I often get asked about how to prep your body before your boudoir session, so I wanted to write this blog to make finding that information a bit easier!

THAT BEING SAID- I want to preface this by saying that NONE of this is necessary or required! Your body is yours to do with as you wish. You are not required to shave, wax, or remove any body hair what-so-ever. Boudoir is about you and celebrating your body. If you choose not to shave or remove body hair in your everyday life, I don’t want you to feel like you have to for a boudoir session. Hell, even if you DO shave/wax/laser in everyday life it’s still not necessary! Body hair is beautiful, as are you. I am always down to photograph you regardless. We are hair friendly, and these grooming tips are just here in case you want to utilize them.

But if you do choose to remove body hair before your session, here are a few tips and tricks:

Waxing

Waxing has so many benefits! Lower risk of ingrown hairs, no annoying razor burn or cuts, AND you’ll generally have less and slower regrowth- just to name a few. Plus, it’s an excuse to pamper yourself! There are some great waxing salons in the Jacksonville area, which we can absolutely recommend if you’re looking for somewhere to go.

That being said, we strongly advise that you do NOT wax the day before your session- especially if it’s your first ever waxing appointment! We suggest no later than 5-7 days before your session so your skin has plenty of time to return back to normal. Like with any new products, there is the chance that your skin could have a reaction to the wax or different techniques used! We want your skin to look as healthy and glowing as possible, meaning your skin may need some time to recover after a waxing session.

Shaving

If shaving is more your vibe than waxing, then go for it! We still have a few tips that may seem like common sense, but we just want to make sure that you have all of the information possible beforehand.The first thing we say to do is be sure to exfoliate before shaving! Not only does this help get rid of dead skin and make your skin extra smooth, but it’s great for helping avoid ingrown hairs and razor burn. BUT that being said, don’t introduce any new shaving products to your skin right before your session! Even when it comes to natural products, they can still cause your skin to have a reaction to some of the ingredients. Always use a trusted brand that you have used before to avoid a flare up.

Facials or Face Masks

Similarly to what I said about shaving products, we suggest not using any new face masks or washes right before your session! We would hate for you to have a bad reaction right before your session. Also- if you are wanting to use face products beforehand, be careful about the intended purpose of the products you’re using! Products that reduce oil or redness are usually fine, but products that draw out impurities can make you more likely to have a breakout. As a reminder we do lightly edit your photos to smoothen your skin some and lighten redness, but we don’t go too overboard. We always say to drink tons of water leading up to your session, so your skin has a beautifully and naturally healthy glow.

Self Tanning - Don’t Do It!

I’ve said it before and I will say it again- don’t self tan before your session! Artificial tanning agents such as lotions or sprays have such a high risk of leaving your skin discolored, splotchy, or just altogether uneven. Even if you aren’t naturally tan, we will still make sure you have a beautiful and healthy glow! We would hate for your skin to take on that orange-tone that is so common with self tanners. Even when it comes to professional salon spray tans, the risks are still the same! If you shower too soon, you will have color come off in streaks. If you use the wrong base prep lotion before your spray tan, your color may lift unevenly. Basically, we just strongly advise against self tanning!