Have you ever scrolled through social media and been awe-struck by those seemingly “flawless” photographs? Glowing skin, sculpted jawlines, and a soft, dreamy blur in the background—it’s enough to leave you wondering: a) which iPhone setting you’ve overlooked, and b) how their skin glows so effortlessly. Welcome to the resurgence of digi cam photography, a trend Gen Z has revived thanks to its nostalgic, vintage appeal. It’s no surprise—trends are famously cyclic. Think glittery eyeshadows, glossy lips, capris, and now, digital photography. But how do you adjust your makeup to suit the digicam aesthetic?
“Seamless makeup is key,” says celebrity makeup artist Sandhya Shekar. “When you’re in a rush, unfinished makeup becomes more obvious on digicams.” Soft, muted undertones define this trend, with exaggerated details stealing the spotlight. Think matte, powder-dusted under-eyes paired with lip-lined, two-toned glossy lips. Another standout? Liquid-like cream blush that blends effortlessly into the skin, creating a natural flush, complemented by softly bronzed, shiny cheeks. And for that signature doe-eyed effect, silver eyeshadow in the inner corners is a must, catching the light beautifully when subjected to flash photography.
Makeup artist Shreya Srivastava shares a simple yet effective tip that makes this aesthetic easier to achieve: “ I’ve learned not to take photographs at your eye level but at a 45-degree angle as it’s more flattering, that's how Gen Z does it,” she says. If you're ready to serve looks in your next photo dump, here's your guide to nailing digicam makeup.
What to know
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Srivastava says, “One extremely important thing is to match your foundation shade on your face with your neck—we often forget to do this but with the flash on, your pictures might turn out with a cakey grey finish.” Digital cameras tend to highlight texture, and the flash may sometimes highlight dark spots and under-eye bags. To tackle this, she recommends sticking with matte finish makeup. “Because a shiny finish makes the flash reflect, and we don’t want the skin to look too greasy or oily in the photos. Powder the areas that intend to get oily, like your T-zone–forehead, nose and chin,” she suggests. This is why it becomes essential to have a translucent setting powder in your vanity—these products are essential for controlling shine, especially under bright flashes.
“On camera, you can see all those little details. So, try to play with texture. If you have a matte foundation over your skin, play around with a glossy texture either on your eyelids or over your lips. Playing with texture always creates a contrast, texture play really helps your makeup stand out on camera.” says Shekar. For example, the combination of blush and contour together is great for mastering this trend, as they restore the dimension often lost when a digicam flattens facial features. Lip oils also add a subtle sheen and cream blush is particularly effective as it blends effortlessly into the skin, giving a dewy, natural finish in photos. A touch of subtle contour along the cheekbones and jawline pairs perfectly with a hint of liquid highlighter, adding structure and a luminous glow.
Here are some products to help you get the look:
Also read:
15 makeup essentials to help you master the “Mocha Mousse” look
5 common blush mistakes you should avoid, according to the experts
