07/20/2026
Here’s the prep nobody warns you about: do NOT book a facial the week of your shoot.
I know it feels like the responsible move. It’s the one that backfires. A fresh facial pulls everything to the surface — congestion, redness, the little bumps you didn’t know were coming — and they show up right when the camera does. Any esthetician will tell you the same thing: skin needs time to settle.
What actually works:
— Dermaplane about 7 days out. Smooth skin, makeup sits like glass, fully healed by shoot day.
— Wax or shave 2 days out, never the morning of — strap and razor marks need time to fade.
— Drink water like it’s your job. Hydrated skin photographs better than any product.
— Skip the brand-new product you’ve “been meaning to try.” Shoot week is not the week to find out you’re allergic.
Screenshot it. Your future self on my couch at the reveal will thank you. Form’s in my bio when you’re ready.
