How to Do Camera-Ready Makeup, According to the Pros

Whether you’re prepping for a wedding, red carpet, or just a night out with your friends who really love taking pictures—it goes beyond a good matte powder or setting spray, according to the pros. We tapped professional makeup artists to get their best tips for making sure makeup is camera-ready, because they know a thing or two about photo shoots, of course—always. Get their tricks for instantly Instagram-ready makeup—no FaceTune necessary—below.

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Moisturized Skin Is a Must

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In case you haven’t heard by now: As a makeup wearer, a good setting spray should be your best friend. Nothing will lock in your makeup longer for all-night wear, even through blinding camera flashes.

“My tip with applying setting spray is actually spraying it on a foundation brush, and then moving it gently over the skin,” Dean says. “It really sets everything and locks it in.” (And here I’ve been, just spraying it directly onto my face).

He recommends Make Up For Ever’s Mist & Fix Hydrating Setting Spray to get your final look locked, loaded, and ready for action.

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Take a Picture With Flash Before Heading Out the Door

This one’s easy: Before you hit the red carpet (or your party with Instagram-story enthusiasts), test things out by taking a photo with flash. If you notice you used too much powder, simply sweep it off—or if you realize you need a little more, well, get that brush goin’.

Also, keep in mind that the camera flash can wash you out—so it might be a good idea to apply a little more here and there than usual to make sure you look as healthy and flushed as you do IRL. “A little extra bronzer, blush, or both definitely won’t hurt,” Barragan says.

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