Hair & Makeup Tips for Your Maternity Session

You’ve chosen the perfect gown and location for your maternity photoshoot – now it’s time to think about hair and makeup. These finishing touches can truly elevate your session, helping you feel confident, radiant, and picture-perfect. Whether you work with a professional stylist or do it yourself, here are my top hair and makeup tips for your luxury maternity portraits in Vancouver.

The Natural Glow: Makeup Tips for a Soft, Radiant Look

1. Start with Skincare

Healthy skin is the foundation of every glowing look. In the days leading up to your shoot:

  • Stay hydrated.
  • Exfoliate gently.
  • Use a hydrating serum and moisturizer.
  • Avoid trying new products right before your session.

2. Choose Lightweight Foundation

Use a buildable, dewy-finish foundation or tinted moisturizer that lets your natural skin shine through. The goal is luminous, not heavy.

3. Highlight Strategically

Apply a soft highlighter to the high points of your face – cheekbones, brow bones, nose bridge, and cupid’s bow – for a subtle, ethereal glow that the camera will love.

4. Neutral Tones Are Key

Stick with warm neutrals for eyeshadow, blush, and lips. Soft peach, warm rose, taupe, and gold complement all skin tones and create timeless elegance.

5. Define Your Features

Even in a natural look, light contouring, defined brows, and curled lashes can enhance your features and ensure you don’t appear washed out in soft light.

Professional Hair Styling for Timeless Beauty

1. Loose Waves or Curls Photograph Best

Soft curls or loose beach waves add texture and movement, which look stunning in natural light and breezy outdoor settings.

2. Consider Half-Up Styles

Half-up styles are romantic and practical. They frame your face while keeping hair away from your eyes, allowing more versatility in posing.

3. Avoid Heavy Products

Skip anything that may weigh down your hair. Volumizing mousse or light-hold hairspray will keep it looking soft and touchable.

4. Schedule Hair the Morning Of

If you’re booking a stylist, try to schedule your appointment close to your session time to keep the look fresh and polished.

Top Hair & Makeup Artists in Vancouver for Maternity Shoots

Makeup Artists:

Hair Stylists:

DIY or Professional? Here’s How to Decide

If you love doing your own glam and have a routine that works, go for it! But if you want to treat yourself or ensure camera-ready perfection, a professional stylist is a worthwhile investment.

Final Beauty Tips Before the Shoot

  • Get plenty of rest the night before.
  • Wear a button-down shirt while getting ready to avoid smudging makeup.
  • Bring touch-up products (powder, lipstick, blotting paper).
  • Don’t forget to smile – confidence is the best makeup of all!

Celebrate Your Natural Beauty

This chapter of your life is filled with wonder, and your photos should reflect that. Whether you choose soft waves and neutral tones or a glam look with bold lashes and a radiant glow, the most important thing is that you feel beautiful and empowered.

Need help coordinating hair and makeup services? I’m happy to recommend my trusted partners to make your maternity session seamless and stress-free.

FAQs

1. Should I get my makeup professionally done?
It’s not required, but it can enhance your natural beauty and reduce prep stress on the day of the shoot.

2. How early should I book hair and makeup?
Book at least 3-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak wedding and event seasons.

3. What about humid or rainy weather in Vancouver?
Opt for frizz-control products and light-hold styles. I also recommend a backup indoor location just in case.

4. Can I do touch-ups during the session?
Absolutely! Bring a small beauty kit with essentials to refresh your look if needed.

5. Can I include flower crowns or accessories?
Yes! Soft florals, delicate clips, or vintage combs can add a whimsical touch to your look.

 

Maternity Sessions, Outfit advice

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Hair & Makeup Tips for Your Maternity Session

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You want to find the perfect photographer for your family - one that will make your kids comfortable and capture all those expressions and moments that make your heart burst, without the frustration and stress usually associated with a photo shoot.

I help take care of every detail from helping select outfits, to directing you so your family doesn't feel awkward, and assisting in selecting the images that make your heart the happiest. My goal is to give you the stunning images you want of all your favourite parts of your beautiful life, make them into gorgeous artwork so you can enjoy them daily, and make it a fun and stress-free experience for the whole family!