Using a few tips professional makeup artists know, women can achieve stunning looks in their photographs. Whether working with a photographer or just shooting a “selfie” for a social media profile, knowing how to apply makeup for photos can help women look their best in any picture.

Photography diminishes the look of makeup, making it important to apply more than a typical, everyday makeup look. Take a few test shots with a smartphone camera or a point-and-shoot camera to help determine how much makeup looks best. If possible, lighting in test images should replicate the lighting expected at the photo shoot or event. For example, for an outdoor event, test images should be taken outside. To see how makeup looks in black and white photographs, convert a color image to black and white in a smartphone application like Instagram or Photoshop. Skip the red lipstick for black and white photography; It may read as black in the final image.

A primer, foundation and concealer help even skin tone and cover flaws. After moisturizing, apply primer and follow with foundation and concealer. Forgo sunscreens and foundations with a sun protection factor, or SPF. Using these products can render a pale, ghostly-looking complexion in photographs. If sunscreen must be used, choose one with a low SPF.

Like SPF, cosmetics containing frosts, glosses or shimmers should be avoided. These products pose problems for photography, producing photographs with white blotches, or flashbacks, where the makeup was applied. Instead, opt for matte finish eye shadows, blushes and lipsticks. For dry lips, apply a lip primer or balm prior to application of lip color.

A matte powder helps to minimize shine, which is especially important around the nose. Oilier complexions sometimes need a touch-up. Try using oil-blotting tissues instead of adding more powder. Blot gently to remove oil without smudging makeup. Powders with a yellow tone tend to photograph well for warmer complexions. Again, avoiding frosts or shimmer yields the best result, producing an image free of white blotches. Some setting powders, often labeled as “high definition,” should also be avoided. They sometimes produce the same unwanted white cast in photographs, resulting in a flawed appearance.

By taking advice from professional makeup artists, women can enhance their appearance in pictures. Makeup for photographs should be applied more generously than for daily wear. Use products with a matte finish to enhance features without adding white spots or casts to photographs. Avoid products with an SPF and use powder and blotting tissues to keep skin looking fresh during the event or photo shoot. Armed with these tips, anyone can achieve a beautiful look in their photographs.