Picture Perfect Q&A

        Ask Gigi!
Q: My prom photograph made me look like a ghost!  What did I do wrong?
A: Most concealers and  foundations, are created to cover the skin with pigment (color). This color reflects light differently than bare skin. If you wear thick concealer or foundation, it will bounce more light from the flash than the areas that have no makeup. This can make your face looking mask-like in your photo. Makeup Artist Tip: Stick with the sheerest possible foundation for best results.  DIY: If you already have the perfect color simply add a light moisturizer or sunscreen  to your current foundation to make it sheer. Or if  you have oily skin, add a bit of your preferred toner or astringent to your foundation to make it sheer and reduce shine.  

Q: Do I need to change my makeup for my prom photo?
A. No. If you have the correct makeup color for your complexion, you only need to wear your normal tint. You may, however, wish to add a little more blush or a slightly darker shade of lipstick, because the flash tends to wash out some of the color in the photograph. Carry a couple oil absorbing sheets with you to use right before the shoot.

Q: What about acne?
A: First of all, make sure you have done all you can to solve the problems that cause acne to begin with! Here's how to get rid of acne once and for all.  If you get a surprise zit follow this advice. Don't pick. It causes swelling, reddening and skin damage. Use an invisible oil-free blemish treatment on the spot only.  Use a teensy bit of concealer on the spot, blending in without rubbing. Be sure to  ask the photographer snap your photo from your best side. Our favorite concealer: Concealer Plus by proactiv because it's made to blend with your own skin and it's medicated, meaning it works on healing the zit all day or all night long!  

Q. My friends and I are going to an early dinner before the prom. Do we need to wear different makeup for our daytime fun than for the low lighting of the prom?
A. No. Foundation should be used only to even out your skin tones, blending away any blotchiness or redness to make your skin look clear and smooth. Put your makeup on so it looks good in daylight, so your pre-prom photos look fabulous, too. Go e-z on the eye makeup and use a sheer tint gloss for the lips. Later, you can layer on  a slightly darker shade of lip-tint, if you wish. Think fresh and sweet, like you.! 

Q: What is the best type of foundation for my skin type?
A: Again, first make sure you address all the steps for great skin care.  These tips hold true whether or not you have acne, but if you do, there's help. Any makeup you put on your face must  be proven to be non-comedogenic.  What that means is they won't promote more breakouts! Another thing you want to look for is protection from the sun, so if you have normal to dry skin you might want to try Sheer Tint Moisture from Proactiv which has a SPF 15 and is a lightweight daily moisturizer with a sheer tint for sheer coverage.  Also available is an oil-free foundation that actually helps heal existing blemishes. Proactiv has created Sheer Finish Compact Foundation makeup  in fair, light, medium, tan, or dark shades to blend beautifully with your own skin tone. Coming soon. The only makeup you will ever need. Ever!

Q: How do I choose my foundation color?
A. This is the trickiest of all beauty tasks!  The trick to finding the right color for your foundation is to sweep a small amount of color across your jaw line, making sure you get some on the face and onto the neck area. What you want to do is find a color that blends into the color of your neck perfectly and also blends into the color of your facial skin. For this reason, we vote for the sheer tint foundation types on the market now. Although your facial skin is often a bit darker than your neck, the perfect tint will blend into your face to create a smooth color blend from the top of your forehead to the neckline. TIP: If you have to slather makeup onto your neck in order for it to match your face you have the wrong color! 

Q. Help! My eyebrows are out of control.
A. Model's tip: use petroleum jelly to coax the brows into an arch. This will also make them a bit darker. 

Q. What colors should I use for my eyes?
A: If you are wearing a neutral colored dress, like beige, cream, white, black, or silver,  etc. it is perfectly fine to use color for your eyes. Try these ideas.  But if you have a lot of color in your dress, shoes, or jewelry, colorful eyes will only make you look clown-like. Avoid the temptation by going neutral. This is the most ideal way to define your eyes without adding color. Using your neutral colors will create a smoky or more dramatic eye that looks good in the daytime, the night-time and for your prom photo. Here's how.

Q: How do I keep my lipstick from smudging?
A: Wear a sheer gloss tint for all  pre-prom,  prom and post-prom activities. Your supposed to having fun, not worrying about your makeup! Switch to a  creamy lipstick in the same shade for the photo. After the shoot, blot lips with a tissue and dab on a bit of gloss and get back onto the dance floor!  Try permanent lipstick by Carol Clifton

Q: What about accessories?
A: After your hairstyle, your earrings are the second most  important feature that will create a lasting impression in your photo. Long earrings give you the appearance of drama and sophistication,  while pearls, studs or dangles will give you a look of fresh innocence. If you are wearing updo that is at the crown of your head, ask the photographer to catch your smile while you are standing with your back 3/4 to the camera.  That way the updo will show! 

  Other Prom Skincare Related Articles: 

- Zap those Zits Now
- Get Pretty for Prom
- Treatments You Can Do at Home
- 8 Simple Ways to make your skin glow
- How to Choose Your Foundation
- Neutral Eyes
- All Natural  Facial
- Prom Picture Perfect
- Visit our Prom Photo Galleries New Photos
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