—Mina Flores
I know what it’s like to be on those outdoor location shoots. Apart from braving the searing sun and humid weather, we are also exposed to dirt, dust and smoke. In just a few hours, our skin turns shiny, hair becomes greasy and we’re pretty much drenched in sweat.
And though this may be just another day in the life of a photographer, you’re right—you should still find ways to look fresh and pretty.
Other than having an extra change of clothes and a mini-towel to keep you dry, you can work with stylish but functional hair and makeup looks for days when you have to rough it. I know—how can you possibly wear makeup when you can’t even stay five minutes outside without sweating? Well, I’m not suggesting you wear a full face of heavy makeup, but use a few products to help keep oiliness at bay. A hair and makeup plan is in order. Read on to get yourself acquainted with the best.
Hair
Braid it. Braids are a hair trend that’s been dashing in and out of the “it” list from season to season. It doesn’t matter what kind of braids you choose to wear—loose or tight, small or big, messy or clean. They add style to your look in an instant, and yes, you can wear them even on a hot day.
Before you pull your hair into a ponytail (again), try experimenting with braids. You’ve got lots of options: Choose easy side braids that turn into a chignon, or simply turn that ponytail into a clean plait. In an instant, you can look polished or boho-chic, depending on your look for the day.
Try a top knot. It’s a hairstyle that looks equally great at the gym and on the red carpet.
Getting the top-knot, ballerina-inspired bun right is easy: Flip all of your hair toward your face (it helps if you bend forward) and gather until you’ve created a high ponytail. Make it a clean bun by using a brush to smoothen out hair, or try a messy, textured knot by combing hair with just your fingers. When you’ve secured the ponytail, twist the hair onto itself until it coils and creates a bun (again, you can choose to make it loose or tight). Secure the bun with hairpins or use an elastic band. Mist hairspray as needed, or a dollop of styling gel.
Makeup
Keep it matte. A makeup primer or base is usually what’s recommended to be worn under your foundation or powder because it makes skin matte, helps absorbs oil and sweat and prevents makeup from melting.
You can use the primer in three ways, depending on the product you choose: alone, with a layer of loose powder, or underneath your foundation or makeup. In your case, I suggest looking for a mattifying primer or powder gel which you can use with or without makeup. This should give your skin a smooth, velvety complexion, minimize pores and help control oil production so your skin remains shine-free for hours.
Add a little color. A way to instantly look fresh without having to pile on the makeup is to apply cheek tint. Fresh, natural and easy, it gives skin a healthy dose of color and isn’t torture to wear at an outdoor shoot.
A little goes a long way, usually. Dot equal amounts of tint on each cheek and spread quickly on the apples of your cheeks. This should last a long time. But if you should need a touch-up, blot your skin with oil-absorbing paper first, then reapply.
Got a beauty question? E-mail the author at ask.kellymisa@gmail.com