What foundation do you use on clients with textured skin that actually photographs well?
Posted by Anonymous
Hey y'all, I need some kit recommendations. I have a bridal party coming up next month and two of the bridesmaids have significant textured skin (acne scarring and some active breakouts).
I'm terrified of using something too matte that cakes up and makes the bumps look like a mountain range, but I also know that if I go too dewy, the studio flash is going to catch every single uneven surface and look super greasy on camera. What is your holy grail foundation for blurring texture while still looking absolutely flawless in photography?
Replies
Anonymous
Hands down, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk. It is the industry standard for a reason. It uses a patented micro-fil technology that essentially mimics the way silk fibers reflect light, so instead of settling into ice-pick scars or texture, it scatters the light away from them. It gives a satin finish that photographs beautifully under flash without a drop of flashback.
Another massive kit staple for textured skin is Estée Lauder Double Wear, but you have to change how you apply it. Do not just paint it on full strength. Mix a pump of it with a tiny drop of a facial oil or a hydrating serum on your palette. It thins out the heavy texture so it doesn't look cakey, but keeps that iron-clad, bulletproof staying power that you need for events.
Remember: Texture is a lighting problem, not a coverage problem. Use medium coverage to even out the color, and let a soft-focus setting powder do the heavy lifting for the actual smoothing.
Anonymous
L'Oréal Infallible 24H Fresh Wear: This stuff is a literal holy grail. It has a super thin, fluid consistency that completely prevents it from looking heavy or caking over texture, but the coverage is insane. It sets to a beautiful satin finish that looks like real skin under professional flash.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless: An absolute classic for a reason. The micro-powders in the formula genuinely help blur out the appearance of enlarged pores and texture bumps without drying out the skin. If a client is on the drier side but still has texture, just mix a tiny drop of a hydrating primer into it on your palette.
Anonymous
I just throw on some powder over whatever makeup they already are wearing, it's a secret I learned when I worked on tv sets.