Make the Most of Your Eyes | Senior Makeup Tips

I think I heard someone say once that the eyes are like a window to the soul… As a photographer, I definitely understand that sentiment…eyes hold a ton of power in a photograph, and I always encourage my senior clients to accentuate their natural color, since it really makes them pop and be a focal point.

As you know, we love Mary Kay around here; their rich pigments and pretty hues work well with a range of skin tones and eye colors, and they have a great little list called The Keys of Color, and you can find one more tutorial here:

Ivory complexions work well with a range of neutrals, cool purples, reddish browns and blue-greens. For a more dramatic look, deep greens and taupes or warm purples also can be used.  Beige skin tones can be complemented with taupes, tawnies, greens, warm browns and deep plums. Charcoal gray, navy or deep purple are perfect for a striking evening look.  Bronze skin tones use deep or dark browns, deep greens such as forest green or charcoal grays. Dramatic looks are best created with dark purple, dark brown or charcoal.  When choosing eye shadows that bring out the color of your eyes, pick shades that either complement or contrast your irises.  Blue eyes radiate with warm browns, bronze, copper and other shades with similar orange undertones.  Green eyes look great in purples, plums and taupes.  Hazel eyes stand out in shades of deep greens and lavenders and shades with soft yellow undertones.  Brown eyes look gorgeous in any color, especially purples, pinks, grays or blues. Source: The Keys to Color

I also loved this little article from one of the biggest bloggers in the fashion world, Cara, about picking eyeshadow colors. Cara always has runway-ready makeup…though her personal style may be a bit heavy for my senior clients, her techniques are amazing and look ready for a photoshoot. You can find her article about complementary and analogous colors here.  Cara has a look that is inspired by editorial fashion blogs, so her looks focus on heavy contouring and shading.

Remember, that your makeup doesn’t need to be heavy to be glamorous. With just a few of the right colors and highlights, you can look ready for your session without feeling like you don’t look like you. The main focus on makeup is truly to get your natural look just a touch more polished so the lights and lens from the camera don’t wash you out.

If you’re thinking about professional makeup for your shoot, or trying to decide what colors will flatter your eye color, remember that I and my team are always available to help you. I have lots of resources to help you as you move through the process. Call me today!

Paige Pearson Photography is one of the premiere senior photographers in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area. She specializes in seniors, teens, and business collaborations.