How to Prepare for Your Boudoir Session: The Complete Guide for Orange County Women
You booked your session. Now what?
First — take a breath. You made a great decision. Now let's make sure you show up feeling as confident and prepared as possible, because the more at ease you feel walking in, the more extraordinary your photos will be.
Here's everything you need to know to prepare for your Grace and Lace boudoir session in Huntington Beach.
The Week Before Your Session
Stay hydrated. This one sounds simple but it makes a visible difference. Drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your session keeps your skin looking its best — glowy, healthy, and camera-ready.
Moisturize daily. Start applying lotion to your whole body every day, especially areas like your legs, arms, and stomach. Hydrated skin photographs beautifully. Dry skin does not.
Avoid spray tans. If you want a tan, get it done at least a week before your session so it has time to settle and even out. Fresh spray tans can look patchy in photos. Your natural skin tone is always stunning — don't feel like you need to change it.
Avoid trying new skincare. Now is not the time to test a new retinol or exfoliating treatment. Stick to your normal routine to avoid any unexpected reactions on your skin before your session.
Plan your wardrobe. You'll receive a detailed welcome guide when you book, but start thinking about what you want to bring. Think about pieces that make you feel like yourself — whether that's classic lingerie, a cozy oversized sweater, a silky robe, or something that has sentimental meaning to you.
The Night Before
Get a good night's sleep. This affects everything — your energy, your eyes, your mood. Try to get at least seven to eight hours.
Do a light shave or wax if needed. If you plan to shave your legs or anywhere else, do it the night before rather than the morning of. This gives any redness or irritation time to settle before your session.
Lay out everything you're bringing. Lingerie, heels, jewelry, any special pieces. Doing this the night before means you won't be rushing the morning of and accidentally forgetting something you wanted.
Avoid alcohol. A glass of wine might sound like a good way to calm nerves but it can cause puffiness, especially in the face, and affect your energy during the shoot. Save the celebratory drink for after.
The Morning Of
Eat a real meal. Don't skip breakfast trying to look thinner. It doesn't work that way in photos, and it will affect your energy and mood during a three-hour session. Eat something nourishing that makes you feel good.
Skip heavy perfume or body lotion right before. Strong scents can interfere with the makeup application, and heavy lotion can affect how makeup sits on your skin. Arrive clean and let our hair and makeup artist work their magic.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your session. Avoid anything with tight waistbands or straps that will leave marks on your skin. A loose dress or sweats are perfect.
Give yourself plenty of drive time. Nothing derails a session faster than arriving stressed from traffic. Plan to arrive a few minutes early, take a breath in the car, and walk in ready to enjoy your day.
What to Bring
4 to 6 lingerie or outfit options
Heels or footwear you love — but not necessary
Any jewelry or accessories that feel like you
Any sentimental pieces you want incorporated — a partner's shirt, a piece of jewelry with meaning
What NOT to Bring
Stress about how you look
Comparison to anyone else
The idea that you need to look a certain way to deserve this
You already deserve this. You already are enough. Our job at Grace and Lace Boudoir is simply to show you the proof.
Grace and Lace Boudoir is located in Huntington Beach and serves women throughout Orange County including Newport Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa, and Laguna Beach. Professional hair and makeup is included with every session. Ready to book? Contact us today or visit our calendar to check availability.
