Minneapolis Boudoir Which Makeup Look is Right

Which Makeup Look is Right for Your Boudoir Photo Shoot?

October 08, 20245 min read

Hey friend! If you’ve been daydreaming about your boudoir photo shoot (as you should be!), one big decision you'll need to make is what makeup look you want to rock. Maybe you’ve heard people talk about “soft glam” and “full glam” and thought, “What’s the difference, and which one is right for me?” Don’t worry, I’ve got you! Let’s break down these two glam vibes so you can choose the perfect look for your shoot.

backlit hexagon lighing boudoir studio client in black bodysuit and gold and leather handcuffs and chains

Soft Glam: Subtle Yet Stunning

First up, we have soft glam, the go-to look for those who love a more natural, refined beauty. Soft glam is all about enhancing your features without looking too “done up.” Think glowing skin, softly blended eyeshadow, and natural-looking lashes. It’s that effortlessly chic look where you’re wearing makeup, but it doesn’t scream “I’m wearing makeup!”—it’s more like, “I woke up looking like this.”

Soft glam is all about soft contours, light blush, neutral tones, and makeup that blends seamlessly into your skin. The goal? To highlight your natural beauty in a way that feels fresh and understated. It’s perfect if you want to feel put together but still you, making it an excellent choice for anything from everyday looks to your boudoir shoot.

Here’s why soft glam is perfect for boudoir:

  • It’s timeless. You won’t look back at your photos in a few years and wonder what you were thinking with that bold eyeliner or super dramatic eyeshadow (unless that’s your thing, then go for it!).

  • Natural lighting in our studio pairs beautifully with soft glam makeup, bringing out your best features without overwhelming them.

  • You’ll feel comfortable and confident, without the feeling of wearing heavy makeup that can sometimes feel too much.

In short, soft glam is for the girl who wants to feel sexy and polished but in a way that feels true to herself. It’s perfect if you’re looking for that balance between natural and glamorous, and it works wonders for boudoir photography because it enhances all your best features while letting you shine through.

Full Glam: Bold, Beautiful, and Ready to Wow

Now, let’s talk about the other end of the spectrum—full glam. If soft glam is the delicate whisper, full glam is the bold shout. This look is all about drama! Think contoured cheekbones, smoky eyes, full lashes, and a bold lip. It’s for those moments when you want to make a statement and demand attention.

Full glam makeup often includes:

  • Bold eyes with deeper colors and more dramatic lashes

  • Sharp contouring to define the cheekbones and jawline

  • Bright or bold lip colors, like reds, purples, or deep nudes

  • Full, perfected skin with foundation that creates a flawless canvas (takes out freckles and beauty marks)

If you want to step into your boudoir shoot feeling like a total bombshell, full glam is your go-to. It’s bold, sexy, and unapologetic—ideal for those moments when you want to feel like a superstar. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just in the mood for something super glam, this look will definitely turn heads.

Why full glam can be perfect for your boudoir shoot:

  • It’s dramatic! Full glam makeup adds a layer of bold confidence to your look. You’ll feel empowered, fierce, and ready to take on the world.

  • It works well for specific themes—if you’re going for a more sultry, editorial-style shoot, full glam will match that vibe perfectly.

  • It photographs beautifully, with contouring and bold lips drawing attention to your face and adding depth to the photos.

high-end-boudoir-studio-renaissance-wall-art-gallery-painings-minneapolis

Which Look is Best for Your Boudoir Shoot?

At Belle Marie Boudoir, we generally recommend a soft glam look for boudoir shoots. Here’s why: soft glam enhances your natural beauty, making you feel confident and sexy without feeling overdone. The goal of boudoir photography is to highlight you—your personality, your beauty, your unique self—and soft glam allows that to shine through in the most flattering way.

The soft, subtle makeup will:

  • Feel natural and comfortable, so you can focus on posing and feeling amazing.

  • Photograph beautifully in our natural, soft studio lighting. Soft glam makeup has a way of working with light to create a glowing, flawless finish, emphasizing your best features without overpowering them.

  • Be timeless, so when you look back at your photos, you’ll love how effortlessly stunning you look.

But hey, if you’re a full glam gal at heart or want to go all out for your shoot, we’re more than happy to help you achieve that bold, dramatic look too! After all, this shoot is all about you and what makes you feel your best. Whether you’re all about soft glam or love the full glam look, our team is here to make sure you feel confident, beautiful, and ready to rock every single shot.

Meet Our Makeup Magicians

Wondering who’s behind the brush? I work with some of the best makeup artists around, and my go-to girl is Amy. She’s a total magician with a makeup brush and knows exactly how to create the perfect look for you—whether you’re dreaming of soft, romantic eyes or a dramatic smokey eye or cat eyeliner. Amy uses only the best quality products, ensuring that your makeup not only looks flawless but lasts throughout your entire shoot.

All the makeup artists I work with are professionally trained and dedicated to creating makeup looks that make you feel confident and gorgeous. Whether you want something subtle and soft or bold and striking, you’re in the best hands.

Your Look, Your Style

So, whether you’re a soft glam babe who loves a natural, glowing look or a full glam diva who’s ready to turn heads, the most important thing is that you choose a look that makes you feel confident and beautiful.

At the end of the day, your boudoir shoot is all about celebrating you, and we’re here to help you create a makeup look that reflects your style, your vibe, and your unique beauty. So come on in, and let us work our magic—you’ll be amazed at how stunning you’ll look and feel!

Ready to slay your boudoir shoot? Let’s make it happen! 💄✨

Minneapolis Boudoir Woman laying on bed in black lingerie

Owner and photographer of Belle Marie Boudoir located in Minneapolis, MN empowering women one session at a time.

Olivia Smith

Owner and photographer of Belle Marie Boudoir located in Minneapolis, MN empowering women one session at a time.

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Belle Marie Boudoir business owner portait

Hey there! I'm Olivia

I’m absolutely obsessed with empowering women through boudoir photography. For me, it's all about showing you how incredibly beautiful, confident, and fierce you truly are—just as you are! My studio is a space where you’ll feel celebrated, pampered, and totally you from the moment you walk in. So if you're ready to embrace your curves, feel like a total queen, and capture this amazing version of yourself, let’s start planning your dream session today so shoot me a message. I can't wait to help you see what I see—you're stunning!