5 Great Tips For Your Boudoir Session
You did it! You booked your session - so, now what?
Now, you prepare!
A Starstruck Boudoir Experience is all about getting pampered, feeling empowered, and seeing yourself in a whole new light, and I’ve gathered up some quick tips to help you prepare for the session ahead.
Tip #1: Pack a Boudoir Bag
Let’s start filling up that bag of goodies. I like to be over prepared as your photographer, and will have many of these things at the session, however, it’s always good to have backups! Here are some things to have in your boudoir bag:
Your favorite outfits you plan to wear (if you haven’t pre-picked looks from the client closet, or have a special look in mind, put it in that bag)
Accessories like simple jewelry, a veil or robe, or even some sexy knee high stockings.
Lotion.
Any nutritional snacks that are a key for your health. I’m always loaded up at snacks and some yummy fruits at the session, but in case you have specific dietary needs, bring those.
Tip #2: Prep Your Skin!
Skin is about to be shown all over your boudoir session, so it’s super important to pamper it weeks before the session takes place. Here are a few tips to help you out:
Waxing: If you are planning to wax for your session, please be sure to leave 3-5 days for you to heal before the session.
Shaving can be done the night prior to the shoot, avoid shaving several days prior to the session to keep your skin smooth and not irritated. Consider products designed to help minimize razor burn if that is often an issue for you. Shaving the night before the shoot or the day of can help avoid this.
You’ve probably heard conflicting stories on spray tans. Some will tell you that you’ll look orange in photos, others say it’s a necessity. I’m going to tell you a bit of both. Yes, you can spray tan, but just don’t do it a week before the session. If you want to have that glow, do the tan at least two weeks before, and do so in the nude. You want to avoid creating tan lines that can show up when you’re not wearing a lot of clothing.
DRINK! Drink all the water in the world and then some. Hydrated skin = beautiful boudoir.
Tip #3: Prep your face
If you tend to wear a lot of makeup, or even if you don’t, your face needs some attention, because it’s getting a lot of attention in your boudoir session. I take a lot of closeups to capture your gorgeousness, so let’s make you glow.
Use gentle cleansers. Try to avoid any kind of cleanser that will strip your face of essential natural moisture. Instead, opt for a creamy cleansers that will protect your skin’s vital surface and just below layers. These will prevent the skin from being overstimulated to produce oil.
Facials. Another touchy subject. If you are really wanting to get a facial, definitely do it, but plan for it at least a week or two before your session. Some facials can include harsh chemicals and strip down natural moisture and oils.
Moisturizers are about to become your best friend. If you’re not in the habit already, get into one by using moisturizers and eye creams at the top of day, and night creams at the end of it. This will have your skin looking hydrated and healthy.
Lip balms are a go to! Clean up any cracked lips with regular lip balm applications throughout the day. A gentle lip scrub can help remedy dry lips, too. Recommendations: Tarte Pout Prep Lip Exfoliant, e.l.f. Lip Scrub Stick, and my personal fave, Tree Hut Sugar Lip Scrub (found at Ulta!)
Tip #4: Prep Your Hair So It Looks Like It Belongs In A Shampoo Commercial
One of the many poses I try and do during your session is called the “Shampoo Commercial”, and it looks exactly like how all those :30 adverts - the shiny hair, the closed eyes, all of it! So, here are some tips to prep your tresses for your session:
Are you thinking about cutting your hair? Or dyeing it another color? Schedule that appointment at least two weeks before hand to avoid any mistakes of missed color or the cut not turning out as you expected
Have an idea of your hair plan. I do recommend a loose curl style for most of my clients, and it works on a lot or hair types. My hair stylist is always prepped for that style, too, as well as some others. However, if you have super curly or kinky hair, or even thinner hair, prep a plan, and talk to me about it. Together, we can come up with a clear style ahead of your session date with the hair stylist that will work for you!
Clean up the eyebrows, but no over plucking! We’re not in the early 2000s anymore. If you want to have your eyebrows waxed or threaded, be sure to schedule the appointment for at least a few days before your boudoir session. Otherwise, an eyebrow trim/touch up at home could be done a day or two before the shoot.
Tip #5: You Should Be A Hand Model!
Let’s talk hands. They are such an important part of your boudoir session, because, for the most part, they will be in every single shot.
Prepare with a Manicure. You want your nails to look their best, and a manicure can help achieve this. You just want them to be trimmed and neat for your session. You can stick with neatly shaped, clear nails. Soft, neutral colors work well for fingertips.
Throw in a pedicure too, if you’d like. Just don’t kick the nail tech in the arm like I have because I’m extremely ticklish.
Clean up your ring, if you have one: If you're wearing a wedding ring, make sure it looks its best. You'll definitely want to be showing it off in your session. There are a few ways to do this: you can use toothpaste at home (seriously), or my recommendation is to actually take it to a jeweler, and have them clean it.
Bonus Tip: Ask All The Questions You Have!
I get it. A boudoir session is a MAJOR THING, and it won’t give you butterflies - it will be bats, drumming their wings against your organs and causing, sometimes severe, anxiety.
This is exactly the time to message me, email me, text me, call me, even put it in skywriting! Let me know your worries and concerns. I am here to help you, to guide you through the session and cast away any fears you might have.
