10 makeup tricks that make you look spectacular in photos

(Wedding or otherwise!)

By Glamour Magazine Feb 25, 2013 7:39PM

by Petra Guglielmetti

Bachelorette party, shower, rehearsal dinner, the actual wedding--you engaged ladies have just a few minor photo opps in your near future. So I had to share these 10 very smart tricks from celebrity makeup guru Nick Barose, the man who made Gretchen Mol look porcelain-doll perfect at Monday's Fall 2013 DKNY show.

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1. Always start with primer. It fills in fine lines and fades imperfections that the (cruel, cruel) camera lens can often magnify. "Invest in a good one, it'll really make a difference," says Nick, who swears by Koh Gen Do Makeup Color Base in Lavender Pink for rosy-toned skin like Gretchen's.

2. Mind your neck. If you stop your foundation at your jawline, your face/neck color difference could be noticeable in photos (even if the contrast isn't noticeable in your mirror).

3. Avoid reverse raccoon eyes. Mix under-eye concealer with a bit of foundation before applying. This helps prevent skin-brightening concealer from popping out and looking too white when a flash hits. "We've all seen photos of stars with those white under-eye mishaps," Nick says.

4. Frame your face. Dust a sheer bronzer (like Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder) just around the perimeter to flatteringly shape your face and take the focus off your forehead.

5. Get some power powder. If you always have major T-zone shine and regular powder doesn't cut it, try a blotting powder, like MAC Blot Powder--this stuff is your new best friend.

6. Reinforce your brows. Brows bring out your bone structure in photos, so subtly sketch them in with a bit of pencil. "They tend to disappear in photos, especially the tails," Nick notes.

7. Upgrade to liquid liner. Even if you usually use pencil, liquid will define your eyes more for photos and can still look natural; just trace a thin line extra-close to your lashes. "I like the NARS liquid liner," Nick says. "It's like a thin Sharpie and is so easy to use even a cat could probably apply it with its paws."

8. Brighten your blush. Don't be scared to go a bit brighter, just be sure to blend around the edges, and choose blush that has gleam but not noticeable sparkles. "It'll make you look radiant when the flash hits your face," says Nick, who used the Lancome Blush Subtil palette on Gretchen; he used the different shades to help sculpt her cheekbones.

9. Dabble in lip liner. Even if you hate the stuff, try using it just on your upper V and outer corners. "I learned this trick from Kim Cattrall--it gives her lips definition but never looks harsh or severe," Nick says.

10. Relax and feel pretty! "Remember that a smile will brighten your face and is always better than any lipstick or mascara!" And when you do see inevitable bad photos, blame the angle or flash and move on, because you looked perfect.

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What's YOUR favorite makeup trick that helps you look extra-pretty in photos? A certain lipstick or blush shade, perhaps? A mascara tactic? Share below!