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Sunday, June 8, 2014

Look flawless under the camera’s glare

A lesser-known truth about translucent powder is what caused Angelina Jolie's massive makeup disaster earlier this week. The Hollywood A-lister turned up for a film premiere in a black gown, looking flawless... almost.


Her neck, left cheek and forehead bore traces of white powder, which looked even more gaudy in her photographs that were out the next morning. Beauty bloggers blame the 'makeup fail' on translucent powder. It's favoured by celebrity makeup artists since it does away with oily shine and mattifies the face. However, it works well only under controlled lighting, at a photo studio for instance. At red carpet or formal events, when the camera flash goes off, the silica in the translucent powder reflects light intensely, leaving the face ghost white. So, while Angie may not have looked powdery when she left home, the camera flash and harsh white lights ensured she looked white as a ghost! If one of the world's most gorgeous actresses can suffer such a faux pas, mere mortals like us aren't safe from the dreaded camera glare that could ruin your most memorable photographs.

Right foundation

Whether you are clicking a selfie in low light or posing at a wedding reception, there is no getting away from the feared flash. Instead of powder, use a liquid foundation with a thin texture and very fine grain. You could also opt for HD (high-definition) photo-ready foundation that is now available at beauty stores in Mumbai. Many cosmetic brands offer photo-ready makeup blushers and bronzers too. Avoid foundations that have built-in sunscreen since they look cakey under bright lights. Of course, it's essential to blend foundation — powder or liquid — so thoroughly that one can't tell you're wearing any.


Use contouring

Flash photography can make your face appear flat. Fix this through smart contouring. Use a bronzer and blusher to shade and sculpt your face for definition. Happy posing!

Three cardinal rules of photo-friendly makeup

1. Before you are photographed, powder your T-zone and then blot with an absorbing sheet. This ensures your nose and forehead don't look too shiny in the photos. 
2. The all-seeing camera flash highlights dark circles, undereye bags and blemishes. To camouflage them, apply a concealer with light-diffusing properties, in a complementing shade.
3. A primer is essential if you are going to be facing the camera. It refracts light, lending the illusion of airbrushed makeup in the pictures.

Three beauty tricks for the camera

1. Get a chiselled look: Apply a light matte bronzer under your cheekbones and jawline. Even if you don't have high cheekbones, they will look sculpted in the snaps. For more dimension, use a rose-coloured blush on the apples of your cheeks.
2. Make your teeth look whiter: Using a lip brush, dab on a little lip gloss in a neutral shade like peach or blush. The light sheen and nude colour will give a brighter look to your teeth and, consequently, amp up your smile.
3. Have fuller, lustrous hair: Your hairstyle will stand out best in photos if your mane is shiny and high volume. Use a hair pick to lightly tease your locks at the crown. Finger comb them back, and finish off with a high shine spray.

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