Light-reflecting powders + photography = white face/dark neck?

[neebelung]

Ok here's an odd one... I was reading an article in one of my bridal mags the other day about wedding day makeup. In the article, they specifically said do NOT use translucent powder, as the light-reflecting particles give that "light face/dark neck" look in photographs. Ok, makes sense....

But then in that same article, it said to avoid looking chalky, skip foundation in favor of tinted moisturizer (I'm with ya so far), and then dust on a loose bronzing powder instead of your usual translucent powder.

What confuses me about this is that bronzing powder ALSO has little light reflecting particles... so won't it give that same effect that translucent powder will under flash photography?

[BridalMUA]

Hi Neebelung!
They are partially right...partially. When you are in a situation such as a photography studio, it's important to know what type of lighting the photographer will use as that will dictate what will not read well in the pictures. If the photographer is using "ring lights" or something similar, anything shimmery or light reflective will create a "hot spot" (a while glare) on that part of the skin.
Now for bridal purposes, unless those are the conditions under which you are taking your pictures, anything with a slight (slight!) reflective nature will be ok. Some translucent powders have light reflecting qualities, but if you use, say rice powder or cornstarch powder, you are fine. Those are matte, sheer setting powders that will work fine.
What makes your face pale and your body appear to be a darker color is SPF in your foundation. SPF is found in mineral foundation and any foundation that says it contains SPF. The reason is because SPF is meant to reflect any light, even those produced by a camera, so it will reflect the light, giving the illusion that you are wearing a foundation that is WAY to light. Be careful, as many tinted moisturizers also contain SPF.
So for professional makeup application, artists will use "pro" products (the stuff that we use for TV, film, runway, photoshoots, etc.) that we know read well on film. Some brands that make great products are:

1) Nixie Cosmetics (www.nixiecosmetics.com)
2) Smashbox Cosmetics (www.smashbox.com)
3) Face Atelier (www.faceatelier.com ) Bonus: They will send samples of virtually anything for $1.00! Try thier foundations and lip glosses...they are to die for!

As for bronzing powder, there are matte bronzers out there (not as easily found as the shimmery ones, but they are there) so that would be perfectly acceptable...if you need a bronzer. Bronzer is generally used to give you a sun-kissed glow, but if you are super pale, or your foundation is matched perfectly to your skin, you should only use bronzer in lieu of contouring or as blush. N.Y.C cosmetics has one for $2.99 that you can find at Target, CVS, Walgreens, etc. and it is just great! So many makeup artists have begun using it because it looks so natural and is easy to blend.

I hope I have helped to clear up a few of your questions!

[neebelung]

Ohhhhh excellent... thank you for clarifying (esp since I'm RELIGIOUS about using sunscreen every day, and I do like mineral foundations)....

[munchkin]

Another photography related makeup problem is red lipstick. Don't wear dark red lipstick if you're going to take black and white photos, since it will look black in them. Unfortunately a friend of ours discovered that by experience, so I always tell brides to make sure not to wear it.

[BridalMUA]

EXCELLENT point Munchkin.