Emma Watson's Makeup Artist Tells You How to Look Flawless in Prom Photos
Remember that time Emma Watson looked less-than-perfect? Nope, we don't either. That's because the star basically nails it every single time. And you know what's great? She doesn't play it safe, either. She wears things like orange lipstick and dresses with pants and still manages to be the Boss of the Red Carpet. In short, she's our girl crush in just about every single sense of the word.
According to some awesome research we conducted with Poshly.com, the prom beauty technique you most want to master is how to do makeup for photos. So (naturally) we thought: Who better to ask than Emma Watson's makeup artist, Charlotte Hayward?
"The one thing to remember about doing your makeup for a big night is that practice makes perfect," Hayward insists. "If you have time, you should try and do a test run before the big day and take some pictures so you can see what it looks like." Click through to find out more about how to make the cameras work for you!
photo: getty images1/6Here's your step-by-step for the perfect #nofilter picture.
Photo: Getty Images2/6The Perfect Base
"It’s so important that you moisturize before applying any makeup," Hayward says. "I use a great jojoba oil, which is fragrance-free and gentle, and then let it sink in to the complexion." For those who are afraid of oils or too much hydration, keep in mind that foundations need a supple base in order for them to look natural and skin-like. Prom is an important exception to your normal skin woes! "Afterwards, a mattifying primer is essential, especially when it comes to flash photography. They help your makeup perform better and enhance your features. I use Lancôme La Base Pro on the forehead, down the T-zone, and on the corners of the nose. This will eliminate the need for powder later," she instructs.
Next comes a thin layer of foundation. "I’ve been using Armani Luminous Silk for quite some time," Hayward says. "It’s the perfect amount of coverage, but if you feel it’s too thick, add a little moisturizer and mix it together. I apply the product to the face with a damp BeautyBlender sponge, which helps me get hard-to-reach spots like the corners of the eyes and nose. This pretty much guarantees an even, light application." If covering up is needed, Hayward insists on Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Concealers for under the eyes and any troublesome spots. "You can mix it with an eye cream, and then set it with yellow powder for a flawless finish."
Photo courtesy of Sephora, Nordstrom, Violet Grey3/6Blush, Contour, and Highlight
There are a few golden rules of photography one should keep in mind before adding color to the face. Hayward breaks them down:
1. Blush gets lost. If you’re confused about how to apply blush or you don’t normally wear it, skip it altogether. "It won’t show up in flash photographs unless it looks abnormally strong to the naked eye," Hayward says. "If you do feel the need for a flush, layer a powder blush like Benefit Dandelion with Kevyn Aucoin Creamy Glow to give the color depth and natural-looking texture."
2. Bronzer can go very wrong. "This is one product that really does show up in photos. A light veil is all you need to warm up your skin tone," Hayward says. If you normally use bronze for contouring, she suggests switching to a cream product, like Tarte’s Sculptor. "Draw a soft line under the cheekbones, then blend downwards with your sponge," she says.
3. Highlights are key, but be careful. Unlike other makeup products that get washed out with the flash of a camera, luminizers have shimmer, which will only get more pronounced. "They’re pretty much true to the eye," Hayward says. "So don’t over-do it! Use a cream highlight under your foundation on the cheekbones, then a powder on top of the finished makeup along the Cupid’s bow, the bridge of the nose, and under the brow bone," she says. Try Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous Light. For the cheekbones, she recommends a dewy finish with M.A.C. Strobe Cream.
Photo: Getty Images4/6The Eyes
Eye makeup is the key to unlocking the perfect photo. The golden rule? "You want a shadow that complements the eye color. That means purple tones for brown eyes, grays for blue, and browns for green." (Try YSL, Bare Minerals, and Dolce & Gabbana eye quads, respectively.) "Then," Hayward continues, "find the color you want in two shades, one darker than the other. Use the lighter on the lid and the darker in the socket line, blending well. For extra drama, bring the darker color along the bottom lash line as well."
For liner, Hayward suggests Dior’s waterproof kohl pencil or Bobbi Brown gel liner for a budge-proof finish. "Don’t worry if it’s not neat," she says. "You can clean up the gel with a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover, or smudge the pencil with one that’s dry." Want extra dimension? "Line the inside of the upper lid for a real pop," she says.
If you’re going to get your makeup done, pay attention: An artist is likely to use strip lashes, but Hayward insists individual lashes are the way to go. Ask for a targeted application on the ends of the eyes for a cat eye effect.
Photos courtesy of Sephora, Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter5/6The Brows
Prom is not the time to neglect your arches. "Brows frame the face and enhance the eyes, which is essential for photography," Hayward says. "If yours are already big and thick, just comb them through with Benefit’s tinted brow gel," she says. If you need to fill in, "I love Anastasia’s Brow Pen because it isn’t shaky and lasts on the skin all day." Even though using a liquid on your eyebrows sounds scary, Hayward insists it’s easy. "Test them on the back of your hand first to get an idea of the color payoff, then start your application."
Photos courtesy of Nordstrom, Violet Grey6/6A Longer-Lasting Lip
Whatever you’re wearing on the lips is your call, but if you’re doing more than just a subtle hint of color, you’ll want it to last without smudging or coming off on your teeth. (That would be disastrous.) "You need to fill in the lips all over with a liner. It acts just like a base coat, so when the lipstick starts to wear off in the center, there will still be color showing," Hayward explains. Her go-to? M.A.C. Pro Longwear Lip Liner, followed up with a swipe of NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. "They’re beautifully soft, easy to apply, and won’t dry out the lips," she promises.
