Practice makes perfect...

I’m going to let you behind the scenes. Or, to put it another way, tell you how us makeup artists always seem to produce such gorgeous photo shoots.

One phrase comes to mind – practice makes perfect. And if you’re a perfectionist like me, it’s probably one of your favourite mottos.

I’m due to work on a drop-dead gorgeous, fully styled photo shoot. Not only do I want the results to be jaw-dropping, but I also want to be prepared. And how do I get on top of the game? By carrying out my very own test shoot…

So, I sorted out a fantastic studio; convinced my photographer brother, Paul O’Rourke, to shoot; and bribed my good friend, Eleanor McCaughey, to model. I’m a fan of involving friends for test shoots, because I feel more comfortable and can focus on just getting it right.

And the look I was going for? Perfect porcelain. I ditched the bronzers and went for Makeup Forever’s Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation. This wonder product conceals blemishes, evens out complexion, and leaves a flawless mat finish. If this isn’t already in your makeup bag, I strongly suggest it should be!

Just look at the china doll effect it creates…

I also used MAC’s Blackground Paint Pot as a base on Eleanor’s eyes to make sure the colour retained its impact. I find certain colours can fade in photographs, but this stuff always holds its strength and is a favourite amongst us makeup artists.

You can see how powerful this product is. It’ll definitely feature in the final shoot; you just can’t beat it for depth of colour.

As this wasn’t a styled test shoot, Eleanor’s clothes don’t exactly match the very long fake eyelashes I’ve used.  It’s amazing how exaggerated they look without the right outfit! But if you can imagine them partnered with big hair and some fabulous frocks, they’ll look amazing.

The test shoot did its job by highlighting one thing I’ll change on the big day - the lipstick colour. Here I’ve used Hue by MAC, which is too pale, dull, and boring for the look I’m going for. Plus, it doesn’t do justice to Eleanor’s totally gorgeous, full lips. But I do love this line of lipstick, so I’ll just choose it in a different shade next time. Something a little more eye-catching and vibrant.

I will also contour the face more as this didn’t translate well in the photos, and spend more time cleaning up the fall out under the eyes. The whole finish just needs a little more polishing, which due to limited time got neglected.

I’m now prepared and ready for the real thing, and know exactly what products and tones to use to achieve the look I’ve envisioned. Professional photo shoots are complex processes, so it’s important to help them run smoothly. Add to the chaos, and you’ll find a very grumpy photographer indeed!

And now for the object of Eleanor’s bribe – a mention of her website, which features her fantastic paintings and portraits: http://eleanormccaughey.com/home.html. It’s well worth a look. This girl can paint!