Skincare and Wellbeing Routines Before a Shoot
Looking and feeling your best on shoot day isn't about drastic last-minute changes. It's about a few sensible habits, kept up consistently in the weeks before.
Skincare basics
Keep it simple
A consistent, gentle routine usually beats trying something new right before a shoot. Stick to:
- A gentle cleanser, morning and evening
- A fragrance-free moisturiser suited to your skin type
- Daily SPF, even in cloudy weather
Avoid experimenting close to shoot day
New products, treatments or exfoliants can cause redness or breakouts in sensitive skin. As a general rule, avoid trying anything new in the week before a shoot.
Don't overdo exfoliation
Over-exfoliating can leave skin irritated or flaky, which is harder to work with on camera than slightly uneven texture. Little and often works better than an intense session the night before.
Sleep and hydration
Two of the simplest, most effective habits are:
- Getting a proper night's sleep in the days before your shoot
- Drinking enough water, which supports skin and reduces under-eye puffiness
Neither costs anything, and both make a genuine visible difference.
Food and energy
You don't need a special diet before a shoot. Sensible, balanced meals and staying hydrated will serve you far better than skipping meals, which tends to show as low energy and dull skin.
Hair care
- Avoid drastic cuts or colour changes right before a booked shoot, unless specifically requested
- Deep-condition a few days ahead if your hair tends to be dry
- Keep heat styling minimal in the run-up, to avoid damage or frizz
Managing nerves and wellbeing
Physical preparation matters, but so does how you feel mentally.
- Get organised the day before, so the morning itself feels calm
- Do something that relaxes you the evening before, rather than a late night
- Arrive with time to spare rather than rushing in at the last minute
- Remind yourself that a slightly imperfect shoot is completely normal
What not to do
Avoid crash diets, extreme detoxes, sunbed sessions immediately before a shoot, or any treatment that could cause irritation, peeling or an allergic reaction. If in doubt, ask your team in advance rather than trying something new on the day.
Ongoing support
Wellbeing habits are something our aftercare support touches on with everyone we work with, not just before a first shoot. For more, see our general advice pages.
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