Boudoir photography is a chance for individuals to feel empowered and self-confident. Some may believe Boudoir is the equivalent of a Victoria’s Secret fashion show, but it’s really much more intimate, personal, and tasteful.
Boudoir photoshoots allow you to explore your comfort zone and boost your confidence by experimenting with different styles of lingerie and even makeup looks. You can express your personality and vision through your makeup and enhance the mood you want to create. Think of makeup as the ultimate tool to highlight your best features!
However, boudoir makeup and everyday makeup are very different. You’ll want to apply pops of color and use techniques that allow your makeup to show up perfectly on camera for the best effect. Boudoir makeup will use more products or look more intense than daily makeup.
So, what are the best boudoir makeup ideas? The best boudoir makeup ideas should always make you feel comfortable in your own skin. Also, boudoir makeup can have a certain classic focus such as sultry, smokey eyes, or a powerful statement lip.
Boudoir makeup can range from dramatic and glamorous to natural and playful. You may find that boudoir makeup uses colors and techniques that may not usually be in your routine. However, it provides a beautiful opportunity to amp up the passion.
What Is Boudoir?
Boudoir photography can tap into your intimate and romantic side. Boudoir is a French term that translates to a private sitting room, bedroom, or salon. Unfortunately, most people may confuse Boudoir with just any skimpy photoshoot.
However, the primary purpose of Boudoir is to create an elegant, intimate setting that empowers your sense of self. It can be an exciting and experimental time to portray the best version of yourself in a comfortable atmosphere.
Besides boosting your confidence, Boudoir photos can also make excellent anniversary or Valentine’s Day gifts for a trusted significant other when you want to give them something intimate and personal.
You can choose a photographer that specializes in Boudoir or find someone you’re comfortable with to take a few glamor shots!
How Does Boudoir Makeup Differ From Normal Makeup?
What’s the difference between boudoir makeup and ordinary, everyday makeup? Boudoir makeup is usually heavier because makeup for tv, film, and photos often requires a lot of layers so it can show up beautifully on camera.
Boudoir makeup tends to focus on statement looks, whether a smokey eye, red lip, or another look that’s not worn daily. Everyday makeup enhances your natural beauty, but it may not always look the best on camera.
Best Boudoir Makeup Looks
What is the best makeup look for boudoir? Ultimately, the best makeup looks are whatever you feel the most comfortable wearing. However, what if you want to create a makeup look that pairs well with classic boudoir photography?
You can choose from an array of styles like smokey or natural. Also, you can incorporate various hues in your look that mimic the vision you desire. Boudoir makeup looks we’ll mention are suitable for all skin tones!
Makeup is customizable, and you can adapt any technique to suit your features in the best way!
Style
What if you don’t know where to start when creating your perfect Boudoir makeup look? First, you can look at popular makeup styles that are usually applied in boudoir photoshoots. You can stick to a certain style or adapt it to fit your needs.
Each style has a stand-out element that appears well on camera and feels sultry. Some popular boudoir makeup styles include dramatic, glamorous, and natural. So how do you know which boudoir makeup style is for you?
Smokey & Dramatic
A boudoir photoshoot is the perfect opportunity to try an intense makeup look.
Dramatic makeup styles can show up well on camera and create a stunning contrast between the delicate garments worn in boudoir photoshoots.
For example, you can opt to try a smokey eye for intensity.
A smokey eye can be done with multiple shades, but it’s commonly done with various black, gray, or brown hues. It’s a beautiful look if you want to bring all the attention to your eyes.
Here’s a great tutorial for a dramatic smokey eye look from Stephanie Lange on YouTube.
Natural or Clean Girl Makeup
You can also take a more natural or “clean girl” approach to Boudoir.
However, natural, in this case, isn’t natural like everyday makeup, and you’ll still be wearing a lot of product for a minimal appearance. Think of natural boudoir makeup as a soft glam style.
Natural boudoir makeup can include nude lips, a shimmery champagne eyeshadow, or light brown hues.
You may also decide to focus on your base makeup by chiseling your cheeks with contour or creating an airbrushed effect.
Here’s a great tutorial from BlissfulBril on YouTube.
Old School Hollywood Glamour
Finally, you may decide to try the old-school Hollywood glamour makeup or a pin-up style.
This makeup style is also universal for all face shapes, eye shapes, and skin tones. It’s a classic and timeless look that is a go-to for many boudoir photoshoots.
Old school Hollywood glamor often involves a bright red lip and winged liner for a sultry but striking makeup style.
It also photographs well and can be paired with a wide range of boudoir lingerie.
Here’s a great tutorial from MakeUp by Annalee on YouTube.
Ideal Makeup Shades For Boudoir
Now that you’ve chosen a particular style that resonates with your boudoir shoot, what makeup shades should you reach for to bring your vision to life? Most boudoir shoots stick to a color palette of neutral tones and hues for contrast.
Some boudoir photoshoots are shot in black and white, another reason why many looks stick to a neutral color palette. It can be challenging to incorporate color if you’re shooting in black and white, but neutrals can create a flattering finish.
Red
Red is one of the most common colors incorporated into boudoir makeup. Also, you’ll often see a red lip in boudoir photography because it creates a luxurious, timeless, and flirty effect. Red lipstick is a bold statement for any makeup look.
You can also adapt the traditional red lip to fit your vision. For example, maybe you want to opt for a stained red lip that looks blurred and bitten rather than a nicely-drawn opaque red lipstick. It pairs well with natural and dramatic eye looks.
Nudes
You can never go wrong with multiple shades of nude. Nude is often referred to as a bright, pinky-pale shade, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Nude encompasses a wide range of skin tone colors that create minimal results.
For example, dark brown, tan, and sand represent various nude shades. So, how can you find the right nude for you? You can match any nude lipstick or eyeshadow to your skin tone to achieve a flawless finish for your boudoir photoshoot.
Taupes
Another common makeup hue to reach for is taupes or cool-toned browns. These shades can be the most transformative in your boudoir makeup because they can sculpt the face and eyes for a chiseled effect. It can also double as a contour.
These cool-toned shades are what help create contrast and depth in your face, especially if you’re shooting your boudoir makeup in black and white. Also, there is a cool-toned brown or taupe product for all skin tones.
Black
Black is a staple shade for eye makeup looks and it’s extremely versatile.
You can use a black eyeshadow all over the lid for an intense smokey eye. Or you can apply a tiny bit of black shadow to the outer corner of your eye to create depth and dimension.
Black kohl pencil eyeliners are beginner friendly and help create a grungy or messy effect for your boudoir makeup. This is an excellent technique to try because you don’t have to be precise with your eyeliner and it achieves a lived-in look.
Metallics
Another way to bring drama and dimension to any boudoir makeup look is with metallics. For example, you may opt for a glittery or duochrome eyeshadow. Also, you can apply a sparkly highlighter or an iridescent lip gloss.
Metallic hues will help add a textural element to any makeup look, especially if you feel like your makeup can easily fall flat. It’s also more likely to stand out on camera. There are multiple ways to incorporate metallics into your makeup look.
Pink
Finally, you can opt for pink hues in your makeup. This will be an excellent color to apply, especially if you want to take a more natural approach to boudoir makeup. Pink is a wonderful shade for blush and lipstick to create a lively effect.
Also, there are multiple undertones and hues of pink, so you can find one that matches your skin tone the best. Pink will help create a flushed-from-within look that looks youthful and playful for any boudoir makeup look.
Boudoir Makeup Ideas
What other makeup ideas can you incorporate into your boudoir makeup look? You can add any element to your makeup that enhances your features and makes you feel the most confident in front of the camera.
Also, if you’re working with a professional makeup artist, make sure to hold an in-depth consultation regarding what look you want to achieve.
They may recommend adding certain elements that you may not have thought of that can be flattering for boudoir. If your boudoir shoot is particularly special you can also hold a trial session with your makeup artist.
Winged Liner
Winged liner is a go-to eye look for any photoshoot, including Boudoir. Also, winged eyeliner can be adapted to any eye shape if you want to achieve a sultry finish. This feline flick can be as thin or thick as you would like in your boudoir photos.
Winged liner can be applied to the upper lash line, or you can connect it all around the eye for added drama. Black eyeliner creates the most impact and contrast if you plan to shoot your boudoir photos in black and white.
False Eyelashes
Another way to add flare, drama, and dimension is with fake eyelashes!
Also, you can spend less time applying eyeshadow and eyeliner if you want a natural effect and let the lashes do all the talking. Or, you can add lashes to create an all-out smoke show!
False eyelashes can be easily customizable to any finish. You can use them to fill in your lash line or completely transform your eye shape.
Also, you can get creative and add falsies to the lower lash line if you want to mimic a 60s makeup style.
Matte Skin
Matte skin may not be suitable for all skin types, but it’s worth trying temporarily for a boudoir photoshoot. Matte skin can minimize shine and create a more natural effect within photos. You can also opt for a satin-matte skin finish.
This skin tip will ensure you look airbrushed in photos without looking dry or flat. In addition, you can combine matte powder with hydrating creams for extra depth.
Glossy Lips
Glossy lips are an excellent way to bring texture into your makeup look. It’s common for faces to fall flat in front of the camera, but adding texture can create a 3D result. Also, glossy lips can be in any shade you desire, like pink, nude, or red.
Gloss is simple to apply and can easily be used as a prop for your boudoir photoshoot.
Boudoir Makeup Tips For The Camera
A makeup artist will know how to apply cosmetics in a flattering way on camera, even if it looks over the top in real life. However, what if you’re applying your own makeup and you want to ensure it will look flawless in photos?
There are a few tips to keep in mind when applying makeup for a photo shoot, especially for Boudoir, to maintain a specific vision.
Avoid Mineral SPF or White Powder
One thing that many people dread in photos is flashbacks. Flashbacks can make your face look ghostly white, gray, or too bright. It’s often not flattering in photos and challenging to edit out. So, how can you avoid flashbacks in the first place?
First, avoid applying a mineral SPF under your makeup because it can enhance that unwanted white cast. Also, avoid white powders and stick to a translucent powder or one you know photographs well.
Touch-Up In Between Shots
Don’t be shy with your photographer and ask to see your photos in between takes. This allows you to see how your makeup looks on camera, and it can tell you where to adjust your makeup if needed.
For example, maybe you need an extra layer of bronzer for dimension, or you find out your lipstick is fading. Touch-ups between shots ensure you keep a flawless face.
Consider Your Boudoir Outfit
Finally, always consider what you wear during your boudoir shoot! Will you have one outfit or multiple looks within your photoshoot? You can also adapt and change your makeup for every boudoir look you decide to photograph.
You may also decide to match your makeup accordingly with your outfit. It may be helpful to discuss your outfit changes with your photographer and makeup artist if you choose to have a complete professional team.
Takeaway
Makeup is an experimental tool that should boost your creativity and help you highlight your best features. Boudoir shoots are often intimate and sultry, so you may decide that you want your makeup to reflect the same mood.
Some common makeup styles used in Boudoir are dramatic smokey eyes, bold red lips, or natural/soft glamour. Popular makeup shades in Boudoir are neutrals, black, red, and pink to give an array of drama and sultriness.
These shades help create contrast, depth, and dimension, which is essential for boudoir photography, especially if you choose to shoot in black and white.
You can adapt any style to fit your features for a flattering finish, and remember that makeup can be fun! So, which boudoir makeup style will you be trying?
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