20 Makeup Product Photography Ideas That Will Stand Out

Colorful, fun, audacious, tell your makeup brand's story well with good makeup product photography. We'll explore 15 innovative makeup product photography ideas that will make your brand stand out from the crowd, whether you choose to use the old way or use the power of AI with tools like Assembo.ai.

1. Fruit

Incorporating fruit into your makeup product photography can add a fresh, vibrant, and playful element to your images. The bright colors and interesting textures of fruits like oranges, lemons, and berries can complement your products and create a visually appealing contrast. Arrange your products alongside sliced or whole fruits, or even use fruit as a backdrop for a fun and eye-catching composition.

Create Fruit with AI:

• Image Prompt: Find a colorful image of makeup products with fruit and use it as a style reference
• Text Prompt: "makeup products arranged with sliced citrus fruits on a white background"

Create Fruit without AI:

• Choose fruits with colors and textures that complement your products
• Experiment with different arrangements and compositions to create a balanced and engaging image

2. Color Compare

Showcase your makeup products' versatility and range by creating a color comparison image. Arrange your products alongside swatches or objects in similar shades to demonstrate the depth and variety of your color offerings. This type of image not only highlights your products' features but also helps customers visualize how the colors might look on them.

Create Color Compare with AI:

• Image Prompt: Find a vibrant image of lipstick lip gloss with fruits and use it as a style reference
• Text Prompt: "lipstick swatches alongside matching fruits"

Create Color Compare without AI:

• Select objects or create swatches that match your products' colors
• Arrange the products and color comparisons in a clean, organized layout that showcases the range of shades

3. Drip

Create a sense of movement and fluidity in your makeup product photography by incorporating drips or spills. This technique works particularly well for liquid or cream products like foundation, lipgloss, or nail polish. Capture your products with carefully controlled drips or spills to add a dynamic and artistic element to your images.

Create Drip with AI:

• Image Prompt: Find a dramatic image of lip gloss with colorful drips and use it as a style reference
• Text Prompt: "Lip gloss bottles with colorful drips on a black background"

Create Drip without AI:

• Use a syringe or dropper to carefully control the drips or spills
• Experiment with different angles and lighting to highlight the movement and texture of the drips

4. Smear

Showcase your makeup products' texture and pigmentation by creating smear or swatch images. This technique involves applying the product to a surface and capturing the smear or swatch in a visually appealing way. Smear images are particularly effective for highlighting the richness and intensity of your products' colors and formulas.

Create Smear with AI:

• Image Prompt: Find a vivid image of lipstick smears in various shades and use it as a style reference
• Text Prompt: "lipstick smears in various shades on a white background"

Create Smear without AI:

• Apply your products to a clean, smooth surface like paper or acrylic
• Experiment with different application techniques and tools to create interesting smears or swatches

5. Pour

Create a sense of abundance and luxury in your makeup product photography by capturing your products being poured or spilled. This technique works well for loose powders, pigments, or even liquid products. Capture the movement and flow of the product as it cascades or spills, creating a visually stunning and engaging image.

Create Pour with AI:

• Image Prompt: Find a dynamic image of loose lip pigment being poured and use it as a style reference
• Text Prompt: "loose lip pigment being poured onto a white surface"

Create Pour without AI:

• Use a clean, white surface or backdrop to capture the pour
• Experiment with different pouring techniques and angles to create interesting compositions

6. Crushed Powder

Add a sense of texture and depth to your makeup product photography by capturing your products in a crushed or broken state. This technique works particularly well for pressed powders like eyeshadows, blushes, or highlighters. Capture the product in its crushed form, highlighting the unique texture and color variations.

Create Crushed Powder with AI:

• Image Prompt: Find a detailed image of a crushed eyeshadow palette and use it as a style reference
• Text Prompt: "crushed eyeshadow palette with various shades and textures"

Create Crushed Powder without AI:

• Carefully crush or break your pressed powder products
• Experiment with different lighting and angles to highlight the unique texture and color variations

7. Flowers

Incorporate flowers into your makeup product photography to add a touch of natural beauty and femininity. Choose flowers with colors and textures that complement your products, and arrange them in a visually appealing composition. This technique works particularly well for products with floral scents or botanical ingredients.

Create Flowers with AI:

• Image Prompt: Find a beautiful image of lipstick surrounded by pink rose petals and use it as a style reference
• Text Prompt: "lipstick surrounded by pink rose petals on a white background"

Create Flowers without AI:

• Select flowers that complement your products' colors and themes
• Experiment with different arrangements and compositions to create a balanced and engaging image

8. Closeup on Model

Showcase your makeup products' performance and finish by capturing closeup shots on a model. This technique allows customers to see how the products look and wear on real skin, helping them visualize the results they can achieve. Focus on capturing the details and nuances of the product's application and finish.

Create Closeup on Model with AI:

• Image Prompt: Find a detailed image of a model's lip with shimmery lip gloss and use it as a style reference
• Text Prompt: "closeup of model's lip with shimmery lip gloss"

Create Closeup on Model without AI:

• Work with a skilled makeup artist and model to achieve the desired look
• Use a high-quality camera or lens to capture the intricate details and textures of the product on the skin

9. On Clothes

Create a lifestyle-inspired image by showcasing your makeup products on or alongside clothing items. This technique helps customers envision how the products fit into their daily lives and personal style. Choose clothing items that complement your products' colors and themes, and arrange them in a visually appealing and cohesive composition.

Create On Clothes with AI:

• Image Prompt: Find a stylish image of lipstick and mascara on a denim jacket and use it as a style reference
• Text Prompt: "lipstick and mascara arranged on a denim jacket"

Create On Clothes without AI:

• Select clothing items that align with your brand's aesthetic and target audience
• Experiment with different arrangements and styling to create an engaging and relatable image

10. Mirror

Add a sense of depth and intrigue to your makeup product photography by incorporating mirrors into your compositions. Capture your products' reflections in a mirror, creating a visually interesting and dynamic image. This technique works particularly well for products with shiny or metallic finishes.

Create Mirror with AI:

• Image Prompt: Find a elegant image of a lip color reflected in a hand mirror and use it as a style reference
• Text Prompt: "lip color reflected in a vintage hand mirror"

Create Mirror without AI:

• Use a clean, clear mirror to capture the reflections
• Experiment with different angles and positioning to create unique and engaging compositions

11. Beach

Transport your customers to a dreamy, beachy setting by incorporating sand, shells, and other coastal elements into your makeup product photography. This technique works particularly well for summer collections or products with tropical scents or themes. Arrange your products alongside beach-inspired props to create a visually appealing and cohesive composition.

Create Beach with AI:

• Image Prompt: Find a charming image of sunglasses and perfume on a sandy beach with seashells and use it as a style reference
• Text Prompt: "sunglasses and perfume arranged on sand with seashells and starfish"

Create Beach without AI:

• Use clean, fine sand and carefully selected beach-inspired props
• Experiment with different arrangements and lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere

12. Wine Glasses (Stage a Story)

Create a luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere by incorporating wine glasses into your makeup product photography. Arrange your products alongside elegant stemware, and consider staging a story or scenario to engage your audience. This technique works particularly well for products designed for special occasions or evening wear.

Create Wine Glasses with AI:

• Image Prompt: Find a sophisticated image of eye shadow and lip gloss filled glasses cheering and use it as a style reference
• Text Prompt: "eye shadow and lip gloss filled wine glasses and rose petals"

Create Wine Glasses without AI:

• Select elegant, clean stemware that complements your products
• Stage a story or scenario that resonates with your target audience and showcases your products' benefits

13. Lifestyle (Tell a Story!)

Engage your customers by creating lifestyle-inspired images that tell a story and showcase your products in action. Capture your products being used or enjoyed in real-life settings, helping customers envision how they can incorporate them into their own lives. Focus on creating relatable, aspirational, and visually appealing scenes.

Create Lifestyle with AI:

• Image Prompt: Find a inviting image of a makeup flatlay with personal accessories and use it as a style reference
• Text Prompt: "flatlay of makeup products, jewelry, and a clutch bag on a marble surface"

Create Lifestyle without AI:

• Select props and settings that align with your brand's aesthetic and target audience
• Stage a relatable, aspirational scene that showcases your products' benefits and uses

14. Glittering Light

Add a touch of magic and glamour to your makeup product photography by incorporating glittering lights or bokeh effects. This technique works particularly well for products with shimmery or metallic finishes, as the lights will enhance and complement their sparkle. Capture your products with twinkling lights in the background or foreground to create a dreamy, enchanting atmosphere.

Create Glittering Light with AI:

• Image Prompt: Find a magical image of a highlighter compact with golden lights and use it as a style reference
• Text Prompt: "highlighter compact surrounded by sparkling golden lights"

Create Glittering Light without AI:

• Use string lights, fairy lights, or a bokeh effect lens filter
• Experiment with different lighting arrangements and angles to create a magical, captivating image

15. Pool

Create a refreshing, summer-inspired image by incorporating a pool or water setting into your makeup product photography. This technique works particularly well for waterproof or long-wearing products, as it demonstrates their durability and performance. Arrange your products poolside or even partially submerged to create a visually appealing and eye-catching composition.

Create Pool with AI:

• Image Prompt: Find a refreshing image of waterproof mascara and eyeliner on a pool float and use it as a style reference
• Text Prompt: "waterproof mascara and eyeliner arranged on a pool float"

Create Pool without AI:

• Use a clean, well-maintained pool or water setting
• Ensure your products are safe for use in or around water, and consider using waterproof or water-resistant props

16. Neon Glow

Create a vibrant and edgy atmosphere by incorporating neon lights into your makeup product photography. This technique works exceptionally well for bold, colorful products or night-time themed collections. Use neon signs or LED strips to add a pop of color and create an eye-catching backdrop that complements your products.

Create Neon Glow with AI:

• Image Prompt: Find a striking image of makeup products illuminated by neon lights and use it as a style reference
• Text Prompt: "makeup products arranged with colorful neon lights in the background"

Create Neon Glow without AI:

• Use neon signs or LED strips to create colorful lighting effects
• Experiment with different colors and arrangements to complement your products

17. Smoke and Mirrors

Add an air of mystery and intrigue to your makeup product photography by incorporating smoke effects or reflective surfaces. This technique can create a sense of drama and sophistication, perfect for high-end or avant-garde makeup lines. Use smoke machines or dry ice for ethereal effects, and mirrors or metallic surfaces for interesting reflections.

Create Smoke and Mirrors with AI:

• Image Prompt: Find a mysterious image of makeup products surrounded by smoke and use it as a style reference
• Text Prompt: "makeup products on a reflective surface with swirling smoke"

Create Smoke and Mirrors without AI:

• Use a smoke machine or dry ice for ethereal effects
• Incorporate mirrors or metallic surfaces for interesting reflections

18. Botanical Beauty

Embrace nature-inspired themes by incorporating botanical elements into your makeup product photography. This approach works well for organic, natural, or eco-friendly makeup lines. Arrange your products among fresh flowers, leaves, or other plant-based elements to create a fresh and organic feel.

Create Botanical Beauty with AI:

• Image Prompt: Find a serene image of makeup products surrounded by flowers and leaves and use it as a style reference
• Text Prompt: "natural makeup products arranged with fresh flowers and green leaves"

Create Botanical Beauty without AI:

• Use fresh flowers, leaves, or other botanical elements
• Arrange products in a way that complements the natural elements

19. Texture Play

Highlight the unique textures of your makeup products by incorporating contrasting or complementary textures in your photography. This technique can help showcase the sensory aspects of your products, from silky smooth powders to creamy lipsticks. Use textured fabrics, papers, or natural elements to create interesting backgrounds and compositions.

Create Texture Play with AI:

• Image Prompt: Find a visually interesting image of makeup products on various textured surfaces and use it as a style reference
• Text Prompt: "makeup products arranged on different textured surfaces like silk, sand, and rough stone"

Create Texture Play without AI:

• Gather a variety of textured materials like fabrics, papers, or natural elements
• Experiment with different combinations to highlight your products' textures

20. Artistic Abstraction

Push the boundaries of traditional product photography by creating abstract, artistic compositions with your makeup products. This approach can help your brand stand out and appeal to a more avant-garde audience. Experiment with unconventional angles, close-ups, or deconstructed product arrangements to create visually striking and thought-provoking images.

Create Artistic Abstraction with AI:

• Image Prompt: Find an abstract and artistic image of deconstructed makeup products and use it as a style reference
• Text Prompt: "abstract arrangement of deconstructed makeup products with bold colors and shapes"

Create Artistic Abstraction without AI:

• Experiment with unconventional angles and close-up shots
• Try deconstructing products or creating patterns with product components

Conclusion

Get ready to slay! Showcase your products' unique stories and features while creating an emotional connection with your target audience. By incorporating creative techniques, telling compelling stories, and staying true to your brand's aesthetic, you'll be able to create images that not only engage and inspire your customers but also drive sales and growth for your business.

See Also

• Recreate Product Photography Ideas from Pinterest
• Product Photography Hacks to Do It Cheap
• How to Take Product Photos with iPhone