How to Photograph Fabulous

While we are (more or less) reconciled to the reflection that stares back at us from our safe-because-familiar bathroom mirror, how often are we left wondering who the hell that weird person in the photo is.

Only to realize that, is us.

You've heard that phrase, 'the camera loves her'? Well the camera is a total elitist and it doesn't just love a whole lot of people like that.

Rather than love on us, what the camera more usually does is add on a few pounds and make us shine - and I don't mean like a star.

To add injury to insult, we live in an age where, like it or not, we are perpetually assailed by the click of the shutter.

What's a girl to do?

Here's what this girl does, at any rate.

First of all, let me describe in a little more detail what my final photogenic look should, well, look like. When I say this is about faking photogeny, it means no Marilyn Monroesque finish that, while quite gorgeous in its own glamorous way, screams make-up with a trowel.

This is about looking natural, both in person and print, while giving off a subtle glow, a certain je ne sais quoi.

And if you want the camera to love you, you need to get the light to love you first, actually.

So the greatest surface of your person that will need to woo the light is your skin.

To look photogenic then, it makes sense to focus on your skin first and foremost.

This is this just what this hub is going to do, so it will not feature indications as to eye and mouth make-up. Although I'd advise you to emphasize one or the other, other than that, I simply suggest you let your personal preferences and personality come into play in those areas.

I know most women are pressed for time and if you manage to cleanse and hydrate daily, well, you can be damn proud of your regimen as it is.

The following first step, though, requires a little bit longer than your usual foam, rinse, slap on cream routine but hey, special occasions require special care.

And think about it : just a click, and the camera is going to capture the state of your skin in that one second for as long as, say, facebook is around. In other words, for an internet eternity. So, I don't know about you, but I say the extra minutes may well be worth it.

Step 1 : Skin Care

Show your skin the love.

Rather than simply cleansing, exfoliate with a gentle scrub. I tend to favour products that suit all skin types, as they are usually a safe bet. I personally use Nuxe Gentle Aromatic Exfoliant with 3 Roses. Once that done, gently pat your face dry with a towel, before applying a mask from the same brand. In my case, that's the Gentle Purifying and Clarifying Mask with 3 Roses by Nuxe. It deep cleanses without over-drying the skin, clarifies the complexion and tightens pores something crazy.

Now hydrate your face with your favored cream/serum/lotion. In case you hadn't guessed, I really adore products by Nuxe, so mine is their Crème Fraîche Concentrée de Beauté Suractivée.

Chances are you're feeling all relaxed and beauteous already by now.

Step 2 : Foundation

Each of the following layers has its importance, so don't skip anything, but apply with a light hand at all times.

Remember, you want people to go 'Wow, you look luminous' and not 'Nice color foundation, there'!

But to that end, you do need foundation. So unify your complexion with the one of your choice. Finding the right one to match your skin tone might have been something of a quest for the Holy Grail a few years back, but luckily things have considerably improved since then. I personally find the really liquid ones to make a bit of a mess and to produce results reminiscent of a mask rather than skin. And beautiful skin, in my humble opinion, should evoke life!

Rather, try a mousse texture that melts into the skin for an ultimately matte finish, something similar to Bourjois' Mineral Matte Mousse. Another light texture that is just lovely is South Korean brand erborian's BB Cream, currently all the rage in Asia and Europe.

Apply a thin, even layer of either one. If you happen to have any imperfections, just pat foundation repeatedly, gently, over them until it is blended in as harmoniously as possible. Caking texture on these problem spots will merely bring unwanted attention to them. My advice is, don't worry overmuch about these. Serenity is a big plus when looking photogenic is at stake and the aim is to unify the complexion overall here, not to photoshop yourself.

Oh, and don't forget your neck and cleavage!

Optional step: If you'd like to add a little blush to your cheekbones for a healthy effect and some relief to your bone structure, now is the best time to. Blend in with your foundation and once you've powdered up (next step), the flush will look like it truly belongs to you, not like it came out of a box.

Step 3 : Powder

It's time to powder up those strategic places of your sweet visage that you know tend to shine - and not in a good way.

For a lot of people that's going to be the infamous T-zone, but people are all different and you may need to powder your cheeks, or maybe your forehead especially. You know you best (or at least you should) so look in the mirror, make that objective observation and absolutely trust yourself.

My two go-to powders that the cameras just eat up:

Bourjois Bio Detox Organic Perfecting Powder - further unifies and makes skin look soft as a peach. If you keep obsessing about your pores and wishing they would just disappear already, this is your The One.

Warning: may make your sister squint at you, ask suspiciously "What have you done to your face?" and then jump in the car to go buy her own Bourjois Bio Detox Organic Perfecting Powder compact.

Revlon Photo Powder Translucent Finish Powder - lighter than the Bourjois Bio Detox, this is all but undetectable, and I love that it manages to mattify without dulling. Indeed, it somehow simultaneously gets oiliness under control while enhancing luminosity.

If your skin is dry dry dry, I'd avise going for the Revlon powder and grazing the zones you think need it with a really aerial hand. Consider skipping powder, even.

That trusted tip to ensure your make-up settles and to seal in moisture : hold a bottle of thermal water 20 cm from your face and spray. Don't dab, let the myriad of dewy drops be naturally absorbed by your skin.

And now, ladies, should you happen upon a horde of paparazzi the second you step outside, saying cheese should be a breeze.

Because you're ready!