Engagement Photos

I did my hair and makeup just because I knew it would be one of the only times we had really nice professional photos taken of us.


However, why not go for an in between option. Get your hair blown out at a local salon and then makeup at Ulta/Sephora or something similar where it is free with a $50 product purchase.

I had my hair done for my engagement photos, but I did not wear makeup. You don't need to get your hair or makeup done if you don't want to! They are your pictures, and you can look however you'd like. You could ask a friend who is talented at either of those to do them for you to help save on cost, or you can do your hair and/or makeup yourself. Or, you could choose to have one done, but not the other. But professionally done hair and makeup is certainly not required.

I didn’t take engagement photos, but due to covid I did my own wedding makeup. I think it turned out great! Especially if you’re going to do it for engagement, you can pull it off. Expect to spend some money on makeup though, so depending on how much you have it could make sense to get it done. I’ll break down what I love and have found long lasting.


*urban decay full coverage foundation *glossier cloud paint for blush*glossier boy brow *benefit lash slick mascara - put on a couple layers and this looks like false lashes. Promise. It’s amazing. *urban decay setting spray - super important

I was supposed to get mine done but our photos were the same day that all the businesses shut down for COVID a year ago. I had to do basic foundation and such in the mirror at home. Our photographer did a good job, but I still look back at the photos and wish I could have had professional makeup because I look so "off" in some of the photos.

I went to Sephora and had them apply the base/foundation. For them to do one service it doesn’t cost anything and there is no obligation to buy anything. I started freaking out about 3 hrs before our appointment time that I’m not good at makeup so I didn’t have many options. Then I went home and added eye shadow, mascara, and some lip color. I did may hair my self. Just straightened it like I normally wear it.
It’s not necessary, but if you’re not very good at it or don’t wear it often, or it’ll make you feel more confident I would recommend it. But again it is not necessary.

If you're not skilled at hair/makeup, that is perfectly normal and ok as many women don't know how. Just look presentable and like yourself.

I don't think places like Sephora or Ulta would be open during Covid. They normally give makeovers. Do what works within your comfort zone.

I agree that you might just want to get a blow out that day at a local blow out bar and do the makeup yourself with good products and an excellent setting spray. Your photographer if she/he is a good one will be able to work with lighting to make you look your absolute best .

No one ever needs to wear makeup, but if you think you will feel more confident with hair or makeup done you should do it! But you def don’t need it done professionally (again, if you want to, then do it!).


I rarely wear makeup & have never paid much attention to my application, but for my engagement photos I did my own, practicing a bit beforehand. I stuck with concealer, mascara, brows, & lipliner & lipstick. I researched, bought nicer products, got a setting spray, tested out the look in different lighting. I had to get other concealer & brow shades because I got those wrong initially. I didn’t do anything special with my hair. And I think our photos came out great! A photographer will also help you out if they can. My mascara ran a bit by the end & none of that made it into our final photos!

Thank you all for the great ideas!!!