Makeup And Flash Photography – How To Avoid Flashback

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Makeup And Flash Photography

Makeup and flash photography can be a little tricky sometimes.  You know what I’m talkin’ about, right?  No?  Let me elaborate.

So it’s Friday night.  You’re going out with your friends.  Ohhhh yeaaaahhh!  It’s gonna be fun and you know there will be plenty of photos being taken for Instagram.  Your makeup has to be on point tonight.  And it is.  It’s a masterpiece! 

The bar is dark, so the camera flash is going off like you’re a Hollywood celebrity walking the red carpet.   You cannot wait to see your amazing photos.

The next morning, you log in to Instagram.  Then, you see it. 

The ghost. 

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

WTF.  What the fudge?!  Your makeup looked amazing last night.  It was flawless!  So why the heck do you look like Casper the friendly ghost?

You have become the victim of makeup flashback.  Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.  

So how do you prevent makeup flashback? 

How To Avoid Flashback

You might be thinking that makeup and flash photography can’t get along, but I’ve got some tips and tricks that will help prevent that flashback.  Just keep on reading!

Tip 1 – Wear The Right Shade Of Foundation

This one seems pretty obvious, but it’s worth mentioning because maybe, just maybe, I’ve worn a shade that was a tad too light for me.  Oops.

If your foundation is even just slightly lighter than your body, the shade difference may be exaggerated in a flash photo.

Related Article:  How To Choose The Right Foundation Makeup For Your Skin Type

Tip 2 – Use A Foundation With A Yellow Undertone  

Another thing to consider is the undertone of your foundation, especially if you have yellow undertones.  I have noticed that if I wear a neutral undertone foundation, it shows up kind of grayish/white in flash photos. 

Most people have some degree of yellow undertones.  If you find that your foundation is still causing flashback, try a shade with a yellow undertone and see if that helps.

Tip 3 – Wear A Slightly Darker Foundation Shade

One tip that really helps me when I go out at night is to wear a foundation that is slightly darker than my skin.  This will make you look a little tan, but that’s ok.  When you take flash photos, you’ll see that it’s going to look pretty even with the rest of your skin. 

    

Tip 4 – Stay Away From SPF

SPF foundations tend to cause a white cast in flash photos because the SPF reflects light.  The flash from the camera will be reflected back and cause your face to look lighter than your body. 

Some good  foundations with no SPF include Nars Sheer Glow and Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation.

Nars All Day Luminous FoundationMaybelline Fit Me FoundationNARS Sheer Glow Foundation

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Psst… Check out my flash photography test for the Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation!!

Tip 5 – Blend Foundation Down To Your Neck And Chest

Here’s another great tip for makeup and flash photography.  A lot of times, we notice flashback when the face comes out lighter than the neck and chest.  So what you can do is blend your foundation down to your neck and chest so that everything shows up even in your photos!  Pretty neat trick, huh?

Tip 6 – Set With A Colored Powder

Probably one of the best tips for makeup and flash photography to get along is setting your foundation with a pigmented powder.  This is especially helpful if you decide to ignore my “no SPF” tip.  Using a colored powder sort of counteracts the SPF. 

It’s not going to be 100% perfect, but it can significantly reduce the flashback.  I like using the MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder or this powder because they come in different shades.  I also have my eye on the SACHA Buttercup Setting Powder and plan to try this one soon.  

MAC select sheer pressed powderL’Oreal Paris True Match PowderSACHA Buttercup Powder

Related Article:  The Best Oil Control Face Powder Without Flashback

Whatever you do, do not use a white/colorless powder.  Those can give you bad flashback when used improperly.

You can see what I mean below.  In the photo on the left, my face has a white cast over it.  You can even see the powder reflecting above one of my eyes. 

Tip 7 – Use A Makeup Sponge

If your face is too powdery, it can cause flashback.  Using a damp makeup sponge to apply your powder can eliminate that powdery look, therefore reducing the flashback. 

beautyblender OriginalReal Techniques Makeup SpongeEcotools Eco Foam Sponge Duo

Related Article:  How To Use A Makeup Blending Sponge To Apply Foundation

Tip  8  – Set With A Makeup Spray

Piggybacking off of the above, you can also use a setting spray to eliminate the powdery look.  I currently love using the L’oreal Setting Spray or the Urban Decay DeSlick Makeup Setting Spray.

Skindinavia Makeup Finishing SprayUrban Decay Makeup Setting SprayL’Oreal Infallible Setting Spray

Related Article:  How To Extend The Wear Of Your Makeup With The L’Oreal Makeup Setting Spray

Step 9 – Use Bronzer

Bronzer also helps to counteract the flashback.  I’ve noticed that the more tan my makeup looks, the less likely it is to give me “ghostface” in photos.

NARS Bronzing PowderN.Y.C. New York BronzerRimmel Natural Bronzer

Tip 10 – Just Let It Settle In

This might seem like a weird tip, but hear me out.  I seem to get less flashback when I’ve had my makeup on for a couple of hours.  Now I’m no makeup scientist, but I think I’m on to something here.

My theory is that when your foundation has been on for a while, it starts mixing with your natural oils and becomes slightly darker.  Also, with the natural oils coming through, your face becomes less powdery.  This may only work if you have oily-prone skin though.

Related Article:  The Best Long Wear Foundation For Oily Skin

Don’t Let Makeup Flashback Ruin Your Night!

Listen girl, don’t be ashamed if you’ve been the victim of the dreaded “ghostface” in flash photos.  You are not alone.  By applying these tips and tricks, you’ll find that your makeup and flash photography will get along much better.

You may find that applying even one of these tips may be all you need.  If you want to be super protected, you could even try them all at once.  

So give these suggestions a try next weekend.  You’re going to look amazing!