Today I have a special guest on the blog! Gaby Robinson (gaby.makeupartistry on IG) is a professional makeup artist located in Oklahoma City and provides hair and makeup services to most of my senior clients. She is going to share her top tips on how to prepare your skin and hair in the week leading up to your session and the day of your senior portrait session.

How should a senior prep her skin in the week leading up to her session?

“You should always be washing your face and using a moisturizer, morning and night. Add in a sunscreen in the morning too! I can help you figure out the perfect routine for your skin as well.” It’s also great for your skin if you are hydrated. Drink all the water you can leading up to your session.

What should a senior do to prep her skin on the day of her senior pictures?

“Wash your face and apply a light moisturizer. I’ll take care of the rest! We will exfoliate the day of the shoot, so you shouldn’t exfoliate that week.”

Are there any items they should bring with them?

“I would really recommend bringing a clear lipgloss for touch ups while you are out taking pictures. A touch up powder would be a good idea as well.”

What are some of your favorite makeup products?

“I absolutely LOVE Stila One Step Correct! It cancels out redness like no other product, primes your face for makeup, and it’s so soothing to the skin.

Mac’s Double Gleam Highlighter is another fave! Mega glow, but it looks like skin!

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer is my FAVORITE concealer! It gives great coverage, but it’s not drying.”

“Once the senior arrives, I will asses her skin and ask a few questions to determine what she needs for her skin and what style of makeup she is wanting. Before I start to apply makeup, I will exfoliate her skin. (Every senior absolutely loves this part! Every single one of them comes back talking about how much dead skin they just got rid of!) Next, she will hop up in the GLAM CHAIR and we will get started with the pampering session! I apply makeup first and then work on the hair.”

What should they do with their hair on the day of the session?

“I recommend coming in with clean hair. If she would like curls, the hair should be blow dried and then just throw it up in a bun and I will take care of the rest!”

If she’s exploring new looks, she might want to experiment with summer wig styles beforehand. Wigs can be a fantastic way to try out different hairstyles without commitment. They are especially useful for achieving intricate or voluminous styles that might be challenging with natural hair alone.

Thank you so much to Gaby for all these amazing tips for preparing for your senior pictures! Go give Gaby a follow and learn tons of tips and tricks for getting glowing skin and beautiful makeup daily!

Facebook: Gaby Makeup Artistry

Instagram: @gaby.makeupartisty

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Brandi Price is a senior photographer servicing OKC, Edmond, Choctaw, Norman, and surrounding metro cities. Currently booking Class of 2022 spring sessions and Class of 2023 summer sessions. Fill out the contact form and let’s start the booking process!