Boudoir by Bri
My Favorite Vendors for a Boudoir Session in St. Louis: Hair, Makeup, and Beauty Recommendations
artists, stylists, salons, spas, etc.
In my opinion, the experience surrounding your boudoir photoshoot—the way it all makes you feel—is as important as the beautiful photos you get at the end. It’s always been a priority of mine to make sure that any hair and makeup artists I hire for my clients are just as warm and friendly as they are talented. Boudoir sessions are such vulnerable and personal experiences, so in my ideal world, every single person involved is there to hype you up and make you feel comfortable and confident.
As a Saint Louis boudoir photographer, I've had the opportunity to work with and connect with many incredible hair stylists, makeup artists, estheticians, spray tan technicians, and beauty experts throughout the St. Louis area. In this guide, I'm sharing some of my favorite local beauty vendors to help you prepare for your boudoir session and feel your absolute best. Or maybe you just want a trusted recommendation for an event you have coming up!
Tip: You can book a Boudoir by Bri package that already includes hair and makeup on site!
hair and makeup artists
Alex Grace Tindall with The Artist Edit (St. Louis)
Alexis Taylor (Florissant, MO)
Ally Jeann with Eye Do STL (St. Louis)
Amanda K Holt (St. Louis)
Samy Craig with The Beauty Collective LLC (St. Louis)
SPRAY TAN TECHNICIANS
Alexis Taylor at Spray Tan STL (Florissant, MO)
The Hive Body Spa (St. Charles, MO)
Questions & Answers
01.
Should I get professional hair and makeup for a boudoir shoot?
That's totally up to you! If you can swing it into your budget, I do recommend it (or book a boudoir package where it's already included). The pros know exactly how to make your makeup look great in photos, and it's really rare that we get to be pampered like this. Take advantage! I love my hair and makeup team so much. But no, it's absolutely not a requirement!
02.
Should I get a spray tan before my boudoir session?
Only if you've had one before and you loved it. It's definitely not necessary, and having no spray tan is so much better than having a bad spray tan. They are super tricky, but they can also make you feel like a baddie when they're done well. If it makes you feel better, I don't even have to see you to know I'll be more pale than you at your appointment.
03.
What kind of makeup looks best for boudoir photography?
Whatever kind makes you feel beautiful and sexy. Boudoir makeup does tend to lean into the sultry glam, and false eyelashes are so fun for some extra drama. It's a good idea to add a little more contrast than you usually wear—it's almost as though the camera takes off a thin layer of makeup.
04.
Can I do my own hair and makeup for a boudoir session?
Absolutely you can! It's your shoot. A lot of clients go this route to save some money, and others just really like the way they do their own makeup (or they have a talented friend to do it for them).
05.
What beauty treatments should I avoid right before a photoshoot?
Avoid trying new skincare products, chemical peels, aggressive exfoliation, waxing, or cosmetic treatments immediately before your session. Give your skin time to recover and stick with routines you know work well for you.
06.
Should I get a facial before my boudoir session?
A facial can be a wonderful way to pamper yourself before your shoot. However, if you're trying a new treatment, schedule it at least one to two weeks beforehand (or whatever your esthetician recommends) to avoid unexpected skin irritation.
07.
How can I feel more confident before my boudoir session?
So many clients feel nervous before their session—it's totally normal! Taking time for self-care, working with kind beauty professionals, and choosing outfits you love can all help boost your confidence. And once you arrive to your boudoir appointment, I'll show you exactly what to do. It's all very low pressure and easygoing!
want to learn more about boudoir shoots?
Reach out with any questions! The Blog tab up top has a ton of great info and tips, and you can always contact me directly! 🫶🏻
xoxo, Bri