How to Style Your Hair and Makeup for an NYC Boudoir Shoot

I’m a boudoir photographer in New York City, and I absolutely love helping women feel confident and beautiful in front of the camera. One of the questions I get asked a lot is, “How should I do my hair and makeup for the shoot?” So, today I want to share everything you need to know about getting your hair and makeup just right for your boudoir session.



Let’s keep it simple, fun, and all about you. This isn’t about looking perfect—it’s about feeling powerful and beautiful just the way you are.

Step 1: Know Your Style

Before you even pick up a brush or curling iron, I always ask my clients, “What kind of vibe do you want for your photos?” Are you going for soft and romantic? Bold and dramatic? Natural and glowing?

Here in NYC, boudoir styles can go from classy and chic to edgy and modern. Your hair and makeup should match the mood of your session.

If you’re not sure, think about this: How do you usually feel your best? Do you love a bold red lip or feel more like yourself with soft gloss? Do you love your hair curled or straight? Starting with your own style will help you feel more relaxed and confident.

Step 2: Should You Do It Yourself or Hire a Pro?

This is a big one. You have two choices: do your own hair and makeup, or hire a professional artist.

If you love doing your own glam and know how to make it last, then go for it! But if you’re nervous, or you want a little pampering, I always recommend hiring a pro. I actually work with some amazing makeup and hair artists right here in New York. They know what looks great on camera and how to make sure everything stays put during the shoot.

Plus, having someone do your hair and makeup for you can help you relax. You’ll feel like a queen before the session even starts!

Step 3: Hair Tips for Boudoir

Now let’s talk hair.

First, volume is your friend. Flat hair can sometimes look lifeless on camera. A little teasing, some curls, or soft waves can add movement and shape to your photos. You don’t need to go full glam unless that’s your style—but a bit of body goes a long way.

If you have short hair, no worries at all. I’ve done amazing sessions with pixie cuts, bobs, and natural curls. The key is to style your hair in a way that feels you. If you wear your curls every day, let’s show them off! If you love slicked-back buns, rock that look.

I always suggest you wash your hair the night before, not the morning of. Slightly “dirty” hair (not oily, just not freshly washed) actually holds styles better—especially curls.

Also, bring a brush and a bit of hair spray to your session in case you want a quick touch-up halfway through.



Step 4: Makeup Tips for Boudoir

Makeup for a boudoir shoot is a little different than everyday makeup. The camera loves contrast and color, so sometimes what looks natural in real life might not show up in photos.

Here are a few tips I give all my clients:

  • Foundation: Use a matte or semi-matte foundation that matches your skin tone. Avoid anything too shiny—it can look oily on camera. Make sure it’s well-blended down your neck.

  • Eyes: This is where you can have fun! Smoky eyes look amazing in boudoir photos. They bring out emotion and drama. But if you’re more into soft browns or pinks, those work too. Lashes (even just some mascara or natural falsies) really help your eyes pop.

  • Brows: Fill them in a little if needed. Your brows help frame your face and really show your expression.

  • Cheeks: Use blush and maybe a bit of bronzer to warm up your face. Just enough to bring life to your skin.

  • Lips: A bold red? A nude gloss? You pick! I usually suggest bringing a few options and we can switch halfway through the session if you want a different look.

The main thing is this: make sure your makeup looks like you, but a little more polished. You want to feel gorgeous but still feel like yourself.

Step 5: Don’t Forget These Extras

Here are a few bonus tips that can make a big difference:

  • Moisturize your skin the night before and the morning of. Dry skin can show up in photos, especially on elbows, knees, and lips.

  • Drink water the day before your shoot. It helps your skin look fresh and glowing.

  • Bring touch-up makeup like lip gloss, powder, and a small mirror just in case.

  • Nails matter too—you don’t need a full manicure, but clean, neat nails (even just clear polish) look great in close-up shots where your hands might be near your face or body.

Step 6: Practice Makes Perfect

If you’re doing your own hair and makeup, do a test run a few days before the shoot. Take some selfies in natural light and see how it looks. That way, you can make changes before the real thing.

If you're working with a professional, they might offer a trial session. Ask about it! A trial helps you both figure out the perfect look ahead of time, and it takes away the guesswork on the day of your shoot.

Step 7: Trust the Process

On the day of your boudoir shoot, the most important thing is to feel good. Whether your hair is styled in soft curls or a slick ponytail, and whether you wear a nude lip or deep red, the camera captures your energy and emotion most of all.

I’ll be there to guide you through every pose, every smile, every glance. So don’t stress if your curl falls or your lipstick smudges a little. That’s part of the fun, and sometimes the best photos are the imperfect ones.

Final Thoughts

Styling your hair and makeup for a boudoir shoot should be exciting, not stressful. Whether you go full glam or soft and natural, the goal is for you to feel amazing in your skin. This is your moment to shine, to celebrate your body, and to capture your beauty in a way you’ll never forget.

So take a deep breath, trust yourself, and get ready to glow.

I can’t wait to see you in front of my camera!


Learn more

Contact us:

Boudoir Photography by Your Hollywood Portrait

247 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States

646-209-8198



Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA

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