Picture Perfect: How to Look Great in Photos

The holidays are packed with parties, family gatherings, and – whether you like it or not – photo ops. Want to stand out and look your best? Our guide to making the most of every shot.

Make Eyes Pop

Your eyes are often the first things people notice when they look at a photo. Play them up with dramatic shadows: for light eyes, try purple, gunmetal, and rust colors, while jewel-toned greens, blues, and bronzes make dark eyes pop.  For major definition, add dark liner close to the upper and lower lash lines and inside the lower rims. If your eyes are smaller, open them up with a thin, black line close to the upper lash line, and lightly curl your lashes. Finish with a coat of volumizing mascara like Benefit BADgal Lash and/or a few fake lashes for extra oomph.

Sculpt Your Features

Bright camera flashes can blow out your bone structure and make your face look flat. To maintain facial definition, sweep a soft line of bronzer from mid-ear to mid-cheek just below the cheekbone (we’re in love with Cargo’s version), and shade the area just above that with a highlighter like NARS Orgasm Illuminator. To slim or define your nose, streak foundation that’s one to two shades darker than your skin tone on either side of the bridge, blend well, and set with a light dusting of loose powder. Combat shine with blotting papers (try Tatcha’s), and make your smile stand out with a bold, red lip.

Skip the ‘Skinny Arm’ Pose

Instead, opt for good posture and the right angle. When you step in front of the camera, roll your shoulders back, stand up straight, and lift your chin to create a level eye line. This opens your face and chest to convey a sense of confidence, and eliminates the “double-chin” look. If you’re standing, turn your body to a 45-degree angle (avoid full-on profile) and gently bend one knee for a svelte silhouette. If you have pockets, put your hands in them for an instantly relaxed look. Your stance will say, “I’m confident,” instead of “I’m trying to look skinny!”

Express Yourself

Bottom line: The key to looking great in photos is to feel comfortable in front of the camera. Stick to clothing, hair, and makeup that make you feel confident. Photos that express real emotions and tell a story are the ones we tend to keep, so don’t be afraid to look silly, and – most importantly – have fun.

- By Larkin Clark

Photo Credit: Larkin Clark