How to Plan Your Paris Boudoir Photoshoot | by Paris Makeup + Hair Artist, Onorina Jomir
BEAUTIFUL BATHTUBS, ICONIC BALCONY VIEWS OF PARIS, AND chic INTERIORS…WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT FOR A PARIS BOUDOIR PHOTOSHOOT?
“Boudoir”, French for woman’s bedroom, is a genre of photography illuminating feminine beauty. From sultry and sexy to fun and flirty, a Paris boudoir photoshoot is a time for you to celebrate YOU! It is not just a lingerie photo shoot, but an empowering experience…and there’s something about having a boudoir photoshoot in PARIS that brings out the sexy confidence in every woman!
Nervous? Intimidated? You’re not the only one.
It’s no secret that boudoir photoshoots can feel intimidating, and nervousness is a universal part of the experience. But there are many things you can do before your Paris boudoir photoshoot to gain confidence and help you feel more relaxed and excited about the experience.
Below are our top tips to having the best Paris boudoir photoshoot experience!
Follow these tips, and you’re sure to feel extra confident about your boudoir photoshoot. We will go over:
How to find the right photographer
Your boudoir hair and makeup
Boudoir outfit ideas
How to make the most out of your Paris boudoir photoshoot experience
Step 1: Find a Photographer Whose Work & Personality You Love
You want to find a boudoir photographer who you feel a connection with and are 100% comfortable posing with!
Paris Boudoir Photoshoot Tip: Feeling relaxed is key to a successful photoshoot session…and working with the right photographer will make ALL the difference! Makeup + Hair Styling by Onorina Jomir Beauty, Photo courtesy of Paris Boudoir Photography.
When you find a boudoir photographer in Paris, I recommend looking over their Instagram posts, blogs, website, and of course, reviews! This will help give you an idea of who they are and will show whether they are a good match for you. Once you find one that you like, reach out, ask questions, and get a feeling for their personality. Your boudoir photographer should make you feel at ease, respected, and heard. You’ll quickly know who you’re most comfortable working with, and the nervousness will turn into excitement!
Here are some other tips in finding the right boudoir photographer for you:
Make sure you can communicate easily - language barriers are no fun when it comes to any type of photoshoot, let alone boudoir!
Be sure your photographer has a portfolio that matches your style, showcasing women that you can associate with - read their blog posts to see full boudoir galleries and get a feel for how they photograph from different angles
Read your photographer’s reviews to see what real clients have to say about their working style and personality
Schedule a call to ask all your questions, especially if you’ve never done this before!
Need more help choosing makeup + hairstyles? Read more about choosing makeup looks here and hair styles here.
Step 2: Find a Boudoir Makeup & Hair Artist in Paris
Paris Boudoir Photoshoot Tip: Have a professional boudoir makeup and hair artist beautify you for an extra boost of self-confidence in front of the camera! Makeup + Hair styling by Onorina Jomir Beauty; Photo courtesy of Paris Boudoir Photography.
There’s nothing more important than feeling confident in front of the camera for your boudoir photoshoot in Paris (or anywhere else in the world), so be sure to invest in a beauty professional that will make you look and feel like the best version of yourself!
Our professional team of makeup and hair artists want you to feel relaxed and at ease as you get pampered for your boudoir experience. We’ll listen to your ideas and vision for your photoshoot look and design your makeup and hair to perfection, so you feel most comfortable in your skin! From the most natural, effortless looks, to the most glamorous, done-up styles, we have you covered!
Learn more about our boudoir services HERE and get in touch HERE.
Step 3: Decide on a Boudoir Makeup & Hair Look that Fits Your Style
For boudoir photoshoots, the most requested look is big voluminous curls and medium-bold sultry makeup, or a softer eye makeup paired with a Parisian red lip. A little extra glamour goes perfectly hand-in-hand with boudoir photography!
For bridal boudoir photos, many brides wear their bridal hairstyle and makeup - you can also include a veil, pair the photoshoot with your getting-ready robe…and more! Below are images from our past clients to help inspire you for your own boudoir makeup and hair styling experience!
Paris Boudoir Hair Inspiration
For boudoir photoshoots, down-do’s are by far the most popular! You want a style that will give your hair movement (waves or curls) and volume (big hair). This photographs beautifully and your hair will look styled even if you move during your photoshoot.
If clean, polished, and feminine is your boudoir style, I recommend traditional barrel curls and Hollywood-style waves.
For a more modern & sultry boudoir hairstyle, we recommend tousled textured waves with lots of volume for that “I-woke-up-like-this” look.
If an up-style is what you prefer for your Paris Boudoir Photoshoot, keep it loose, soft, and natural looking. Think loose perfectly messy buns with pieces framing your face, or an airy, pulled back style such as an undone French twist or messy-chic ponytail.
For bridal boudoir, the world is your oyster! Bridal boudoir photoshoots are the perfect opportunity to test out your hair and makeup for your big day, so take advantage…but don’t limit yourself to that! You can have your hair styled with curls, textured with soft waves, or even coiffed into a sleek and polished updo, just as if you’re about to put on your wedding dress!
If you’re concerned about your makeup and hair lasting long hours, You could also have your boudoir hair and makeup artist stand-by for hair switch-ups and makeup touch-ups throughout the duration of your photoshoot.
Need more Bridal Hair ideas? Check out our blog on bridal hairstyles here.
Our offer: We provide on-location services and are happy to stand by for touch-ups to help you look your best in every photograph. It will be like taking photos with your very own personal assistant! Early morning packages and multiple looks are also available - just let us know your beauty needs and we will accommodate you.
Paris Boudoir Photoshoot Hair Tip: Whether your hair is up or down, opt for looser styles...unless you're wearing your bridal updo for a bridal boudoir photoshoot! Photo courtesy of Le Secret d'Audrey (top left), Paris Boudoir Photography (top right), Corina V Photography (bottom left), Paris Boudoir Photography (bottom right), Makeup + Hair Styling by Onorina Jomir Beauty.
Paris boudoir makeup ideas
Looking for the ultimate sexy look? Ask for a bold sultry smokey eye!
Here are the best colors for your smokey-eye, based on your hair color:
Light-toned Hair | Blonde — Pinks, cool taupes, mauves, earth tones, and of course, black for added definition to your eyes.
Warm-toned Hair | Brown | Red | Auburn — Pinks, corals, rose gold, brick, sienna…use cool blues, purples and black for a bolder look.
Dark Brown | Black Hair— Purples, dark chocolate browns, golds, navy, blue, and black for accenting and defining.
Photos courtesy of: Paris Boudoir Photography (left), Le Secret d’Audrey (right), Makeup & Hair Styling by Onorina Jomir Beauty.
IS your boudoir style Feminine & Flirty? try A more colorful makeup, OR a parisian red lip!
A Parisian Red Lip is perfect for women who love a pop of color on their lips! For the client on the left, we went for a bright red to match her warm skin tone, golden-blonde hair, and bold red nails.
Light, bright, and colorful makeup looks incorporate 2-3 colors around the eyes, paired with a matching lip for a statement look. For the client on the right, we coordinated her makeup with the pink tones of the flowers and her lingerie, using pink, mauve, and aubergine on her eyes. Her lip color was neutral yet semi-bold, so she still looks glamorous in all her photos.
Photos courtesy of: Celine Chhuon Photography (left), Paris Boudoir Photography (right), Makeup & Hair Styling by Onorina Jomir Beauty.
Bridal Boudoir? Wear white or pastel lingerie and pair it with your bridal hair & Makeup of your choice!
For bridal boudoir, many brides wear their bridal hairstyle and makeup, but if you’re having your bridal boudoir portraits taken on a separate day, have fun trying out another look!
For example, you could wear your hair down if you’re planning to have an updo for your wedding, or you could wear a smokey eye if you’re planning for a soft eye makeup on the big day. This also gives you a chance to test out things like faux eyelashes, different lip finishes, and more.
Have a gorgeous veil you want to show off? Use it during your bridal boudoir as a bonus accessory!
Photos courtesy of: Kristine Grinvalde Photography (right), Kayla Barker Photography (left), Makeup + Hair Styling by Onorina Jomir Beauty.
Step 4: Pick out Lingerie & Accessories that Speak to YOU!
Paris Photoshoot Tip: If you want to be sexy while showing less skin, consider a teddy! We love the black paneled teddy featured in the image above! Makeup + Hair Styling by Onorina Jomir Beauty; Photo courtesy of Paris Boudoir Photography.
Paris Bridal Boudoir Photoshoot Tip: Wear ivory lingerie, and pair it with a white lace robe and your wedding shoes! Photo courtesy of Alexandra Vonk Photography, Makeup + Hair styling by Onorina Jomir Beauty.
Here are some tips on how to style your Boudoir Photoshoot look:
Pick a color theme - are you more into white lingerie, black, mix & match? Do you like a pop of color? How about texture - are you more into lace, silk, or satin?
Make sure your outfits fit properly. The straps shouldn't be too loose or too tight; it can take attention away from you in the photo.
Cut off all tags, including the semi-permanent ones with laundry instructions (carefully!).
If you don't want your nipples to show in photos, choose lingerie where they’re covered or wear nipple covers/tape.
Avoid print patterns that are too busy or very bright/neon colors. You want the attention to be on you!
If you buy panties with clips, get stockings to go with the bottoms. You don’t want the clips to just dangle during your session.
Not every piece wear has to be revealing, especially if you're more conservative in your clothing. Start with an oversized jacket or blazer, a long robe, or even a full dress until you feel comfortable.
Paris Boudoir Photoshoot Tip: Can’t find an outfit? Many boudoir photographers, such as Paris Boudoir Photography, will have a closet full of amazing pieces for purchase. Contact them before you leave for Paris to get a full idea of what they have on hand! They may also have suggestions on where to buy online, or where to shop when you arrive in Paris!
Step 5: Maximize your Boudoir Photoshoot Session in Paris
Your hair is amazing, your makeup is flawless…now it’s time to make the most of it in the most beautiful city in the world! Below are some ideas to maximize on your paris photoshoot.
BRIDE TO BE? Bring your dress and add a bridal portrait session!
Pack your wedding dress and bring it with you to Paris — your photographer can recommend where to get it steamed so it looks crisp and pristine for the photos!
If you’re taking boudoir portraits on your wedding day, be sure to allot enough time with your photographer, and to clear the room! You don’t want any distractions, and this will be a nice and quiet moment for you before you say “I DO.”
Learn more about how to style your makeup here and hair here for your bridal portraits.
Photography courtesy of Le Secret d’Audrey; Makeup + Hair Styling by Onorina Jomir Beauty.
Celebrating you? Take pictures around the city with your fabulous boudoir hair and makeup!
Pack a solid or neutral colored outfit to change into, such as this beautiful silver sparkly dress, seen on our client to the right!
Pair your photoshoot outfit with a set of pumps and you’re ready to hit the Parisian streets, with full glam makeup and hair! Don’t forget to pack a pair of flats to change into…your feet will thank you!
Learn more about how to stay comfortable during your Paris photoshoot here.
Learn about our photoshoot makeup and hairstyling services here.
Photography courtesy of Paris Boudoir Photography, Makeup + Hair Styling by Onorina Jomir Beauty.
Here with your Partner? Take some couple’s boudoir photos, or Follow the shoot with A couple’s photo session around Paris!
Have your partner hang out at a cafe and wait for you…or take boudoir photos together, followed by couple’s portraits around the city of love!
Make sure to plan a coordinating outfit for your partner and decide where you want to go for the Paris photoshoot portion of your photography session.
Find Paris photoshoot locations here.
Check out more pictures from this couple’s photoshoot with Le Secret d’Audrey here.
Photography courtesy of Le Secret d’Audrey; Makeup + Hair Styling by Onorina Jomir Beauty
Paris Boudoir Photoshoot Tip: If you’re not used to photoshoots, let alone Boudoir photoshoots…book at least 2 hours with your photographer. The first hour is about the time it takes for most clients to relax, resulting in 60 minutes of more relaxed, candid shots! Makeup + Hair Styling by Onorina Jomir Beauty; Photo courtesy of Ian Holmes Photography.
HOORAY!
You are FULLY PREPARED to look and feel your best for your paris boudoir photoshoot!
With these professional makeup, hair and styling tips, you’ll be glamorous, sexy, and confident for your boudoir photoshoot in Paris, making it an extra memorable and empowering experience! If you need a makeup and hair stylist in Paris for your boudoir photoshoot my team and I are happy to help you look beautiful and camera-ready! With 10+ years of experience, we know exactly what it takes to help you achieve your dream look for your Paris Boudoir photoshoot! Reach out HERE to get the process started.
Looking for more beauty inspiration and ideas for your photoshoot in Paris? Check our PINTEREST profile, read 16 Tips For A Successful Paris Photoshoot, and follow our Instagram for lots of tips and inspiration!