Ladies, when it comes to the holidays, there is one thing we know for sure. There will be photos, lots of photos! Whether you're posing for family portraits, snapping selfies by the Christmas tree, or capturing candid moments at holiday parties, you want to look your best. That absolutely starts with youthful, glowing skin. We know the pressure can be real, but don’t worry—getting camera-ready doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a few simple tips and hacks, you can prep your skin to glow naturally, no filters required.
Top 8 Tips to Get Photo Ready
Start With a Clean Slate
The foundation (pun intended) of great skin is a good cleanse. Before your holiday photos, make sure to thoroughly clean your skin to remove dirt, oil, and any leftover makeup. Try using a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin. If you've been wearing makeup, a double cleanse may be necessary. Start with a cleansing balm or oil to break down makeup, then following up with a water-based cleanser.
Pro Tip: Use lukewarm water when washing your face. Hot water can dry out your skin, while cold water won’t effectively remove impurities.
Hydration Is Key
Hydrated skin is happy skin, and it looks much better in photos, too. Dry, flaky skin can make your makeup look uneven, and it shows up under harsh camera flashes. To keep your skin plump and glowing, focus on both internal and external hydration.
Drink water: We know it’s cliché, but staying hydrated from the inside out truly makes a difference. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day, especially if you’ve been indulging in festive treats and cocktails (side eye).
Moisturize: Apply a hydrating moisturizer or serum immediately after cleansing. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides to lock in moisture.
Pro Tip: For an extra glow, add a drop of facial oil to my moisturizer—it gives my skin a dewy finish that looks great in photos.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating is a game-changer for smooth, radiant skin. It helps slough off dead skin cells, unclog pores, and create a smoother canvas for makeup. That said, timing is key.
We recommend exfoliating 2-3 days before any known photo day. This gives your skin time to settle and avoids any redness or irritation. You can use a gentle chemical exfoliant (like one with lactic or glycolic acid) or a mild physical exfoliant if your skin can handle it.
Pro Tip: Skip harsh scrubs with large particles—they can cause micro-tears in your skin and leave it looking irritated instead of radiant.
Don’t Skip Sunscreen
Even if it’s winter and you’re mostly indoors, sunscreen is non-negotiable. UV rays can still penetrate windows, and they contribute to premature aging, dullness, and uneven skin tone—all things we don’t want showing up in photos. Choose a lightweight, non-greasy broad-specturm physical sunscreen and apply it after your moisturizer.
Bonus: ZINC IT OVER delivers added skincare benefits including hydration and setting makeup creating a smooth, airbrushed finish for your makup!
Use a Soothing Face Mask
If your skin is feeling dull or stressed from late nights and holiday chaos, a face mask can be your best friend. Enjoy a hydrating or brightening mask the night before a big event. Sheet masks, gel masks, or cream masks infused with ingredients like vitamin C, aloe vera, or niacinamide can work wonders.
For an extra treat, pop your sheet mask in the fridge for a few minutes before applying it. The cooling effect reduces puffiness and feels incredibly refreshing.
Tackle Puffiness and Dark Circles
Holiday stress and late-night parties can leave their mark under your eyes. To combat puffiness and dark circles, here are a few quick tricks:
Cold compresses: Use chilled spoons, cucumber slices, or a cold eye mask to reduce swelling.
Eye creams: Look for creams with caffeine or peptides to depuff and brighten the under-eye area.
Massage: Gently tap or massage around your eyes with your ring finger to boost circulation.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, concealer is your best friend. Use a lightweight, hydrating formula and blend well for a natural look.
Prep Your Lips
Dry, cracked lips can ruin even the best holiday look. A quick lip care routine goes a long way:
Exfoliate: Use a gentle lip scrub or a damp toothbrush to buff away flakes.
Hydrate: Apply a nourishing lip balm with ingredients like shea butter or beeswax.
Prime: Before applying lipstick, dab a tiny bit of foundation or concealer on your lips to create a smooth base.
Prime Your Skin for Makeup
If you’re wearing makeup for holiday photos, primer is your secret weapon. A good primer smooths your skin, blurs imperfections, and helps your makeup last longer. Choose one that suits your skin type—hydrating primers for dry skin, mattifying primers for oily skin, or color-correcting primers if you’re dealing with redness or uneven tone.
General Tips and Tricks:
Set the Mood With Lighting
Okay, this isn’t directly about your skin, but lighting can make or break a photo. Natural light is your best friend, so stand near a window when taking pictures. If you’re indoors at night, use warm-toned lighting to avoid the harsh, unflattering effects of overhead fluorescent lights.
Get Enough Sleep
We know it’s easier said than done during the holidays, but sleep truly is the best skincare hack. When you’re well-rested, your skin looks brighter, your eyes are less puffy, and you just feel better overall. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep the night before your holiday photos. If you’re running on empty, grab a quick 20-minute nap to refresh your skin and mood.
Smile Naturally
Finally, remember that your skin isn’t the only thing that makes you look good in photos—your smile does, too! Relax your face, take a deep breath, and think of something that makes you genuinely happy. A natural smile always looks better than a forced one, and it’ll make you glow from the inside out.
Prepping your skin for holiday photos doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. A little bit of hydration, exfoliation, and TLC can make a big difference. And remember, the holidays are about celebrating and making memories—your photos should reflect the joy of the season, not just the state of your skin. So relax, enjoy yourself, and let your natural beauty shine through.
Now, go take those gorgeous holiday photos—you got this!
