Every woman wants flawless skin, especially in front of the camera. The brides and models I work with constantly ask for my opinion on the perfect foundation on the market. They know selecting the proper shade is critical but often don't realize that the formula they choose is actually even more important than the shade they choose. If you aren't familiar with photo-friendly foundations, I'll briefly explain what happens to foundations that aren't photo-friendly when photographed, then outline how to avoid purchasing them.
The typical foundation contains a high percentage of titanium dioxide, which functions as both a white pigment and sunscreen in many cosmetic products. If a foundation contains too much of this ingredient (or does not contain another ingredient that counteracts the mineral's "whiteness"), a camera's flash will reflect off the face and create hot spots--basically white or bright splotches. These foundations can even make women with very dark complexions turn purple, or make women of any skin tone look as though they have a white beard or mask. It's not a good look. And unfortunately you won't know if this will happen to you until you're in front of the camera.
Additionally women being photographed should avoid any foundations with labels that say luminous, light-reflecting, or dewy. Though these products look flawless on women with dry or aging skin in real life, they too can create hot spots where the flash picks up mica or similar light-reflecting ingredient. Furthermore, that flattering glow can look greasy or sweaty in pictures. Not cute.
When shopping for a photo-friendly foundation, I suggest heading to a large department store like Nordstrom or specialty boutique like Sephora where a sales assistant can guide you to the correct foundation, and you can try out plenty of options before you buy. A well-trained associate should know what's best for models, brides, etc. Occasionally you'll run across a rep who'll look at you like you've just told her you're a phoenix when you drop the term photo-friendly; in this instance, move on. Either her line does not cater to this demographic, or she lacks the expertise needed here. As a general rule, start with makeup artistry lines such as MAC or Laura Mercier, for example. These brands developed out of necessity in the fashion and beauty industry, and their choice in products aptly reflects this.
Also note that certain formulas tend to work better than others. I steer towards semi-matte, oil-free liquids with little or no SPF, which I apply over a primer and set with loose powder. (They glide smoothly over rough areas and blend seamlessly with all types of concealer.) While there are plenty of other great formulas available, I caution against using mineral makeup, which has the highest concentration of titanium dioxide. In addition, mineral makeups have the added dosadvantage it shares with most powder foundations: it collects in cakey patches on imperfections and fades unevenly throughout the day.
My next post will include a list of my favorite photo-friendly foundations with commentary on my selections. In the meantime, say cheese!
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... I went to a high end department store, asked for a photo friendly foundation, bought a 90$ pressed powder from Chanel and realized after using it a few times it didn't help at all, especially because of the Vitaluminescence property...
ReplyDeleteDamn, some cosmeticians don't understand a thing of what we ask for...