Because flawless makeup starts with great skin—and confidence starts before the first camera click. 

Whether you’re getting ready for a branding shoot, portrait session, or just want to look and feel your best in front of the lens, glowing skin is the foundation. And spoiler alert: It’s not about having “perfect” skin—it’s about prepping it properly, so you feel fresh, radiant, and photo-ready.

Here’s how to do it.

3–5 Days Before Your Shoot: Set the Glow in Motion

The work starts before shoot day. Give your skin time to respond so you’re not rushing or irritating it with last-minute products.

✅ Do This:

• Hydrate like it’s your job – Aim for 2–3 liters of water a day. It plumps your skin and helps flush puffiness.

• Gently exfoliate – Use a scrub or chemical exfoliant 2–3 days before to smooth your skin and create a clean canvas.

• Moisturize morning and night – Hydrated skin = less texture, better makeup application.

• Stick to what you know – Now is not the time to try a new product or peel.
  
  
  

• ❌ Don’t:

• Overdo it. No harsh scrubs, extractions, or treatments you’ve never tried.

• Pick at your skin. It’s tempting, but it always shows in high-res photos.

• 🌙 The Night Before: Hydrate + Calm

• This is the final stretch. Now’s the time to lock in hydration and get some solid rest.

• 
  

• Do:

• Double cleanse – Remove makeup, SPF, and buildup thoroughly.

• Apply a hydrating mask – A sheet mask or sleep mask can give your skin a dewy boost.

• Moisturize well – Don’t skip this step, even if your skin feels “fine.”

• Depuff your eyes – Use an eye cream or chilled spoons for 5 minutes.

• Get 7–8 hours of sleep – It’s called beauty rest for a reason.
  
  
  

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• ☀️ Shoot Day Morning: Keep It Clean + Simple

• Less is more here. Avoid heavy products or anything that might cause flashback or shine.

• Do:

• Cleanse gently – No scrubs today. Just a light, non-stripping cleanser.

• Moisturize lightly – Use your regular moisturizer, nothing extra.

• Primer is your friend – If you’re wearing makeup, use a primer to keep everything smooth and in place.

• Skip heavy SPF – If you're indoors, avoid SPF with zinc or titanium dioxide—they can reflect light in photos.
  
  
  

• Bring With You:

• Lip balm

• Blotting paper

• Mini moisturizer or mist for touch-ups

• Your favorite lipstick or gloss

• A little powder if you get shiny
  
  
  

• 📸 Pro Tip: Your Skin Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

• Let’s be real—no one has “flawless” skin every day. Texture, pores, and little breakouts are normal. What shows through more than anything? Confidence.

• Prepping your skin helps you feel more in control, less anxious, and ready to show up and shine. You’ve got this.

• Want the Full Checklist?

• I’ve put together a free printable guide you can download and use the week of your shoot.
  ✅ Click here to grab your Skin Glow-Up Checklist (Free Download)

• Final Thought

• Your skin tells your story. For your shoot, don’t aim for perfect—aim for healthy, calm, and cared for. That glow? It’s as much mindset as moisturizer.

• If you’re getting ready for a session with me, or just planning ahead, feel free to reach out with any prep questions. I’m here to help you shine.

Donna's Fine Portrait

Photography Prep | Beauty | Confidence on Camera

www.donnasfineportrait.com  | @donnasfineportrait.com