Always Looking Good in Photos!

I am not about to tell you that I am some secret model and knows all the best secret to taking amazing photos. Because let’s face it, I am not a model; I am just a simple girl who happens to be in front of the camera and actually like it. After working with Ashley over the past few months, I have some tricks up my sleeve that seem to help with the outcome of really good looking photos. So, I thought I would share my findings with all of you lovelies.

Yes, I know it’s a big shocker. But in all honesty, if you prepare yourself for a shoot, it will only help you in the end. 

1. Exfoliate your face the night prior, dead skin can cause a couple of problems; flakey and uneven skin tone, which results in you looking like a ghost. Skin really goes glow in photos, promise, so take the extra minute to exfoliate your skin.

2. Getting the appropriate amount of rest is extremely important. You can only hide those bags under your eyes from a bad night of sleep with so much make up. Brutally honest, I know. But, we both know that not getting enough rest does wonders to your appearance.

3. Last but not least, probably the most important of the preparedness part. Water, drink lots and lots of water. I can’t stress enough of how important this is all around, but the proper intake of water is going to make your skin look so much better. The affect that water has to the skin is amazing, it makes it look so much healthier and it will give your that gorgeous glow you want, I promise!

Of course there will always be a million tips on how to pick the perfect outfit, but here at the guidelines. 

1. Pick an outfit that screams you 

2. Proper fitting clothing – You don’t want something that is overly too big or too small for your figure. Because remember the camera can and will add 10 pounds, it really does. 

3. Make sure that your accessories never overpower you and are finishing touches to your outfit.

4. Undergarments – These are crucial parts to making sure an outfit looks proper. You don’t want to have saggy boobies because you don’t have a proper fitting bra, or a underwear line. I promise that the camera is going to pick up on those elements.

5. Shoes that fit, for obvious reasons. Heels will look amazing in photos, because they also help elongate your body and make your legs look awesome. But, if heels are not your thing, make sure that your feet have proper shoes and socks/stockings or whatever you are going to wear, are properly covered or showing correctly.

 Shirt : JcPennys | Jeans : Gap | Shoes : Steve Madden | Purse : TJ Maxx | Bracelets : Buckle

In my experience, my hair always seems to look more flat or frizzy then normal the normal mirror. I always recommend a couple of things:
 

1.  Choose a hairstyle that is easy to play with and you can move with.

2. Add some extra volume; if this means extensions and some more teasing, then do so.

3. Shine that baby up!

 

Tank Top : Bohme | Bandeau : Victoria's Secret | Shorts : Buckle

Something I have always noticed is that make-up in photos always looks different than it does in pictures. You can put on your normal everyday make-up, snap a photo, and it looks like you have nothing on. So, when it comes to being in front of the camera, it is okay to add a little more and make sure to blend a little better.

1. Foundation’s that have SPF in them are horrible for photos, because SPF reflects light. So what ends up happening is your face reflects the flash, making you look oily. Also, I make sure that I always make sure to take the foundation from my face to my neckline for an all over even tone. If you don’t want to do that, make sure to blend that line at your chin really well. 

2. Blush is important! I always add a little extra or a little pinker color to the apple of your cheeks! It is going to give you so much more color than you are used too!  

3. Contouring your face is your best friend. Do yourself a favor and Google how to contour for your face shape, it will do wonders. I promise!

4. Do your eyes the way you want too. If you are going to go bold, then do it! Decide that you want to keep it more natural looking, then make sure to just brighten the eye but don’t go crazy with the eye shadow. I like lining my eyes, but I also make sure that it isn’t overwhelming so that it makes my eyes look small. One thing though, if you highlight your tear line, it is going to open up your eyes and make them look gorgeous and open!

5. Fill in your Brows! If you don’t usually do this, do it! Filled in eyebrows define the face and add so much to your makeup! Seriously, you will not go wrong with filling in your brows!

6. Last, lip color! It really is important; because it adds the perfect finishing touch to your face. You don’t have to go with some bright colored lip; just a simple pink color will even do wonders. 

7. If you want to go the extra mile, you will highlight and contour your face right before you are done. This will add all the dimension to your face, but it is totally optional!

Let me tell you a secret, being photogenic is all in your head. Be comfortable in your own skin and it will show in your pictures! Be comfortable, confident and remember to have fun and laugh throughout the entire photo shoot! These are the moments that the best pictures are captured! Seriously; relax, turn on some music and have fun!
  
Remember to always SMILE, LAUGH, AND HAVE FUN!

 

 Do you have any Tips/Tricks to take awesome photos?

5 MINUTES TO OUT THE DOOR

When my alarm goes off at 5:30 Monday – Friday, I am not exactly the best at actually getting out of bed without hitting snooze a couple of times. So most morning I have to resort to a quick and simple 5 minute make-up routine. The best thing about this 5 minute beauty routine though, it doesn’t look like it was done in 5 minutes.

After I moisturize my face, I brush on a quick layer of foundation. I fell in love with my Naked Skin by Urban Decay about a year ago and have never looked back. It is weightless and easy to apply; plus if you do it with a foundation brush you will never look at liquid foundation the same again.

Second step : I swipe on some blush and eye shadow. Keeping it simple and natural is the key for me. I really have fallen in love with the different trio of colors from the Sephora line (brown, blush, golds, and even greens). They really are so easy, because depending if I have a minute or two longer, I can do a quick smoky eye without having to think about it. My blush is always a beautiful pink color that compliments my skin tone. Remember that natural is the key here, so a little goes a long way. 

Before I am done, I quickly apply some of my favorite mascara; Voluminous Million Lashes by L’Oreal Paris. I seriously don’t know what I would do without this mascara, it does wonders for my lashes and when it comes to taking off my mascara at night, I am not fighting it either. 

I love to put on a little bit of lip gloss, but this is totally up to you. I love having soft and moisturized lips throughout the day. I usually keep my lip gloss on hand! I usually will opt for Victoria’s Secret, Cover Girl, or Revlon because of the way they feel on my lips throughout the day.

What is your quick beauty routine or favorite go-to products?

BIRTHDAY

For as long as I can remember; I have always loved birthdays! I could care less if we were celebrating a family member, a friend, or my own birthday; I just love to celebrate them! I can honestly say it’s probably because I get to have an excuse to indulge in my favorite hobby, shopping. I find so much joy in being able to shop and pick out a present for someone. The best though, is giving it to them and watch them open it. I take presents serious, because they are so much fun for me. It's not ever the object of the present itself, but the thought and the time that I take, or someone else, to find the 'perfect' present for someone else.

My birthday is just a short week away; I can’t honestly believe it to be truthful. It seems like I have been talking about turning 25 for a while, now it’s knocking at my front door. I won’t lie, it is kind of weird to be thinking that I am already 25. I know that it really isn’t that old, but in reality, it kind of is a big deal. I mean, hello, I have already had 25 years of memories under my belt.

There are quite a few things that I have been swooning over, but haven’t found the perfect pieces here in my hometown to buy, or I can't convince myself to spend the money on it yet. I thought it would be fun to share them all with you. I mean, birthday is totally the perfect time to share things that I would love to see in my closet and/or bedroom…right? *hint hint*

ONE

I have wanted to redecorate my bedroom all year long; I think that accessories and wall décor are the perfect place to start. Since, I already know the color scheme that I want to go with. I though accessories are the perfect place to make a small, yet noticeable change to my room. I am in love with these printed décor pillow I keep seeing everywhere. Plus, I also would love to put a fun collage on the wall with pictures and hanging décor.

TWO

Since I began doing a lot more fashion blogging, I have found a new love for accessories. I actually have to tell myself to not stop in the accessory department at stores, because I can’t help myself when it comes to wanting them. I have been inspired by so many bloggers with the way they layer their bracelets and watch. I would love some fun pieces to choose from every day. Plus, who can go wrong with a beautiful pair of earring or a ring; no one.

THREE

I have seen so many fun fall outfits that are paired with a gorgeous pair of pointed toe shoes. I think that they are a perfect finishing piece to an amazing outfit. I bought one of my very first pair of pointed toe heels this summer and have been in love with them to say the least. I don’t want, but need more in my shoe collection.  

FOUR

Two words; Boyfriend Jeans. You can see from some of my recent posts that I am completely in love with the pair of jeans that I picked up at GAP and distressed myself. The problem is that, I wear them all the time. I must add some more to my closet, cause its bad to wear the same ones over and over again, right?

FIVE

My new found love for lipstick has me constantly wandering into the makeup isle and spending way over the amount of time I should looking at all the beautiful colors. The only problem I have found with lipstick, my dry skin soak it in way too fast. That is when the wonderful employee at Ulta shared these Too Faced Melted with me. Okay want to be my best friend, go by me these!

SIX
Last but not least, my favorite thing possibly ever; Handbags. I actually love satchel bags. They are perfect for day to day wear, as well as traveling. I love that they are structured and look amazing. Since I have incredibly expensive taste for purses, a girl can dream about purses like this in a beautiful wrapped present, right? Plus, I mean fall and winter are around the corner.. That means I really do need a new one, right?

When is your birthday?
How do you like to celebrate it?
What have you been swooning over lately?