Pregnancy glow is real. But so is the face you make at 7am when you're tired, hormonal, and trying to figure out if you're "allowed" to wear your regular foundation. After 15 years of photographing pregnant mamas, I've had a front-row seat to how makeup — or the absence of it — affects how a woman feels and photographs on session day.
That's why I built a partnership with Sephora. And today I'm going to explain exactly how it works, why I think it makes a difference, and what to do if you prefer to handle makeup yourself.
Why I Partnered With Sephora at CF Chinook Centre
My partnership with Sephora at CF Chinook Centre (Macleod Trail SW) gives my clients access to skilled beauty artists who understand camera-ready makeup. Sephora artists know how to work with high-quality products that perform under studio lighting — foundation that doesn't wash out under flash, setting techniques that prevent shine, and application that photographs beautifully without looking heavy in person.
There's something about having someone else do your makeup — thoughtfully, skillfully — that shifts your energy. You arrive already feeling like a version of yourself you're proud of. The photos show it.
How It Works
The Sephora makeup experience is included in my Maternity III (Premium) and Maternity IV (Luxury) packages, and available as an add-on for Packages I and II.
You'll visit Sephora at CF Chinook Centre before your session — ideally 60–90 minutes before your scheduled start time. Let the artist know you're coming in for a professional photography session. You can bring reference images of the look you'd like. After your appointment, you head straight to my studio on Yorkville Road SW, already camera-ready.
What Makes Makeup "Camera-Ready"?
Foundation coverage: Studio lighting can flatten and wash out the face. A slightly higher coverage foundation than you'd wear daily ensures your skin tone comes through beautifully.
No shimmer in the wrong places. Shimmer and highlight — gorgeous in person — can catch the light unexpectedly on camera. A camera-ready artist uses matte formulas for the main face and limits shimmer to specific, strategic areas.
Brows defined. Brows anchor the face in photos. Even if you prefer a natural daily brow, a little more definition photographs better.
Setting for longevity. A professional setting spray and powder routine means your makeup lasts through the entire session.
If You Prefer to Do Your Own Makeup
Completely fine — many of my clients do, and they look beautiful. Here are my practical tips:
- Go 10–15% heavier than your everyday look. The camera softens everything slightly.
- Skip heavy shimmer on cheekbones and nose. Use matte bronzer and blush instead.
- Define your brows a touch more than usual.
- Set your face thoroughly — blotting paper + translucent powder + setting spray.
- Nude or soft pink lips photograph beautifully and age well.
- Finish your makeup at home, not in the car.
FAQ
Is the Sephora experience only for certain packages?
The partnership is included in Packages III and IV. For Packages I and II, it's available as an add-on.
Can I bring my own makeup artist instead?
Yes, absolutely. If you have a trusted makeup artist you love, you're welcome to bring them to the studio.
What if I'm pregnant and concerned about certain ingredients?
Let your Sephora artist know you're pregnant and ask for fragrance-free and mineral-based options where available.
I never wear makeup day-to-day. Should I still bother?
Even a very natural application — tinted SPF, defined brows, a bit of mascara — can make a meaningful difference in how photos look. But if you prefer bare, we'll make it beautiful.
Ready to book your session? Message me on WhatsApp or browse available dates.
Fernanda Bautzer Photography · 231 Yorkville Road SW, Calgary · Partner: Sephora @ CF Chinook Centre.