Hair, Makeup & Grooming Tips for Your Utah Boudoir Photography Session
ESTIMATED READ TIME: 6 MINUTES
Boudoir photography is an empowering, intimate experience that celebrates your unique beauty. Whether you’re gifting photos to a partner or doing it just for you, preparing for your session can make a world of difference in how confident and radiant you feel in front of the camera.
As a Salt Lake City boudoir photographer, I’ve worked with women of all shapes, sizes, and comfort levels, so I know just how powerful it can be when the right styling and prep work come together. This article includes some of my best tips for hair, makeup, and other grooming steps to help you feel flawless, confident, and camera-ready.
Why Hair & Makeup Matter in Boudoir Photography
Professional hair and makeup can elevate your entire boudoir session. Not only does it enhance your natural features and even out skin tone under studio lights, but it also gives you an instant confidence boost. And confidence is the real secret to jaw-dropping boudoir photos.
Even if you don’t wear makeup often, a little polish for your photo session goes a long way in ensuring your photos look as vibrant as you feel.
Hair Tips for Utah Boudoir Photography Sessions
1. Go With What Feels Like “You”
If you usually wear your hair down, keep it down. If a high ponytail or a tousled bun makes you feel sexy, go for it. But think of your look like the “best version” of your everyday style. Don’t try something too far from your norm. You want to feel like yourself, just a more polished version.
2. Texture Adds Magic
Loose curls, beachy waves, or voluminous blowouts photograph beautifully. Texture gives your hair movement and dimension, especially when posing in bed or against soft fabrics. If your hair is naturally straight, consider adding waves with a curling wand or blowout.
3. Don’t Forget the Flyaways
A light smoothing serum, dry oil spray, or finishing hairspray can tame frizz and help you avoid flyaways, especially around your face and part line.
Boudoir Session
Starting at $250
- Session typically lasts 60 minutes
- 50-100+ edited images
- $100 non-refundable deposit to book
- Remainder due the day before the session
- Studio fee will be added to total
- Travel fees applicable if 35+ miles from West Jordan
Salt Lake City Boudoir Photography Makeup Tips
1. Consider Hiring a Professional Makeup Artist (MUA)
If you don’t usually wear makeup, hiring a MUA can be a great option. Their expertise allows them to customize everything to suit your facial features and desired look, ensuring you feel confident and polished for your photoshoot. It’s also a relaxing, stress-free way to add a touch of pampering to your preparation. However, it may not always fit within your budget.
When doing your own makeup, opt for a look that offers more definition than your everyday style, particularly around the eyes, brows, and lips. This added emphasis will translate beautifully on camera and enhance the overall impact of your final photos.
2. Focus on the Eyes
Smokey, winged, or sultry eyes photograph so well in boudoir. Stick to earthy neutrals, browns, and soft blacks rather than bold colors. A few pro tips:
- Use waterproof mascara and liner to prevent smudging
- Add false lashes or lash extensions for drama
- Fill in brows for a defined frame to your face
3. Choose the Right Foundation
Look for medium to full coverage foundations that are hydrating and match your skin tone exactly. Avoid SPF or high-shine products as they can reflect light weirdly in photos. A light dusting of setting powder and setting spray can keep things in place.
4. Go Nude (But Better) on Lips
Lip color should be soft and natural. Choose tones close to your natural lip shade but slightly deeper or glossier. Stay away from bright reds unless that’s part of your look or outfit.
Grooming Tips to Feel Prepped & Polished
1. Skin Prep Is Key
A few days before your shoot, gently exfoliate your body and moisturize daily. Soft, smooth skin catches the light beautifully in boudoir photos. Pay attention to:
- Elbows
- Knees
- Ankles
- Hands
- Lips
Consider a hydrating sheet mask the night before your shoot and get plenty of water in the days leading up.
2. Hair Removal (If That’s Your Thing)
Shaving or waxing is totally personal, so do what feels comfortable. If you do remove body hair:
- Shave the night before, not the morning of
- Wax at least 48 hours before to prevent redness or irritation
- Don’t forget areas like underarms or bikini line if you’ll be wearing lingerie that shows them
3. Nails Matter More Than You Think
Your hands are visible in almost every shot. A simple manicure, whether it’s nude polish, soft pink, or clear, is perfect. The same goes for toenails if you’ll be barefoot.
4. Avoid Tight Clothing Before Your Shoot
The morning of your boudoir session, avoid socks, bras, or anything too tight that could leave red marks on you. Stick to loose, comfy clothes you can slip off easily once you arrive at the studio.
Other Helpful Tips to Feel Confident
1. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
No amount of beauty prep can truly hide exhaustion. Aim for a full night of rest before your session. It’ll help your eyes look bright and your skin glow naturally.
2. Eat Something Light
A light meal before your shoot will keep your energy up without making you feel bloated. Bring water and snacks to the session, especially if it runs long. I don’t want anyone passing out during their session due to lack of nutrition or water!
3. Bring Multiple Outfit Options
Even if you have one favorite lingerie set, bringing a few extra options gives us flexibility based on the lighting, set, and poses. Bodysuits, oversized sweaters, or even a robe can look incredibly sexy in a boudoir photo session.
I always tell my clients “we can’t shoot it if you don’t bring it”, so I prefer having a few extra options in case we have additional time at the end of your session!
Finally, Bring You
At the end of the day, the best thing you can do to prepare for your boudoir session is show up with an open mind and self-love. Boudoir photography is about capturing your essence. Your fire, your softness, your confidence, your story.
Your hair, makeup, and grooming can elevate the experience, but your energy is what truly makes the photos shine. Let’s blast some music and have a good time during your session!
Why You Should Book Your Boudoir Shoot with Me
I’m Karisa, a Salt Lake City boudoir photographer passionate about helping people feel radiant, celebrated, and empowered in their own skin. I know how vulnerable these sessions can feel, and that’s why I create a safe, affirming space where you can show up exactly as you are.
Whether it’s your first time in front of the camera or you’re a seasoned pro, I’ll guide you through every pose, help you feel totally at ease, and make sure you walk away with images that remind you just how beautiful and powerful you really are.
Don’t wait! Let’s make some magic together. Ready to book your boudoir photoshoot in Utah?
