Subtle Colour & Definition
Cameras wash out natural colour. Strategic blush, brows, and lip colour restore dimension and life to faces on screen.
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Why Colour Matters on Camera
What looks healthy and vibrant in person can appear washed out and flat on camera. Studio lights combined with camera sensors often drain natural colour from faces, making people look tired or unwell even when they're perfectly healthy.
The solution isn't dramatic makeup - it's subtle colour restoration. A touch of blush, groomed brows, and natural lip colour help storytellers look like themselves on screen, allowing the focus to remain on their words rather than their appearance.
How to Add Natural Colour
Blush Placement
Smile, apply to apple of cheeks, blend back towards temples. Cream blush looks more natural on mature skin. Powder blush easier for beginners. Use slightly more colour than seems natural - camera dulls it. Soft pink or peach tones work on most skin tones.
Brow Definition
Defined brows frame the face on camera. Fill sparse areas with light feathery strokes. Match natural brow colour or go slightly lighter (never darker - looks harsh). Brow gel keeps unruly hairs in place. Well-groomed brows make enormous difference to polished appearance.
Lip Colour for Camera
Natural lip colour disappears on camera. Tinted lip balm minimum. Lipstick one shade deeper than natural lip colour looks natural on screen. Avoid super-matte formulas (uncomfortable for long interviews). Avoid very dark or bright colours unless that's their normal style.
Our Recommended Products
e.l.f. Cosmetics Blush Palette
~$5-10Four coordinating shades, powder formula, buildable colour. Excellent value. Natural-looking pigmentation perfect for camera. Cult favourite for good reason.
Check Price Affiliate linkNYX Micro Brow Pencil
~$5-10Ultra-fine tip for natural hair-like strokes. Doesn't look drawn-on. Wide shade range. Spoolie brush included. Professional quality at pharmacy prices.
Check Price Affiliate linkNARS Blush (Orgasm or Dolce Vita)
~$20-30Universally flattering shades. Buildable, long-lasting, natural finish. These two shades suit most skin tones. Used by professional makeup artists constantly. One pan lasts years.
Check Price Affiliate linkMAC Lip Pencil + Lipstick
~$20-30 + ~$20-30Line lips with pencil, fill with matching lipstick - prevents feathering and extends wear. MAC's shade range is unmatched. Satin or amplified formula (avoid retro matte for interviews).
Check Price Affiliate linkPro Tips
- Start with less colour - easier to add more than remove excess
- Cream products blend more easily into mature skin than powder
- Warm up blush/lipstick on back of hand before applying to mature subjects
- Brows: less is more. Natural and groomed beats heavily filled
- Keep lip colour one shade deeper than natural - anything more looks "done up"