Makeup help!

Quick synopsis: I'm doing a shoot in a few days to help out a friend with her employer's staff portraits. The shots will be used for the web, but may also be used for periodical print ads and maybe even framed enlargements for the office (I'll be shooting with all three possibilities in mind).
Since this could be a springboard to future endeavors with said employer, I'd like to make a good impression as best I can up front. They've seen my book, and are plenty impressed that I'm the right guy for the job, but people's attitudes can change when the subject becomes their own image; and profession to boot. I know this is a photography forum, but I need help with make-up and the proper application of it for "simple" studio portraits (two Norman 600s with softboxes set up on location in an unused room). The big issue is how do I ask/instruct my subjects to do their own make-up in preparation? Is there a suggestion that I could give them, especially the male boss, that would help with skin tone or smoothness or is this just wishful thinking and I'm stuck with a fair amount of PP later? Suggestions, please.

I really shouldn't be answering this, as I'm not a "pro", but I work in the fashion business.

The easiest route (in my most humble opinion), is for you to try perhaps a beauty school in your area, or google MUA (make-up artist) in your area. I've found tons of them at department stores like Macy, and they're all too willing to work, even for TFF if they can add the fotos to their portofolio etc. This way you don't have to worry about learning the basics of foundation application yourself, there is an art to it, and one that as woman I haven't mastered yet. This may give you a chance to add some to your networking list. A good MUA is hard to find, but since you say you don't need much, a student would be perfect too. They're eager, and usually open, because of the experience they'll gain.

I only suggest this, because a lot of the photographers I've worked with, from small to large scale shoots, always offer the services of a MUA. They usually know tons of them. I think if I were the client, I'd want that as opposed to the photographer telling me how to apply my make-up. Again this is just my opinon, someone else may be more helpful who does this for a living.

I hope my suggestion wasn't completely useless, if so please disregard, and best of luck to you!

You could ask local (wherever that is) video or photo people for MUA recommendations.

Some help: http://www.google.com …pp&rls=com.nets​cape:en-US

Just my 2 cents. If you really can't provide a MUA for the shoot, one option that has worked for me in the past (and was suggested to me by a model that did it for her portfolio shoot that I did) is send the women to the makeup counter at Nordstroms (or some such department store). The makeup counter is usually staffed with some people that are pretty darn good and they will do folks up for around $40-$50. The beauty school suggestion above is also really good. Many students will jump at an opportunity to get real world experience and it won't cost you a thing...well...maybe a large pizza and some drinks :O)

i like the idea of taking a student along. at the very least, have people wipe off their shiny foreheads. that is one place where you can save yourself alot of PP time.

I have had a heck of a time getting a shiny forehead look right on more than one occasion.

Is thare any good website with general info on makeup for photography? l'd love to read up on the basics. Have read a fair amount about makeup in general, but nothing relating to photographic purposes.

It's always good to get opinions; at least in my world it is. While the idea to get a MUA (even a novice one) is a good idea on the surface, it could complicate the shoot (not saying that is a guarantee, but I'd like insure as little complication as possible first time with the client). All of this is going to happen after they close up shop (about 7:00p) and I'd like to move as efficiently as possible through the shoot. Almost all of the subjects will be finishing their shift as the shoot starts. I was just curious as to what I could offer as a suggestion for touch-up or re-application. As I had mentioned in the original post, this will be for the web initially but may become an enlarged print later. Good suggestions, though and I need all the help I can get...

At the minimum I'd say bring transluscent powder & wipes for fixing possible shiny foreheads. Maybe also a concealer for under eyes.

Found this:
http://www.bobpardue.c​om/glamour-makeup/

Thanks, Claire! I'll see what everyone brings to the shoot... The lone male may just have to be post-processed.

Unless you plan on only using the powder on one person & then plan to discard it, do not let a pad touch the makeup again after it has touched a person.

Does anyone know if your average department store (Macy's, Nordstrom's, etc.) would stock this transluscent powder and the tools to apply it? The women may have some of the concealer, but I'm not as worried about blemishes as I am about shinyness, discoloration or uneven tone.

Go to any makeup counter & they'll have stuff for you. Ask for help. If you feel shy ask a friend to help you buy stuff.

I'm your girl!!!!

I'm a makeup & sfx artist, which is what got me into photography

Here is a brief overview of what to tell the ladies:
- Wear foundation, this will even their skin tone
- A light application of concealer under the eyes & over any blemishes
- Set this with a light application of translucent powder (I use a brush)
* Note I've used the word LIGHT there! There's nothing worse than a mask-like face

- Wear blush - slightly more than normal
- Eyeliner, eyeshadow and mascara - they may want to define their eyes slightly more than normal as well

- lipstick, maybe a touch of gloss (depending on models age and type of shoot)


For the man:

- I would recommend purchasing a tub of translucent powder, and applying over his face with a brush, paying attention mostly to the forehead area

- As PhotosGuy said, don't share brushes or application tools between people. Always use a new sponge etc but if the ladies are doing their own makeup you shouldn't have to deal with this.

You can definitely get away without a makeup artist if you need to, just make sure they don't overdo it, and that they wear what they feel comfortable in is my biggest tip!!!

I'm more than happy to provide some quick tutorials or more in depth tips if you would like, just let me know

Where do you live dshootist?

I can find you some stockists of good brands