Boudoir Beauty Prep Checklist: Hair, Skin, and Makeup Tips
- Emily Newton
- Jan 23
- 6 min read
Hello, gorgeous! If you’re reading this, you’ve likely booked your boudoir photoshoot—or at least you’re seriously considering it. Let me tell you, a boudoir session is one of the most empowering and confidence-boosting experiences you can have. As a boudoir photographer, I’ve had the privilege of working with women of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, and trust me when I say: you are already stunning. My job is to capture your unique beauty and help you see yourself the way the world sees you.
To make sure you feel as confident as possible for your shoot, proper preparation is key. Your hair, skin, and makeup play a huge role in not just how you look but also how you feel in front of the camera. Here are my top tips to help you prep like a pro and feel like the goddess you are!
Table of Contents
Skin Preparation Tips For a Healthy Glow
Let’s start with your skin. Great skin doesn’t mean perfect skin; it means skin that looks healthy, hydrated, and luminous. Here are some steps to help your skin glow for your boudoir session:
1. Hydrate Thoroughly
Drink Plenty of Water: Start hydrating well before your shoot. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day in the weeks leading up to your session. Hydrated skin is plumper and smoother, making it the perfect canvas for makeup.
Moisturize Daily: Use a good-quality moisturizer morning and night. Remember areas like your elbows, knees, and hands, as they’ll likely appear in your photos.
2. Exfoliate
Face: Use a gentle exfoliator 2-3 times a week leading up to your session. This will remove dead skin cells and leave your complexion smooth and radiant.
Body: A sugar scrub or dry brushing can help exfoliate your skin. This is extremely important as you’ll be showing off more skin than you’re probably used to seeing.
3. Avoid Major Changes
Skip New Skincare Products: Now is not the time to experiment with new products. Stick to what works to avoid any unexpected reactions or breakouts.
Be Cautious with Treatments: If you plan to get a facial or waxing, schedule these at least a week before your shoot to avoid redness or irritation.
4. Tan Wisely
I’m not against spray tans! I got a spray tan for my own boudoir shoot and I honestly felt like it made me more confident since my skin does not tan well naturally. That being said, there’s no guarantee that your boudoir photographer will be able to edit out any splotchiness or creasing.
Another risk is that the spray tan could rub off onto furniture. Clients are responsible for any damage or staining that happens to the furniture because of a spray tan or tanning lotion.
Hair Preparation Tips For a Sexy Look
Your hair is an important part of your look, and it can add drama, softness, or glamour to your photos. Here’s how to get it photo-ready:
1. Wash Your Hair The Day Before
Freshly washed hair can be too slippery for styling, so wash it the day before your shoot. If your hair gets oily quickly, you can wash it the morning of but avoid over-conditioning the roots.
2. Get a Trim If You Need One
If you’re overdue for a haircut, get a trim about a week before your session. Fresh ends make your hair look healthier and more polished.
A deep conditioning treatment a week before the shoot can also be helpful to add shine and smoothness.
3. Style Options
Soft Waves: Loose curls or soft waves are universally flattering and add a touch of romance to your photos. I also love to use your hair as a prop to add drama to the shot so having your hair down can be very fun!
Updos: A messy bun or a sleek ponytail can highlight your neckline and shoulders. You can also start with your hair down and then do a quick updo halfway through.
Extensions: If you have extensions, make sure they’re blended seamlessly with your natural hair. Know that the camera might see every angle of your head so have your partner double check the back!
Avoid Drastic Changes: Like with your skin, don’t try a completely new hairstyle or color right before the shoot. Stick to what makes you feel confident and beautiful.
4. Bring Backup
Pack a hairbrush / comb, bobby pins, and a travel-sized hairspray to handle any flyaways or last-minute adjustments during the session.
Makeup Tips To Enhance Your Natural Beauty
Boudoir makeup is all about enhancing your natural beauty while adding a touch of glam. Here’s how to prepare:
1. Professional vs. DIY
Hire a Pro: I will always advocate for hiring a professional hair and makeup artist for your session. I’ve partnered with a fantastic team that knows my photography style and what photographs the best on camera.
Practice Makes Perfect: If you’re doing your makeup yourself, practice your look beforehand. Aim for slightly more dramatic makeup than your everyday style; it might feel like too much, but I’ve never had any of my clients regret having “too much makeup” on for their session.
2. Focus Areas
Flawless Base: Use a primer and a long-wearing foundation for a smooth and even complexion. Don’t forget to blend into your neck.
Eyes That Pop: Go for defined brows, blended eyeshadow, and either eyeliner or false lashes to make your eyes stand out. Make sure your false lashes are stuck really well. I’ve had clients have their lashes start coming off during the session and it’s extremely hard to edit out.
Kissable Lips: Choose a lipstick or gloss that complements your skin tone. Matte lipsticks are long-lasting, but a touch of gloss can add a sensual finish. Even more important, though, is to make sure your lips are as hydrated as possible. Dry or cracked lips are almost impossible to edit out and I love detail shots!
Cheeks: A soft blush and a subtle highlighter on the high points of your face can give you a radiant glow.
3. Set It and Forget It
Lock your makeup in place with a setting spray so it lasts throughout the shoot. You can also bring your lipstick, powder, or any other makeup for touch ups at the studio. There will almost always be a bathroom for you to use a mirror or change in.
Final Prep Checklist
The night before and the day of your shoot, there are a few extra steps to make sure everything goes smoothly:
The Night Before:
Rest Up: A good night’s sleep will help you look and feel refreshed.
Lay Out Your Outfits: Choose lingerie or outfits that make you feel confident. Don’t forget accessories, shoes, and any props you’d like to include.
The Day Of:
Eat Breakfast: Have a healthy meal before your shoot to keep your energy up. Also bring a water bottle with you to the studio.
Avoid Alcohol and Salty Foods: These can cause bloating and puffiness. Plus, you won’t be allowed in the studio if I can tell you’re tipsy, even if you had someone else drive you. But feel free to celebrate after!
Stay Comfortable: Wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid marks on your skin. Button-up shirts are a great choice if you’ve had your hair or makeup done beforehand. I don’t recommend wearing your lingerie in the car to the studio; I’ve unfortunately had clients’ lingerie rip on the way and we were unable to shoot with it.
Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to get to the studio, park, and walk in. I will message you the day before about the parking situation and what to expect for the specific studio you’ve chosen.
You Look Amazing, Trust Me
The most important thing to bring to your boudoir shoot is confidence. Trust me, you are going to look incredible. My job as your photographer is to guide you through poses, angles, and expressions that highlight your natural beauty and showcase the best version of you. With a little preparation and self-love, your boudoir session will be an unforgettable experience—and the photos will be a timeless reminder of how amazing you are.
So, take a deep breath, follow these tips, and get ready to feel as sexy as ever. I can’t wait for our shoot! If you haven’t booked with me yet, don’t hesitate to message me to get more details. I’m always here for you, girl!
Example Images From My Boudoir Shoots
All images by Emily Newton.
Interested in Booking a Boudoir Shoot?
If any of the information above was helpful and you're now ready to book your next boudoir shoot, send me a message here and let's get started! I'm absolutely honored that you trust me with such a courageous step in your life and would be overjoyed to be your boudoir photographer. Let's make some magic.
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