How I prep for a video shoot

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from shooting video tutorials it’s that the camera prefers young skin. When first started I tried shooting six makeup videos in a day. This meant applying and removing makeup six times. Perhaps your skin in your 20s can get away with it, but my 30s complexion gave up after the fourth video. It also didn't help that I made a few mistakes so had to remove my makeup again and shoot, which made it a total of seven cleansing cycles. When I saw the last couple of videos, I found that I looked drawn and tired…to say the least.

Now after a few months of shooting tutorials I have my routine down pat. I don't shoot more than four videos at a time and I know how to prep my skin and hair.

Step 1: Hair oil
I do this the night before. Oiling my hair is more than just making sure it looks good. Its an act of self care that makes me feel great. Plus my hair is super shiny after I wash it. I use the Kama Brigandi Oil, which is my all-time favourite.

Step 2: Exfoliation
I do this also the night before. The last thing I want is a raw complexion just before shooting my videos. I use Suparna Trikha’s Skin Laddoos, which are basically just dry fruits pounded with oatmeal and rose petals. I add a splash of chilled milk to turn it into a paste and apply it over my face neck and shoulders. I rub it off in the shower and follow it up with my regular skin routine.

Step 3: Face mask
Even though my shoot is fairly quick, the mornings are quite busy because I try to get some writing done before I leave. These days I’m using the Dior Capture Totale One Minute Mask which contains AHAs and BHAs, which add another layer of extremely gentle exfoliation and leave my skin looking smooth and even toned. Sometimes if I have time I will apply a second mask after this. Usually it’s the Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque, which is very emollient. When I use both these masks one after the other my skin is super, super radiant.

Step 4: Double moisturising
I don’t bother with a serum on the day that I’m shooting because I know that I will be washing my face multiple times. What I need is intense moisture and oil to rebalance my skin. So I first use a light hydrating moisturiser such as the Dior Hydra Life Sorbet Creme, followed up with a very oily cream. Today I used the H is For Love Bara Balm that contains jojoba, macadamia, sea buckthorn oils with shea butter etc. This combination makes my skin look super plump and glowy.

Step 5: Blow Dry
Nothing that takes too much time. Just a few spritzes of Kerastase Discipline Fluidissime Spray to smoothen my waves so they look groomed open or tied up. I just use my fingers to straighten out the kinks, finger-combing them from the back to the front.

In between videos...

Double Moisturising:
I use either a cleansing balm or oil to clean my face. I really don’t want a harsh face wash making me look parched. Them I follow up with double moisturising as mentioned above. The camera will pick up every pore and fine line so its essential that the skin is moisturised and plumped so it looks smooth.

Face Primer:
I go for a primer + moisturiser or primer + skin perfector. It’s either the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base if I want more glow, or the Dior Capture Totale Dream Skin if I want clarity.