skin prep
We love the glowing goddess story. Your expression is 3/4 of it, but a little prep work will knock the images out of the park.
I can help you glow with some editing tricks and lovely lighting, but if you really really want to amp it up, I have some advice for you!
Don’t worry if this feels like too much, take what you need, leave the rest! You can show up any way you wish for your session. I will meet you exactly where you are 🖤
If you want your skin to somehow glow even when it’s in shadow… see above example holy wow, this is the magical formula that I recommend.
drink water like it’s your full time job
Seriously. Nothing matches hydration from within. It’ll make you feel really good too, you’re probably not drinking enough water as it is right? I don’t mind stopping for lots of bathroom breaks lol.
add some physical exfoliation into your routine
I recommend exfoliating in the shower twice a week leading up to your shoot. You can do this with an exfoliating mitt or a body polish. THIS exfoliating mitt is the BEST EVER. Especially satisfying if you like to seeeee results in real time. This body polish is my current favourite.
You can also exfoliate with a dry brush… which is a super lovely ritual first thing in the morning as it feels really invigorating! It’s also a gorgeous way to get in some loving affirmations. Try giving yourself a beautiful morning pep talk as you brush your skin in circular motions, working inward toward your heart.
try this lotion and oil application formula
Yeah I’m serious, I’ve discovered a formula lol. Use this body routine after you step out of the shower.
apply any cream based lotion on your slightly damp skin. My favourite splurge lotion is Kiehls, and a great drugstore budget option is Cetaphil.
once the lotion has soaked in for a few minutes, lock all that moisture in with a body oil. I know this seems like a lot of slipping around in your bathroom, but your skin will dazzle whoever comes to your rescue when you fall. jk. kinda. My favourite body oil is this one and it’s really budget friendly! A splurge is Egyptian Magic and you’ll understand why it’s magic after the first use!
Treat your face skin like gold
This means sunscreen. Always. Every day. My friends at Hebe and Cecilia told me to tell you.
All that water you’ve been drinking will make your face so dewy too, super lovely for makeup application!
Please don’t spend a single moment worrying about a breakout or surprise blemish. My editing process will take care of those things. It’s easier for me to smooth away a pimple that you’ve ignored, than a blemish that has been picked at.
Speaking of editing, I’ll remove anything that isn’t always a part of you… a stray hair that you missed while shaving, a blemish, or a mystery rash.
NOW CAREFULLY READ THIS PART TO BE SURE WE’RE ON THE SAME PAGE:
For a full intimate portrait session, I won’t edit out remnants of self tanner… because self tanner or spray tan does not translate well with that specific shooting and editing style, and because I warned you! Lol!
(Honestly though I love having a spray tan any time my butt creases aren’t being photographed. You need to see my fave Olivia after the photoshoot)
But for an AURA session, a spray tan WILL photograph pretty darn well because of the artificial lighting technique that we use. Please reach out to me if you have any questions though!
Use physical and/or or chemical sun protection
It would be crazy of me to request that you stay out of the sun, especially when we only get to enjoy a few warm months a year! But I just want you to be aware of tan lines. My editing process will soften them, and some booty tan lines actually look really hot! So, just food for thought.
Bring out the big boys for photoshoot day
This lotion is the BESSSSSST for special event glow. It has a subtle highlighter and it smells incredible. It’s definitely an investment lotion because a little does NOT go a long way but you’ll fall in love. I guarantee it!
*COMPLETELY OPTIONAL* Hair removal tips
Whether you do, or don’t have a hair removal routine… keep it! You don’t need to change anything drastic prior to the photoshoot. Let me tell you, half of my self portraits have been taken with completely unshaven armpits and bikini line. Cameras can capture a LOT of detail, but I’m not zooming in on fuzz… we’re focusing on your confidence and expression. And if you choose to leave all body hair, you know I’m going to support you in that too!
