Professional makeup tips for your personal branding photo shoot

So you've booked your personal branding photo shoot with Pauliina - a chance to show the world that you’re a competent, approachable, effortlessly put-together professional. Your makeup goal for the photo shoot? To make people say, “Wow, you look amazing!” - not, “Wow, your makeup looks amazing.” You want to look like you at your absolute best, not like someone else entirely. Here’s how to make sure your makeup works for you, not against you, when the camera starts clicking.

SPF Is Your Friend... Except Today

Normally, SPF is a skincare essential (because sun damage is never a good look), but for photos? Skip it. Many SPF-infused moisturisers and foundations contain light-reflecting ingredients that can leave you looking like you’ve just jogged through a heatwave.

Powder: Use It Like a Pro, Not Like a Pastry Chef

Even if you don’t usually wear powder, today’s the day to make an exception. But precision is key - we’re not dusting flour over our faces like we’re baking sourdough.

Focus on areas that tend to get shiny - forehead, chin, around the nose, and under the eyes. But leave some glow on your cheeks! That touch of radiance keeps you looking fresh, not flat. And a pro tip: Some powders contain titanium dioxide, which can reflect light and make your face look paler than your neck - especially with flash photography. To avoid the dreaded floating head effect, dust a little powder down your neck and onto your décolletage if it’s visible.

Aim for “You, But Extra Polished”

This isn’t the time for a dramatic transformation. Think softness, approachability, and polish - not an entirely new face. Blending is your best friend - seriously, when in doubt, blend some more. Instead of sharp liquid liner, try a soft pencil or eye shadow smudged into the lash line for a seamless look. The same goes for eye shadow - keep everything diffused. Also, a quick PSA: Be mindful of warmth in brow and eye products. Anything too orange or reddish can look unnatural on camera. Stick to neutral or cool tones for balance.

Mind Your Brows, Lashes & Foundation

Your eyes are the focal point, and well-groomed brows frame them beautifully. Even if you’re not into heavy brow maintenance, a quick sweep of tinted brow gel can work wonders. Aim for natural definition - not over-sculpted. For lashes, volumising mascara (waterproof, if bright lights make you blink) will open up your eyes. If you want a bit more definition, subtle false lashes can be great - just nothing too dramatic unless bold is part of your personal brand. As for foundation? Matte is your friend. Dewy formulas may look gorgeous in person, but on camera, they often translate to unwanted shine. A satin-matte finish keeps you polished without looking flat.

Elevate Your Natural Features

Think of this as your everyday makeup - just slightly refined. A soft blush adds life, and a lip colour close to your natural shade pulls everything together. This isn’t the time to experiment with bold trends (unless it’s your thing). Classic, flattering shades will ensure your features shine without overpowering. And if something looks off? Don’t panic - just keep blending. Too much blush? Blend. Uneven eye shadow? Blend. When in doubt? Blend.

Or... Let a Pro Handle It

If the thought of doing your own makeup for such an important shoot makes you nervous, don’t stress - I’ve got you. When you book your photo shoot with Pauliina, you can add me, Sinéad, as your personal makeup artist. My job? To make sure you love how you look in your final photos. I don’t do one-size-fits-all makeup. I see what’s uniquely beautiful about your face (even the features you might overlook), and I bring that beauty forward in a way that feels natural, polished, and totally you. Think of me as your face’s biggest cheerleader, ensuring you feel incredible and camera-ready - without the stress. So if you’d rather sit back, relax, and let a pro handle it, I’d love to be part of your shoot day. Let’s make sure you look and feel amazing!

Final Thoughts

A great personal branding photo should make you feel confident, empowered, and recognisably you. The best makeup enhances what’s already amazing - without stealing the spotlight. So take a deep breath, relax those shoulders (seriously, you’re tensing them again), and get ready to shine - strategic powder and all.