume.
- With a curved XXL brush & a silvery metal case.
- A must-have item for creating a glamorous look.
And gorgeous lips: whether its a pop of bright color or something more neutral. Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick. It is long lasting and kiss proof (which you will probably be doing in the photos), and is not drying to the lips. It is just gorgeous and comes in so many colors.
Eyes can be shimmery: and you can go a bit smoky, or more nude, but don’t be afraid of a little drama. My absolute favorite eye shadow palette: Too Faced The Chocolate Bar Eye Palette. Luxurious, laberable and richly pigments eye shadows in mouth watering colors.
How to prepare for your engagement shoot:
- Schedule Frequent Manicures. Get ready: As soon as you get engaged, everyone is going to ask to see your ring. …
- Whiten Your Teeth.
- Eat Healthier.
- Get Active.
- Lift Weights.
- Pack a Day-of Bag.
- Prep Your Face.
- Get that Healthy Glow.
How should I do my makeup for professional pictures?
Nowadays we are on camera more than ever, and having glamorous makeup and hair and looking beautiful in video and photos is of the utmost importance.
Step #1: Try a natural looking foundation that matches well, and don’t skimp on the concealer!
As above, I recommend Nars as it comes in gorgeous colors, and looks natural in real life, yet reacts beautifully with lights for photography.
Concealer is the top trick for gorgeous photo makejup! Try a lighter shade under the eye and near the tear duct: this will brighten the eye and make you look so glowy in photos!
Step #2: Don’t forget the contouring
Contouring was designed for photos, and looks best in photography (Looks less appropriate during the day at the supermarket.) You can take off years and add beautifully soft structure to your face. Again I recommend the Lorac Pro Contour Palette & Contour Brush, Multi.
This will add warmth and a glow, as people tend to look a bit washed out in photos.
Step #3: Color me blushed!
Once again, people do tend to wash out in photos, and adding blush some not only adds youth, but will give your face a pretty glow. For photos I recommend Mac Mineralized in Warhttps://amzn.to/2PthLM9m Soul. This looks natural in person, but gives a very subtle warm color glow to your face.
Step #4: Line the upper inner rim of your eye
This makes the eyelashes look so long! As we age the eyelids tend to look extra thick, so lining the inner rim of the upper eye really does take off 10 years. This is one of my top tricks. The best eyeliner pencil? Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil.
Rich, thick, pigmented, and available in so many colors.
Step #5: Open up those eyes and make them look so big!
Mascara can be your best friend in this department. Once again I recommend Pat McGrath Labs Fetish Eyes Mascara
- thick brush applicator
- this mascara lengthens, curls, and adds lots of volume.
I hope this information was helpful for your engagement shoot planning, and your makeup and hair choices for your wedding day. Whether you do your own makeup and hair for your engagement shoot, or you choose a professional hair and makeup artist, if you follow some of my tips above you will engagement pictures that will delight you for a lifetime.
Hi there! My name is Stacy Lande, and I am a Los Angeles based hair and makeup artist. I have been transforming women into the most glamorous versions of themselves for their weddings and events since 2009.
