It's important that you prepare for your boudoir session so that you feel and look good. If you know that you've prepared, you're less likely to feel unprepared. Makes sense, right? I want this to be an excuse to pamper yourself not only at your session, but also the weeks and days leading to it. We all know you deserve some self love. Sometimes we need a concrete reason to do these things. Self care should be a priority but as a mother of two, I know it's not always at the top of our to-do lists! These are all tips that may or may not apply to you. Take them as you will, scratch some stuff off, do some multiple times. Ultimately it's up to you and what your time and budget allows. More than anything: ENJOY!
Whiten Teeth. Crest sells white-strips that whiten in a week or less for a quick whiteness boost. I hear dentists can whiten teeth, too. Many even do it for free for new clients. If you’re due for a cleaning, you might consider going all out.
Don’t Pick. A pimple is very easy to cover with makeup, but scabs, wounds and flaky patches are more tricky. As soon as possible, stop picking at your skin. If you’re like me and scratch and squeeze at every bump and flake on your face, it’s time to pull out the big guns. Do whatever it takes. Stop examining your face closer than 2 feet from a mirror. If you distractedly pick while you’re doing something else, try wearing bandaids on your fingertips. Go for some with a really sassy print, like Barbie or Dora the Explorer.
Exfoliate. A nice, soothing session using a grainy scrub (or gently rubbing your skin with a washcloth) on your face and body is an indulgent way to spend an evening. Plan to exfoliate a couple times before your appointment, but be sure to allow a few days between ‘treatments’, as well as a couple days after the last one before your shoot.
Get a Facial. If you’re going to go all out into pamper mode, be sure to do your facial at least a week before your shoot. Since facials tend to cause redness, a week usually allows enough time to heal.
For those of us on a budget, an at-home facial with a gooey, florescent masque is always a fun alternative to a night on the town. Throw in a delicious book and recharge your psyche. Repeat as necessary.
Wax Eyebrows. If you decide to have your eyebrows waxed or threaded, be sure to schedule the appointment for at least a few days before your photoshoot. Otherwise, an eyebrow trim/touch up at home could be done a day or two before the shoot.
Touch Up Your Roots. If you dye your hair, touching up your regrowth three days before your photoshoot is ideal. Take my advice: this is not the time for drastic changes. Trust me.
Get a Trim. Neat, healthy hair is youthful and vibrant. If it’s been a while since your last haircut, even a subtle trim can make a world of difference.
Deep Condition. Your salon can do a professional conditioning treatment, or you can use your favorite deep conditioner or protein pack at home. Toss it on with the gooey facial masque. Wrap your head, turban-style. Wear harem pants and pretend you’re a genie while you’re marinating. Or read a book. Your call.
Get a Manicure. While you’re at it, toss in the pedicure. If you’re hard on your manicures, book the mani/pedi for the day before your shoot.
Minimalists can stick with neatly shaped, clear nails. Soft, neutral colors work well for fingertips. Toes can get away with any color. (Think about the outfits you’re bringing and be sure to choose a color that will compliment your choices.)
Wax or Shave. If you go the waxing route, give yourself a few days to heal before your shoot. Shaving can be done the night before. Be sure to get your legs and underarms, and if you’ll be wearing a swimsuit or lingerie, go for the bikini area as well.
-Get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water. We want you to look your best but also feel your best! When you’re rested and have energy for your session it shows in your images. Don’t be nervous. You just have to follow directions and enjoy the experience.
-Stretch. You'll be getting into a lot of poses that you don't regularly hold for longer than half a second. You will be sore the next day unless you prep those muscles beforehand! Focus on stretching your core, back, and thighs. Here's a great list for some great stretches to start adding to your daily routine at least a few days prior to your session: https://www.self.com/gallery/essential-stretches-slideshow
-Moisturize. Moisturize the night before and the morning of so you can show off that silky skin!
-Wear Loose Clothes. This will ensure you don’t have marks on your skin during your session.
-Pin your heart out! Make sure to create a secret board on Pinterest and invite me to be apart of it so I can see what boudoir poses, outfits, and lighting inspires you the most.
- THE DAY-OF CHECKLIST -
Bare face (wash and apply your usual moisturizer)
Clean, dry hair
Comfy outfit (to sit in while you’re being styled)
5-6 fitted outfits to wear in photos
Pretty nails (Neutral fingers, fun toes)
Stretch!
Clean wedding ring
Touched up brows
Can't wait to see your beautiful self!
