How to Prepare Your Skin, Hair, and Nails Before Your Boudoir Session
Why Prepping Matters More Than You Think
You booked your boudoir session (yay!) and you’re counting down the days. You’ve picked your outfits, maybe scoped out a few poses, and you’re mentally ready to step into that confident, radiant version of yourself. But here’s the secret a lot of people overlook: how you prep your skin, hair, and nails before your shoot can make just as much of an impact as the lingerie you choose.
The camera picks up everything – the glow, the texture, the little details – and while I’ll always edit out a surprise pimple or a hangnail, nothing replaces the magic of walking into your session already feeling your absolute best from head to toe. This isn’t about being “perfect.” It’s about giving yourself the gift of feeling polished, confident, and ready to fully focus on the experience.
Skin Prep – Your Glow-Up Timeline
1 Week Before Your Session
Hydrate Like You Mean It – Aim for 8–10 glasses of water a day. Water plumps the skin, reduces puffiness, and helps your makeup sit beautifully.
Gentle Exfoliation – Use a mild scrub or chemical exfoliant 2–3 times that week to remove dead skin cells and smooth texture. Don’t go overboard, over-exfoliating can cause irritation.
PURCHASE MY FAVORITE SUGAR SCRUB.Moisturize Religiously – Morning and night, use a good moisturizer or body cream. Bonus points if you add a nourishing body oil for that soft, touchable feel.
PURCHASE MY FAVORITE MOISTURIZER.Avoid Tanning Beds – They can leave you red, irritated, or worse—peeling by the time your session rolls around.
2–3 Days Before Your Session
Face Mask Night – Go for hydration or brightening, not anything new that might irritate.
MY FAVORITE SHEET MASKS
MY FAVORITE SLEEPING MASKWaxing or Shaving – If you’re waxing, book it 48–72 hours before your shoot to avoid redness or bumps. For shaving, the night before is ideal, followed by a rich moisturizer.
Skip New Products – Stick to your tried-and-true routine to avoid surprise breakouts.
The Day Before / Morning Of
Light Exfoliation – A gentle scrub to smooth skin before makeup application.
Moisturize Again – Especially knees, elbows, and any areas that might be exposed.
Lip Care – Scrub gently with a sugar scrub and apply a balm so lipstick glides on.
MY FAVORITE LIP SCRUB
MY FAVORITE LIP MASK
Hair Prep - For That Effortless “I Woke Up Like This” Vibe
If You’re Using My Hair Styling Service
Great news: you don’t need to come with styled hair! But how you prep it matters:
Wash and Dry the Night Before – Clean, completely dry hair styles better and holds longer.
Avoid Heavy Oils or Leave-Ins – These can weigh your hair down and make curls fall flat.
Skip Flat Irons – Overly straightened hair can be harder to curl.
THE DYSON DUPE I USE AT THE STUDIO
If You’re Doing Your Own Hair
Test Styles in Advance – Don’t try a brand-new curling method or tool on the day of.
Bring Your Tools & Products – Even if you style before arriving, touch-ups might be needed.
Hairspray is Your Friend – A flexible hold will keep your style in place without looking stiff.
MY USUAL HAIRSPRAY
For Short Hair or Shaved Styles
Shape It Up – Schedule a trim or line-up within a few days of your shoot for clean edges.
Shine & Moisture – A small amount of styling cream or oil can make the texture pop on camera.
HAIR OIL I PERSONALLY USE
Nail Prep – Because the Details Show
Yes, your nails will be in your photos – even if you don’t realize it. They peek out when you’re holding your lingerie straps, resting your hand on your thigh, or running your fingers through your hair.
Polish or No Polish?
Go Neutral – Soft pinks, nudes, or classic reds are timeless. Avoid busy nail art unless it’s part of your personality and brand.
Skip Chipped Polish – A fresh coat looks intentional. Even bare, clean nails are better than a chipped manicure.
Manicure & Pedicure Timeline
2–3 Days Before – This gives polish time to fully cure and avoids last-minute smudges.
Moisturize Your Cuticles – A small detail that makes a big visual difference.
GET YOURSELF A CUTICLE OIL
If Nails Aren’t Your Thing
- Press-Ons Are a Game-Changer – I keep sets in the studio if you need them for $20. They’re quick, affordable, and look amazing in photos.
SOME OF MY FAVORITE PRESS-ONS
Extra Tips for That Head-to-Toe Glow
Get Sleep – Nothing makes under-eye concealer work harder than exhaustion. Aim for 7–9 hours in the nights leading up to your shoot.
WAKE UP YOUR EYES WITH A CAFFEINE EYE CREAMAvoid Heavy Alcohol or Salt the Day Before – They can make you look puffy.
Practice Posing in the Mirror – Not for perfection, but to feel more comfortable.
Pack Early – Lay out your outfits, shoes, accessories, and touch-up items the night before so you can arrive stress-free.
The Confidence Factor
Prepping your skin, hair, and nails isn’t about meeting some unrealistic beauty standard – it’s about eliminating distractions so you can step into your session fully present. You’ll walk in knowing that the little details are taken care of, which frees your brain to focus on feeling fierce, having fun, and embracing every moment in front of the camera.
Your boudoir session is about you owning your story, your beauty, and your power. And when you’ve taken the time to care for yourself beforehand, that confidence radiates in every single image.
Ready to book your own boudoir experience?
Let’s create something unforgettable. Click here to secure your date and start your prep journey today.
