Banish Cakey Makeup! 9 Steps to Perfect Photo Ready Skin
Desperate to avoid flaky and cakey makeup on the day of your photoshoot? It’s one of the biggest fears our clients’ express as we plan out their sessions.
Step one of course is getting you a phenomenal makeup artist — we have those in house, check! Step two is having a phenomenal skin care routine.
The truth is that when your skin is healthy and glowing, your makeup will naturally apply more seamlessly. After working with hundreds of clients and posing for many shoots myself, I’ve developed this foolproof, 9 step strategy to glowing, natural looking, photo ready skin every time.
Build the Perfect Skincare Foundation Starting Now
1. Stick to a Consistent Skincare Routine
Great skin doesn’t happen overnight! Prepping at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance can noticeably improve your skin’s texture, minimize pores, and create a flawless base.
A simple, effective routine is all you need. So don’t over-complicate it — your essentials are:
Gentle Face Wash: You want to use a gentle cleanser to removes dirt without stripping your skin barrier.
Cetaphil is a great option for this, and happens to be super affordable.
Moisturizer: Hydration keeps your skin plump and healthy, and can even help smooth the look of pores and fine lines.
This daily moisturizer from CeraVe is perfect.
Sunscreen: UV damage is not the vibe.
We love this daily sunscreen from Sun Bum — no flashback in photos, no pilling under makeup. Just smooth, affordable protection that lasts.
Retinol: We love retinol for boosting collagen, smoothing skin texture, fading dark spots, helping with acne, and giving skin that fresh, youthful glow over time.
For the most effective option by a long shot, go to a dermatologist and ask for a prescription — they want you to have it, I promise! If you’d rather shop over the counter, we’d recommend this one from The Ordinary.
2. Hydrate Like Your Skin Depends on It (Because It Does)
Drink more water than you think you need. Seriously! Hydrated skin is plumper, dewier, and healthier skin. If you want that effortless glow – one that’s literally free – start drinking like you’re a mermaid. The Mayo Clinic recommends about 10 to 15 glasses of water per day, but you can breeze through that with a good water bottle like this one.
The Night Before Your Session
3. Dermaplane for Ultra-Smooth Skin
Dermaplaning removes peach fuzz and dead skin making your foundation apply like silk. This gets rid of any patchy textures that may otherwise cause you to have cakey makeup! Use a single-blade razor and gently glide it over your skin. If you have areas where you want to keep peach fuzz or facial hair, just skip those spots!
4. Exfoliate (Gently!)
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and reveals fresh, radiant skin. There are two ways to do this:
Chemical Exfoliation: We love this exfoliant from The Ordinary — high quality, effective, and ridiculously affordable.
Physical Exfoliation: If you have sensitive skin and you must use a physical exfoliant, please be gentle. A soft washcloth or a little bit of sugar or salt is your best bet — avoid harsh scrubs that can cause irritation and uneven exfoliation.
Remember, over-exfoliation can do more harm than good, so don’t go overboard!
5. OPTIONAL: Steam for a Spa-Like Glow
This step is totally optional, but if you have time the night before your shoot, it’s a great way to prep your skin for maximum glow. Steaming helps to:
Soften your skin
Open up your pores for deeper product absorption
Boost your circulation for a natural glow
How to Steam your Face:
Fill a bowl with hot (but not boiling) water.
Drape a towel over your head and lean over the bowl for 5–10 minutes. Your perfect excuse to scroll TikTok.
Gently pat your face dry and follow up with your hydrating face mask.
6. Wash Your Face
We know this isn’t groundbreaking advice, but let’s be real — not everyone is religious about nighttime cleansing. Starting your routine with a clean slate is essential for flawless makeup application the next day.
7. Pamper Yourself with a Sheet Mask
Treat yourself to a deeply hydrating face mask to lock in moisture and give your skin an instant plump refresh before your shoot.
8. Moisturize
When your skin is well hydrated, it looks smoother, more plump, and more youthful. Moisturization can even erase some fine lines! Stick to simple, fragrance-free moisturizers — complicated formulas can sometimes be irritating.
The Day of Your Shoot
9. Cleanse, Moisturize, and Stick to the Basics
The fewer products on your skin, the better your makeup will adhere. Stick to the essentials:
Face wash
Moisturizer
Chemical sunscreen (more on that next)
10. Opt for a Chemical Sunscreen
There are two types of sunscreen: chemical and mineral. While mineral sunscreen is a great option for everyday use, it can cause a white cast under flash photography. To prevent this “ghost face” effect, opt for a chemical sunscreen, if only for today.
Bonus Tips!
A Dermatologist can zap away Emergency Pimples
If you wake up with a last-minute breakout the week of your shoot, don’t panic! Dermatologists can zap those pesky pimples with a quick injection.
The process takes seconds, barely hurts, and by the next morning the swelling will dramatically reduce or even disappear. Even better? It’s often covered by insurance since acne is classified as a medical issue, not just a cosmetic one.
If you’re prone to stress breakouts, it might be worth booking a quick dermatologist visit in advance for a few days before your shoot — just in case!
Don’t Experiment Right Before your Boudoir Photoshoot
Test all of your skincare products est it at least a few weeks in advance to ensure they don’t cause you any irritation. The night before your session is not the time for skincare experiments!
Your skin is boudoir photoshoot ready, but are you?
By following these simple skincare steps, you’ll ensure your skin looks radiant and healthy in front of the camera. No more cakey makeup emergencies!
Remember—everyone’s skin is different! Try out these steps in advance to see what works best for you.
Want even more tips to feel your absolute best before your boudoir session? Grab my free Ultimate Guide to Boudoir! It’s packed with posing tips, outfit inspiration, and confidence-boosting advice to help you feel prepared and empowered for your photo shoot.
And if you haven’t booked your session yet, we’d love to help you feel confident and stunning in your own skin. Contact us today to get started! ✨
