Media Tips from Atlanta & Charlotte Commercial Makeup Artist

Corportate

Jun 20

Behind the Scenes: On-Set Makeup Tips from Commercial Makeup Artists in Atlanta & Charlotte

At Beauty Asylum, we often talk about bridal hair and makeup trends, but today we're shifting the focus to the technical side of artistry for commercial work. In this post, we’re sharing professional makeup and hair tips that every commercial artist should know when working on set.

A huge thank you to Jason and Natalie of Hales Photo and Wild Dingo Studios for capturing raw behind-the-scenes footage from one of our recent commercial shoots. Their work allows us to bring you a real-time look into how artistry adjusts for camera work.

When working as a commercial makeup artist or hairstylist, it's critical to understand how your work translates on screen. Lighting setups vary between photographers and can significantly affect how makeup appears on camera. This is why understanding the production environment is a key part of our job.

Why lighting matters for on-set makeup:

1️⃣ Every photographer has a unique shooting style depending on their lighting setup and post-production editing.
2️⃣ The lighting will directly influence how much or how little makeup should be applied to achieve a flawless, natural result on camera.

While the goal is always to ensure the client looks amazing in person, it's equally important for makeup to photograph seamlessly. In the bridal world, for example, I always check whether the photographer shoots film or digital. This helps us pair the right stylist who can tailor the look to complement the photographer’s aesthetic and lighting approach for the wedding day.

Below, you'll see two example images that illustrate these subtle but crucial adjustments in makeup and hair for on-camera work.

The first two images below are unedited test shots captured by Hales Photo. As soon as the first image appeared on screen, Beauty Asylum Owner & Lead Stylist Jessica Lyness and Senior Makeup Artist Kristin could immediately assess the adjustments needed. The client required additional contouring—specifically along the jawline, cheekbones, hairline, and neck—to create better definition for the camera.

In commercial and on-set work, this type of real-time assessment is crucial. We call it "stepping in," where the hair and makeup team waits respectfully for the photographer’s approval before quickly making adjustments. This collaborative process between the makeup artist and photographer ensures the final images achieve a flawless, camera-ready look that translates beautifully both on screen and in post-production editing.

It’s essential to ensure the foundation and bronzer shades are properly balanced for on-camera work. One of the biggest mistakes we see on set is using contour powders or palettes that are too gray or cool-toned. While these can create a chiseled effect, they often leave the face looking hollow, flat, or even harsh on camera—especially in corporate or commercial photography.

Instead, opt for bronzer shades with warmer undertones to enhance natural dimension and flatter the face under professional lighting. Warmth creates a healthy, natural glow that photographs beautifully across a wide range of skin tones. Most importantly, avoid any bronzers or contour products that contain shimmer or glitter. Shimmer rarely photographs well for commercial or corporate shoots, unless you're working under highly controlled studio lighting where the shimmer is intentionally styled for the shoot. For most professional headshots, branding, or corporate photography, a matte, natural finish will always deliver the most polished result.

Where is the Contour and Bronzer Applied?

I never apply contour and bronzer in the exact same place on every client—everyone’s face shape is unique. Before I begin, I like to step back and study each individual face. I ask myself two key questions:

A) Do I need to visually elongate or shorten the face?
B) Where can I place contour to create depth and dimension? (Remember: wherever you apply contour, it will visually push that area back, creating the illusion of more depth.)

By strategically placing bronzer and contour, I can softly sculpt the face while keeping it natural, balanced, and flattering for the camera. Whether it’s defining the jawline, adding warmth along the hairline, or softly contouring the cheeks, every face requires its own customized approach to achieve a seamless, camera-ready result.