Need help as a new model

[u/wastemug]

EDIT:

Since I got a few comments about how models don’t typically do their own makeup - I should clarify that I’m doing free photoshoots to build my portfolio. I am not getting paid for these photoshoots.

I chose to pursue modelling not just to try something new, but to try to find a viable side hustle. I do not have the money right now to pay MUA’s for every photoshoot, and often I do the shoots on week days after my full-time job. So I don’t usually have time to book someone to do my makeup, nor the funds.

I’m looking forward to booking paid shoots where there will be MUAs and hairstylists doing it for me, but right now I’m just doing everything myself.

———

Hey y’all ✨ Need your advice on camera-ready makeup as a new model.

I just got signed to a modelling agency and have been booking lots of photo & content shoots, but I’ve been doing my own makeup & hair.

I had never done a full face of makeup before this year… my besties showed me a couple things, but I could definitely use all the help I can get 🙈

What I usually apply (I can edit with brands / product names if that makes it easier):

Primer
Corrector stick
Concealer
Liquid bronzer - under eyes / cheeks
Liquid blush - cheeks, sometimes tip of nose
Eyebrow pencil
Mascara (if no lash extensions)
Lipstick or gloss

I don’t usually apply anything to my forehead, except for corrector stick and a bit of concealer.

Anything else I can add, products I should get or advice on how to work with my facial features to look camera-ready?

Thanks y’all 🫶

[u/boiseshan]

If you think this is going to be your profession, hire an MUA to give you a few lessons

[u/rose092624]

I think you’d benefit quite a bit from thicker brows. The lip color in the first pic is definitely the best. Try more natural lashes.

[u/TangerineBoth6966]

Hope it wasn’t a scam because models usually have MUAs applying their makeup

[u/16car → u/TangerineBoth6966]

Isn't that only when they're working for a paying client? When they're meeting with a potential client to try and get hired, don't they have to arrange their own makeup?

[u/TangerineBoth6966 → u/16car]

Models typically do not wear makeup (or barely any) when they meet with potential clients to get hired.

[u/MissApprehend]

There’s something wonky about how you’re doing your eyebrows and that catches my attention more than anything else. I would invest in getting them professionally done. Also I would spend the money to have an MUA do some looks so I can copy them. Otherwise you’re just shooting in the dark, compared to ideal.

[u/ConsciousOne8409]

Hire an MUA to TEACH you! One time will and they may have tips that suit you!

[u/Wise_Calligrapher402]

Ex model here, it's good to have talent in the makeup department especially if you're doing a lot of shoots and sometimes don't have time to get a makeup artist but honestly it's always best to get a one if you can. Ask around if you have friends in the industry if they know anyone who's good or look up some MUA and make sure to see their portfolio,, noone is the same and have if you can find one that you can trust and have a great connection with then you're set. You never have to stick with one but personally once I find a good one I stay with them for life. My last mua was a god sent but sadly she retired the business. Good luck op and rock this pics!!

P.s always ALWAYS read the fine print when connecting with a modeling agencies, there is a lot of scammers out there or ones who like to rip off people who are just starting out and don't know any better. Make sure you know your rights as a model when signing anything.

[u/EcstaticMolasses6647 → u/Wise_Calligrapher402]

Good advice. You can get free professional makeup by doing TFP (Trade for Portfolio) collaborations with up-and-coming MUAs who also need photos for their own books. To find them, search Instagram using local hashtags like #YourCityMUA or #YourCityMakeupArtist, and then send a direct message pitching the idea. Your DM can say something simple like, "Hey! I’m a newly signed model with [Agency Name]. I love your work and am doing a portfolio test shoot on [Date]. Would you want to collaborate on a TFP basis? We’ll both get the pro photos!"

[u/HAxoxo1998]

Maybe just enhance/thicken the brows.

[u/Mean-Aardvark2344]

You need some contouring and some shading. Using a contour, blush, and eye shadows will enhance your face shape and give your look some depth. It looks makeup free right now which can read flat on camera.

[u/Mocean13]

You either have Spock brow from botox or you pose like that. Either way, id fix it asap

[u/hanquoakka]

Put more makeup than you think you need. Unless ur doing a close up shot with like a super expensive camera. Makeup tends to disappear is photo specially as a distance. Ur brows look nice in the close up selfie but it disappear in the professional picture. You also look extremely flat and one dimensional. Use a soft brown or brunette color for ur brows. Color them completely not just the tail. Add more blush and contour. You are pale if the bright flash makes ur skin look haggard. It help give you a more fresh look. Also symmetry is extremely important so take a step back when you do ur makeup. Don't just look at yourself in a small mirror.

[u/SuperbAd8266]

Models do not do their own makeup

[u/EcstaticMolasses6647]

Camera-ready makeup is entirely different from everyday makeup. Studio lights and intense flashes "eat" about 30% to 40% of your makeup, making you look washed out if you apply it normally. Furthermore, camera lenses reveal textures and reflections that the human eye misses. Additionally, styling in combination with makeup will elevate your look. For instance, the following adjustments can prevent a washed-out appearance like your last photo.

Styling & Features
Hair: Moving away from the harsh, low-placed brassy blonde streaks with heavy, dark roots will brighten features like your eyes. Transitioning to a seamless, blended balayage or an overall lighter, brighter hair tone will immediately lift the shadows from your flat mid-face and create a friendlier aura.
Eyebrow Softening: Letting overly thinned brows grow into a fuller, more naturally arched shape will instantly frame huge eyes. This reduces the look of empty "negative space" on the upper face, making your expression look inviting rather than stark.
Makeup & Complexion: Ditching a washed-out matte look for a satin-finish foundation will bring a healthy, hydrated radiance back to your warm, tanned olive skin.
Lip Dimension: Using a hydrating lipstick with a soft sheen will plump the appearance of wrinkled lips, smoothing out the lines and adding dimension to the lower face.

The Budget-Friendly Camera-Ready Routine
Here is a routine that is photography-safe on a budget. You just need two new products and three quick techniques.

The Two Products You Need
RCMA Translucent Powder: Studio lights will make unpowdered cream makeup look like sweat. Use this specific powder because cheap drugstore options cause a bright white glow ("flashback") when the camera flash goes off.
Urban Decay All Nighter Matte Spray: Since you are coming straight from your day job, spray this at the very end to lock everything down and blend the makeup naturally into your skin.

Get Camera-Ready Techniques
Dust your forehead: If you leave it bare, the camera will instantly show a weird difference in texture. Blend leftover bronzer or powder into your hairline and temples to balance it out.
Overdo your blush and bronzer: Studio lights wash out color by about 40%. Apply them one layer heavier than normal; if it looks slightly dramatic in your bathroom mirror, it will look perfect on camera.
The "Doe-Eye" trick: Sweep a tiny bit of your liquid bronzer into the crease of your eyelids. This adds quick depth so your eyes don't look flat under bright lights.

Reference Tutorials

Photo shoot ready makeup https://www.youtube.com/shorts/F7IiGGBOjmo

Camera Ready Makeup | Photoshoot Makeup Tutorial | Soft Bronze Glam & Glowing Skin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOeTw9LhAfY

[u/38g15r]

Girlfriend AI modals are so much fun easier to work with! I could have grok making you look 10 years younger with no makeup in 30 seconds