When you’re setting up a flatlay for your blog, one of the most important things to consider is whether or not the items in your composition photograph well. As annoying as it can be, not every product in your makeup collection will look the way you want it to on camera. This is something that took me a while to realize. For a long time, I believed that I could edit my photos and get my desired results. But I’ve come to understand that while editing can definitely enhance a photograph, it cannot drastically alter product packaging that doesn’t bode well in pictures, especially when you’re a blogger like me who doesn’t have expensive editing software available.

Today I decided to dig through my makeup collection and pick out some products that have produced consistently good photos for me. While I didn’t purchase any of these items for the sole purpose of blog photography, their sleek packaging has made them staple blog props. Whenever I need a little something to spruce up a picture, I know I can add one of these products and get the results that I want.

So, if you’re looking to invest in products that function as both makeup and blog props, I would highly recommend checking out these items. They have really helped me create flatlays that I’m happy with and made the process of setting them up a whole lot easier.

First and foremost, the NYX Go-To Palette in Wanderlust has been such a major contributor to my flatlays. The packaging is very sleek and clean, which is a look that I’m always trying to achieve. Plus, the colors in the palette (the blush in particular) stand out really nicely against the marble surface I use most of the time (you can read about the different flatlay backgrounds that I use here). This is a palette that I find myself reaching for time and time again because it never fails to look good on camera. It’s also a pretty great palette in general. It’s always been my go-to for traveling  since it contains such a wide range of products.

Another palette that works wonderfully with the flatlay aesthetic is the Stila Perfect Me, Perfect Hue Eye & Cheek Palette. With it simple and stylish gold packaging and its beautiful, soft color scheme, this palette is one of the most versatile products to function as a blog prop. You can leave the palette shut for a nice accent of gold, or you can open it up to reveal its stunning eyeshadows and blushes. At $39, it’s certainly on the pricey side, but I picked it up during Ulta’s 21 days of beauty several months back for half the price. I would keep an eye out in case it ever becomes a part of the sale again, because it’s been such a worthwhile buy.

This next item, the Josie Maran Argan Lip Sting Plumping Butter, is something that just recently joined my makeup collection, but I’m already so excited to begin shooting with it. The lipstick has that reflective, rose gold look to it that’s been pretty popular recently. It’s sleek and pink and looks really great paired up with flowers and candles.

Lastly, the Nectar Bath Treats Macaron Lip Balm is and cute and stylish and I love to include it in my flatlays. The macaron shape is a really interesting feature to add to a flatlay. Plus, the lip balm’s baby pink color pairs nicely with pretty much all of my blog props. I like to place it on the edge of a notebook or magazine when the main focus of the shot is also pink. It’s a simple way for me to carry the color through the entire photograph.

Anyways, thank you for reading! I’m off to drink a cup of coffee, because right now I feel completely drained.

What are some of your favorite products to photograph with?

Sincerely,

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