Three Things NEVER to do Before a Senior Session

I’m all about positivity and sharing all the things you SHOULD do to make your Senior Session a smashing success. However, time and again I see a handful of things that can seriously derail your everyday beauty. Here are three things NEVER to do before a senior session:

1. Self-tanner – it doesn’t matter if you use wipes or a fancy mitt, foam, or get it airbrushed . . . any faux tan tends to look very orange on-camera (despite all the marketing claims to the contrary). Trust me, I KNOW you want that golden glow, but it’s much better to be photographed without the faux stuff. Not only do you not want to look like an Oompa Loompa, but oftentimes the chemical formula settles into the creases and drier patches of your skin leading to unsightly streaks or parts of you simply looking dirty. Faux tan is one of those things I think looks good from afar, but is FAR from good. Especially in your senior portraits. And on that note, and a personal PSA from me, don’t EVER, EVER get in a a tanning bed (because, you know, skin cancer).
2. Huge Changes to Your Hair – I encourage a trim and your usual color touchup about a week  or two before your session so that you hair looks fresh and healthy. However, if you chop off all of your hair or totally change the color, you run the risk of having a haircut or color that you just don’t love. And there won’t be time to grow it out or dye it back before your session. Leave the edgy, experimental looks for AFTER your session.
3. New Skincare Routine – whether it’s a chemical peel, physical exfoliation, eyebrow wax or simply trying a new product, it’s best NOT to do it right before your session. I know these things can help us looking our best, but you must try not to upset your skin with any new products or harsh treatments within a week or two of your session. Your skin could have a reaction or breakout, and it will need time to calm down before you step in front of the camera. No one has ever told me they’d like to look like a lobster in their senior portraits.

Don’t forget these three things NEVER to do before a senior session! I promise, you will thank me 😉