I recently received a really great beauty-related question from an Instagram follower who is a model. I thought it would make an interesting blog post because I’ve been asked this often.

Q: When I have to do my own makeup for a photoshoot, what is the best foundation for photoshoots?

A: Let’s talk about natural light first, and then move onto flash photography.

If the photographer is using natural light, feel free to use a makeup that has an SPF so that you are protecting your skin from the sun. One of my favorite foundations is MAC’s Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15. It has a beautiful matte finish with a medium coverage that is buildable. This foundation has a variety of shades, so you are likely to find one that matches perfectly.

You can also find some great foundations with SPF at the drug store. Try using Rimmel London Match Perfection Foundation SPF 15. For a lighter look and feel, use Maybelline Fit Me! Foundation SPF 18.

For flash photography, I would recommend avoiding foundations with any trace of SPF because it can cause flashback. Flashback is when you take a photo and your face shows up lighter in the photo than it actually is. The ingredients that can cause this “whitening effect” are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. This doesn’t mean that all SPF foundations will cause this moon type glow; foundations with a lower SPF may be ok, but I still would stay clear just to be safe.

If you have a current favorite foundation that doesn’t contain SPF, then stick with it! If not, then try using NARS Sheer Matte Foundation or Make Up For Ever HD Foundation. I also really like the Cream Foundation from MUD because you can get a nice light sheer look to a flawless full coverage if needed. All of these are beautiful foundations to use when being photographed!

Have fun at your photoshoots! 🙂

♥ Debra Johnson Makeup Artist Orange County, California

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