Best DIY Hair and Makeup Ideas for Equestrian Photoshoots
When you’ve booked your dream equine portrait session, the last thing you want is to feel stressed about your hair frizzing or your makeup melting faster than your favorite ice cream in July. The southeast’s humidity, unpredictable weather, and our four-legged co-stars mean a little prep goes a long way. Consider this your go-to guide for looking flawless, feeling confident, and keeping the focus on you and your horse.
Test Your Hair & Makeup Before Your Horse Photoshoot
If you’re planning something special, test it first. Humidity and horses have opinions about curls, waves, and straight styles. Do a full trial in daylight and then handle your horse. Tack up, walk around, get a little sweaty. See if your curls hold, if your eyeliner smudges, or if your lashes survive a trot around the ring. Real-world testing saves stress on photo day.
Want even more prep tips? Check out my Equine Session Prep Guide
Skincare Prep: The Secret to Long-Lasting Makeup Outdoors
Healthy, glowing skin photographs beautifully. In the week leading up to your shoot, hydrate like it’s your job, and moisturize daily. Skip trying out any new products but don’t skip your normal routine. If redness is an issue, try a calming primer (a green-tinted one if you’re really fighting flush). Smooth, calm skin = a flawless base that lasts.
Weather-Proof Makeup for Outdoor Horse Photoshoots
Georgia heat and barn life aren’t exactly climate-controlled. Opt for long wear formulas: waterproof mascara (or false eyelashes), budge-proof liner, and transfer-resistant foundation. For hair, ditch stiff spray that collects dust and horse hair. Go for flexible-hold products that move with you (and survive pony snuggles). Also consider an anti-frizz serum or smoothing cream and avoid over touching your hair once styled.
Pick Classic over Trendy
Your horse’s beauty is timeless, and your photos should be too. Stick to neutral palettes, soft eyes, and hairstyles that won’t scream “2025 TikTok trend” five years from now.
Hair and makeup are only part of the story — don’t miss my guide on What to Wear for Your Equine Photoshoot
Best Hairstyles for Horse Photoshoots
Skip the complicated updo that collapses with one head-bump. Instead, go for soft waves, half-up styles, or even a braid that looks chic and horse-proof. Pro tip from an equine photographer: curls in golden-hour light always win. Just don’t forget the extra bobby pins and hair spray.
Need ideas? Take a peek at my Equine Portrait Gallery to see how past clients styled their looks
Go Bold (But Stay You) in Front of the Camera
Camera lenses wash things out. That’s why I recommend adding about 30% more blush, contour, and eye definition than your everyday routine. Think enhanced, not unrecognizable. We’re going “timeless glam”, not “Vegas nightclub.”
The Truth About False Lashes for Equine Portraits
False lashes? Totally fair game. They photograph beautifully outdoors and won’t smudge like mascara-heavy looks. Just keep them natural enough to feel comfortable. Itchy, watery eyes won’t make for dreamy portraits.
Why Brows Matter in Equestrian Portraits
Brows frame your entire face in photos. A little definition goes a long way, just don’t go blocky. Most professional make-up artists recommend one shade lighter than your hair, brushed through and blended softly. It gives you polish without looking painted on.
Touch-Up Kits: What to Pack for Your Session
Pack the essentials in something you can grab one-handed while juggling reins: powder, lipstick/balm, a mini hairspray, bobby pins, and blotting papers. A little emergency kit keeps you photo-ready.
Final Details That Make Equestrian Photos Shine
The polish matters. Smooth fly-aways, wrinkle-free clothes, and tidy nails make your whole look cohesive. Bonus tip: match your nail polish to your boots or belt, it’s a small detail that pulls everything together beautifully in photos.
Confidence is the Best Filter
Your equine portrait session isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about looking like the best version of you: confident, comfortable, and totally horse-obsessed. With these pro-backed hair and makeup tips, you’ll feel gorgeous and photo-ready while still being totally barn-realistic.
Final Note from Your Equine Photographer in Georgia
Looking your best doesn’t mean looking perfect. The goal is to feel comfortable, confident, and totally yourself while celebrating the horse you love. As your go-to equine photographer in Georgia, I’ll make sure the light, angles, and timing flatter both you and your horse, so you can relax, have fun, and let your beauty shine through.
When you book a session, you’ll get my full prep resources and styling guide included. Learn more about Custom Taylord Photography pricing.
Ready to plan your own dreamy photoshoot? Let’s chat about your session.
