Boudoir Hair and Makeup By Ducky Rickman

By /

After years of searching, I finally found my go-to for boudoir hair and makeup: Ducky Rickman. She makes every client feel gorgeous before they even step in front of my lens. That confidence is everything—because looking stunning is great, but feeling beautiful is what truly shows in photos.

Over the years, Ducky and I have not only become good friends but also business partners. She is a huge advocate for the positive impact boudoir photography can have on women’s self-perception and confidence. I honestly couldn’t do this without her.

Furthermore, she understands all the nerves you might be feeling and will help put your mind at ease before you step in front of the camera. How, you might ask? Because she’s been photographed by me before and knows exactly how you feel.

Contents hide
What’s Included With Your Boudoir Makeover
Boudoir Hair And Makeup Looks & Ideas
Client Makeovers
Book a Makeup Trial With Ducky
Have Questions About Boudoir Hair and Makeup?
A tattooed woman with vibrant purple hair, a septum piercing, and striking eye makeup sits on a black stool in an eclectic, plant-filled studio. She smiles confidently while holding a fluffy makeup brush near her face. Her arms and neck are covered in intricate black and gray tattoos, including floral designs and ornamental patterns. She wears a sleeveless, tie-dye top with embroidered red roses, paired with black leggings. Behind her, shelves filled with plants, books, and decorative objects create a cozy, artistic atmosphere. A heart-shaped, painted decoration hangs on the wall, adding a touch of whimsy. The setting suggests a creative workspace, likely belonging to makeup artist Ducky Rickman, as she exudes both artistry and personality.
A woman reclines on a wooden floor in front of a roaring fireplace, her body adorned with bold tattoos and dramatic makeup. Her eyes are closed, showcasing dark, smoky eyeshadow and thick, voluminous lashes. Her lips are painted with a deep, matte burgundy color, adding intensity to her serene expression. Her complexion appears flawless with a subtle contour that highlights her cheekbones. Her hair is styled in vintage-inspired waves with blunt bangs framing her face. She wears a jeweled bra with intricate beadwork and rhinestones that shimmer in the firelight, paired with white high-waisted bottoms and black lace stockings held by garter straps. The warm glow of the fire casts a golden hue on the wooden floor and her skin, creating an intimate, luxurious boudoir atmosphere. The makeup, applied by Sonoma County boudoir makeup artist Ducky Rickman, enhances the sultry, vintage aesthetic with precision and creativity.
A woman reclines in a velvet chair, eyes closed, with her head resting against her hand. Her hair and makeup are flawlessly executed for a boudoir photo shoot, creating a look that is both sultry and elegant. Her platinum blonde hair cascades over her shoulder in soft waves, catching the light. Her eye makeup features shimmering purple eyeshadow blended with soft smoky tones, accentuating the curve of her closed eyelids. Long, dark lashes fan out dramatically, and her eyebrows are softly defined to frame her face. Her skin has a luminous glow, with subtle contouring that highlights her cheekbones. Her lips are painted with a muted mauve lipstick that complements her cool-toned lingerie. She wears a delicate, sheer lavender bra adorned with intricate floral embroidery. Tattoos adorn her arms, neck, and torso, adding a bold edge to the soft, feminine aesthetic. The warm, dim lighting from a nearby lamp casts a golden hue over the scene, emphasizing the artistry of the hair and makeup created specifically for this intimate boudoir photo shoot.
A woman with bold, glamorous makeup sits confidently in a vintage leather chair, her gaze alluring and self-assured. Her eyes feature a dramatic smoky look with winged eyeliner and long, voluminous lashes. Her lips are painted a deep, rich burgundy, perfectly complementing her fair complexion. The subtle contouring on her cheeks adds dimension, enhancing her natural bone structure. Her hair, styled in soft waves with blunt bangs, frames her face effortlessly. She wears a jewel-encrusted bra and black lace thigh-high stockings, adding a touch of opulence to the intimate boudoir setting. Tattoos adorn her arms and legs, creating an edgy contrast against the delicate sparkle of her attire. The warm, moody lighting casts soft shadows that accentuate the craftsmanship of the makeup, a testament to the skill of a Sonoma County makeup artist known for creating stunning boudoir looks.
A woman with striking makeup poses for a boudoir portrait, her eyes intense beneath perfectly blended smoky eyeshadow. Her eyeliner is sharp and defined, enhancing the shape of her eyes, while voluminous lashes create a captivating, sultry effect. Her lips are painted with a muted, matte shade that complements her fair complexion. Her long, blonde hair cascades in soft waves over her shoulders, framing her face and highlighting the contours of her cheekbones. The leopard-print scarf draped loosely across her chest contrasts with the intricate tattoos adorning her arm. The bold, geometric-patterned background adds a vintage elegance to the scene. The makeup, flawlessly executed with attention to every detail, showcases the artistry of boudoir portrait makeup artist Ducky Rickman, whose expertise elevates the natural beauty of the subject with a timeless, seductive finish.

What’s Included With Your Boudoir Makeover

Basically you can tell Ducky to do whatever style you want or show her your Pinterest board and she’ll work towards that look with you at your makeover.

Alternatively, you can let her do whatever she wants and that always turns out spectacular! Some women want natural looks, while other’s choose to liven things up with more dramatic eye shadows and lip stains. It’s totally up to you however you want to style your images. I think both looks can be beautiful in the right context.

Whatever you decide, your boudoir makeover includes:

  • Hair Straightening or Curls
  • Pre Moisturizing
  • Foundation / Contouring
  • Eye Shadow W/Custom Mixed Colors
  • Eye Liner, Wing Tips, Waterline etc.
  • Mascara / Strip Lashes
  • Lip Liner and Stains W/Custom Mixed Colors
A woman with bold boudoir makeup and hair reclines on an elegant, patterned chaise lounge. Her makeup features dark, dramatic lipstick, smoky eyeshadow, and precisely arched brows that accentuate her confident expression. Her hair is styled in retro waves with blunt bangs, giving a vintage-inspired glamour to the look. Tattoos adorn her arms, torso, and legs, adding an edgy contrast to the soft, golden tones of the furniture. She wears a shimmering, jewel-encrusted bra paired with high-waisted white bottoms and black lace thigh-high stockings. One arm is stretched above her head while the other rests gently on her thigh, her nails painted a deep shade. The warm lighting casts a soft glow on her fair skin, emphasizing the intricate details of her makeup and hairstyle, perfectly suited for the seductive boudoir aesthetic.

Boudoir Hair And Makeup Looks & Ideas

The safest makeup option is to go with a natural look for your photos. That said, if you want to try and style your photos with avent garde colored eye shadows and lip stains, we can do that too!

We find that it’s best to first look at the colors of the outfits you brought for your session, and your features and devise a color pallet and plan from there. Ducky excels at helping you style your look if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the choices. Just give us as much or as little direction as you prefer and we’ll take it from there!

The following are some examples of some of Ducky’s styling for our clients.

A woman stands in a sunlit field during golden hour, bathed in warm, golden-orange hues that enhance the softness of her boudoir makeup and hair. Her makeup features shimmering copper eyeshadow, long curled lashes, and a soft peach lip color, blending seamlessly with the sunlight. Her hair is styled in tousled waves, with strands catching the light as she runs her hands through it. She wears a sheer, embroidered crop top adorned with delicate white daisies, paired with lace-trimmed white underwear. The sunlight streams through the translucent fabric, casting a gentle glow on her skin. Surrounding her are softly blurred green leaves, adding a natural, ethereal feel to the intimate, outdoor boudoir setting. The warm tones of the background complement the golden-orange hues of her hair and makeup, creating a harmonious and sensual composition.
Golden Orange Hues
Light Smokey eyes with berry lips
A woman reclines with her head tilted back, eyes closed, showcasing striking boudoir makeup in peacock iridescent teal and burgundy tones. Her eyelids shimmer with a captivating teal eyeshadow, which transitions into a deep burgundy at the outer corners, creating a bold, alluring contrast. Her long, voluminous lashes fan out dramatically against her fair skin, while her brows are sculpted and softly arched. Her cheeks have a subtle flush, and her lips are painted with a muted burgundy shade that complements the rich eye colors. Her hair cascades in soft waves across a dark surface, with the dim, golden bokeh lights in the background adding warmth to the scene. She wears a delicate, white lace garment that drapes over her chest, contrasting against the dark, textured background. Her nails are painted black, adding a touch of edgy sophistication to the ethereal mood. The interplay of the peacock iridescent teal and burgundy hues with the soft lighting creates a luxurious, mysterious aesthetic.
Peacock iridescent teal and burgundy
A woman with dark smoked-out eyes and natural lips lounges on a bed, bathed in warm, soft lighting. Her makeup features deep, smoky eyeshadow blended across her lids, with long, voluminous lashes that draw attention to her gaze. Her lips are a subtle, nude shade, enhancing her natural beauty without overpowering the dramatic eye makeup. Her dark hair falls in soft waves around her face, framing her expression as she rests her head on her hand. She is wearing black lace lingerie, with the intricate pattern visible against the smoothness of her skin. The white bedding beneath her contrasts with the dark tones of her hair and makeup, while the golden glow of a lamp in the background adds warmth to the intimate setting. The combination of her bold eye makeup and understated lips creates a sultry, alluring boudoir aesthetic.
Dark smoked out eyes and natural lips
A woman poses gracefully in dim, golden lighting, her face partially illuminated to showcase her natural lips and golden smoky eye. Her eyes are adorned with shimmering gold and bronze tones, softly blended to create a warm, sultry look that catches the ambient light. Long, dark lashes add depth to her gaze, while her lips remain a soft, natural shade, enhancing her effortless beauty. Her skin glows under the warm light, with subtle highlights accentuating her cheekbones and the curve of her jawline. Her dark hair cascades in loose waves as she gently touches it with both hands. She is wearing a black lace bodysuit with a plunging neckline, its intricate floral pattern contrasting against her smooth skin. In the softly blurred background, golden fairy lights add a dreamy ambiance, complementing the golden hues of her smoky eye and the intimate, boudoir atmosphere.
Natural lips with golden Smokey eye
Plum Shadow and Lips With Dark Eyeliner
A woman with a subtle smoky eye and loose curls is bathed in soft, natural light near a window. Her eye makeup features a gentle blend of earthy tones, with a touch of shimmer accentuating her eyelids and long, dark lashes. Her skin glows with a natural radiance, and her lips are lightly tinted with a neutral shade that complements her understated makeup. Her hair cascades in loose, golden curls over her shoulders, with strands catching the light to create a soft halo effect. She delicately holds her hair with both hands, showcasing her dark, polished nails and a sparkling ring on her finger. The bright, overexposed background contrasts with the warmth of her hair and complexion, creating an ethereal, intimate boudoir atmosphere that highlights the elegance of her subtle smoky eye and effortlessly styled loose curls.
Light smoky eye with loose curls
A woman gazes softly into the camera, showcasing a natural look with wing-tip liner. Her makeup is minimal yet striking, with perfectly executed black eyeliner extending into a sharp, elegant wing that accentuates her green eyes. Her lashes are long and full, adding subtle drama to the otherwise natural appearance. Her skin glows with a soft, dewy texture, and a gentle blush highlights her cheeks. Her lips are adorned with a muted, rose-brown lipstick that enhances her natural lip color without overpowering her features. Her dark, wavy hair frames her face, with a few loose strands falling across her forehead. She rests her face in her hands, revealing long, polished nails in a dusty pink shade. The background is softly blurred, drawing attention to her face and the clean precision of the wing-tip liner that defines her eyes with a classic, timeless appeal.
Natural look with wing tip liner
A woman reclines on a bed, her head tilted back and her eyes closed, showcasing boxed smoky eyeshadow with golden pink highlights. Her eye makeup features a structured, smoky effect with deep, charcoal tones framing her eyes in a defined, box-like shape. The inner corners shimmer with soft golden pink highlights, adding warmth and brightness to the dramatic look. Her lashes are long and full, fanning out against her cheeks. Her skin glows under the soft bedside lamp, with a subtle sheen highlighting her cheekbones and the bridge of her nose. Her lips are painted with a neutral pink hue that complements the golden tones in her eyeshadow. She wears black lace lingerie with intricate detailing, and her hands rest on her head, fingers lightly entwined in her tousled hair. A sleek, silver watch adorns her wrist, adding a hint of sophistication. The dim, warm lighting enhances the intimacy of the scene, drawing attention to the bold, boxed smoky eyeshadow with its delicate pink shimmer.
Boxed smoky eyeshadow with golden pink highlights
A woman reclines on a white bed, bathed in the warm glow of a nearby lamp. Her eyes are closed, showcasing plum eyeshadow that extends softly across her lids, with a slight shimmer catching the light. Her lashes are long and defined, adding depth to the sultry, plum-toned look. Her lips are painted with a matching plum shade, with a velvety finish that complements the tones of her eyeshadow. Her dark hair cascades over the edge of the bed, with one hand gently resting on her head. She wears a delicate pink lace bra that contrasts with the crisp, white bedding beneath her. The ambient lighting from the lamp creates a cozy, intimate mood, highlighting the warmth of her plum shadow and lips and the softness of the boudoir setting.
Plum shadow and lips
A woman stands in an elegantly lit room, her body angled slightly away from the camera as she looks down and to the side, casting a serene and introspective expression. She wears a dark green lace lingerie set that includes a balconette-style bra and matching high-cut panties, the intricate lace patterns enhancing the texture and sensuality of the scene. Her skin is illuminated by a warm, golden light that creates a soft boxed shadow with dark edges & warm undertones, sculpting her figure and emphasizing the contours of her waist, hips, and toned stomach. The backdrop features ornate architectural details including paneled walls and a vintage-style sconce casting a warm glow, adding to the luxurious atmosphere. Her long, slightly tousled hair cascades over one shoulder, and her makeup is subtle and refined. The focus on her lips reveals a natural tone with minimal gloss or color, perfectly complementing the understated elegance of her look and reinforcing the effect of natural lips in a boudoir setting.
Boxed shadow with dark edges & warm undertones, natural lips
A woman poses in a dimly lit, sophisticated interior near a window, where soft natural light caresses her face and upper body, highlighting her refined features. She wears a tailored black blazer left open to reveal her bare chest, paired with high-waisted black lace panties that add texture and contrast. Her ensemble is punctuated by a black satin bow tie, lending a playful, tuxedo-inspired twist to the sensuality of the scene. Her makeup is a striking feature, with a berry undertone tone smoky eye and berry lips boudoir makeup look that deepens the mood of the image. The smoky eyes are blended with shades of plum and wine, bringing out the richness in her eyes and complementing her cool-toned blonde hair, which is styled in a sleek, angled bob. Her lips are coated in a deep berry hue with a satin finish, providing a bold yet elegant focal point. This glamorous makeup choice enhances the boudoir aesthetic, balancing edge and sophistication in an intimate and empowering portrayal.
Berry undertone tone smoky eye and berry lips

Client Makeovers

A tattooed makeup artist with short blonde hair, glasses, and a septum piercing applies eyeshadow to a smiling client in a minimalist, well-lit space. The artist, wearing a black sleeveless top, leans in with a focused yet friendly expression, holding a blending brush near the client’s closed eyelid. Her arms feature bold black tattoos, including a detailed portrait of a woman with tears and a coiling snake. The client, with wavy, light brown hair, wears a black tank top and a delicate silver necklace, appearing relaxed and happy. The scene captures the intimate, artistic process of client eyeshadow application, emphasizing skill, trust, and creativity in makeup artistry.
A makeup artist carefully applies black eyeliner to a client’s upper lash line, creating a smooth, precise wing to complement the sultry, blended eyeshadow in shades of deep plum and shimmering gold. The client’s eye is closed, showcasing long, voluminous lashes that enhance the dramatic look. The artist’s hands, adorned with sparkling rhinestone-accented nails, gently hold the client's eyelid taut for flawless application. Soft lighting highlights the warmth of the client’s freckled skin and the subtle sheen of her lips. This detailed close-up captures the artistry and precision behind eyeliner for boudoir photos, enhancing the subject’s allure and confidence for an intimate, empowering photoshoot.
A makeup artist meticulously applies eyeliner during a boudoir makeup eyeliner application session. The woman receiving the makeup has bold, vibrant eyeshadow in pink, purple, and shimmering champagne tones that accentuate her eye shape. The makeup artist uses a black eyeliner pencil to define her lower waterline, enhancing the sultry, smoky effect. Her eyelashes are long and voluminous, complementing the dramatic eyeshadow. Her hair is styled sleek and straight with bangs, and subtle blonde highlights add contrast and texture. The artist’s hands, adorned with glittery, silver nails, are steady as she carefully applies the liner. A floral tattoo is visible on the artist's wrist, and the blurred background reveals a warm, cozy setting, emphasizing the intimate nature of the boudoir makeup eyeliner application process.
A close-up captures the delicate process of boudoir makeup foundation application. A soft, fluffy makeup brush gently sweeps across the woman’s cheek, blending foundation to create a smooth, even complexion. Her skin appears radiant and natural, with a subtle glow highlighting her cheekbones. Her eyes are adorned with a smoky eyeshadow in shades of deep brown and soft mauve, seamlessly blended to create depth and drama. Her eyelashes rest softly against her skin as her eyes remain closed during the application. Her lips are a soft, natural pink, adding to the fresh and effortless look. Her hair cascades in soft waves, partially visible in the background. The lighting is bright and natural, emphasizing the flawless finish achieved through the boudoir makeup foundation application.
A makeup artist applies a rich, rosy lip stain during a boudoir makeup lip stain application session. The woman's lips are slightly parted as the artist uses a fine brush to carefully define the edges and blend the color into the natural texture of her lips. The lip stain is a bold pinkish-berry hue, enhancing her complexion with a soft, seductive touch. Her eyes are closed, showcasing smoky eyeshadow in blended tones of deep charcoal and warm brown, with a subtle shimmer highlighting the inner corners. Her skin appears flawless with a radiant finish, and her long, golden-blonde hair cascades softly over her shoulder. The artist’s nails, painted with a marble-like gray design, add a touch of modern flair to the scene. The blurred reflection of the makeup application in the mirror adds an intimate, behind-the-scenes feel to this boudoir beauty moment.
A makeup artist carefully applies a set of false strip lashes during a boudoir strip lash application. The woman’s eyelids are adorned with warm, smoky eyeshadow in rich copper and deep brown tones, blended seamlessly across the crease. A thin line of metallic silver eyeliner traces her upper lash line, adding a touch of shimmer to the bold eye look. The makeup artist’s hand, with nails painted mint green and featuring delicate white line art, gently presses the strip lash into place. The dark, voluminous lashes instantly enhance the woman's eyes, complementing the sultry boudoir makeup. Her lips are bare with a natural pink hue, and her complexion has a soft matte finish. The close-up captures the precision and artistry involved in the lash application, highlighting the transformation of the eyes into a focal point of the boudoir look.
In this intimate preparation scene, a woman with light skin and straight, blonde-highlighted brown hair sits serenely with her eyes closed as a makeup artist applies eyeshadow to her upper eyelids. The woman wears an off-the-shoulder, cream-colored sweater that subtly reveals her collarbone, contributing to the soft, sensual tone of the moment. Her complexion is even and naturally radiant, enhanced by minimal foundation and a touch of blush. The makeup artist, visible in the foreground with a tattooed arm and wearing glasses, uses a fine brush to blend a warm, copper-toned shadow onto the eyelid, creating depth while maintaining a soft, romantic finish. The gentle lighting and neutral-toned background, possibly a bed with white sheets and a beige headboard, add to the relaxed, cozy atmosphere. This application scene perfectly illustrates Boudoir makeup tips for better photos, emphasizing the importance of warm, flattering tones and professional blending to enhance natural features without overpowering them.
A close-up, overhead view captures a woman seated, eyes closed, as a makeup artist carefully adjusts her long, voluminous false eyelashes. The woman has fair skin and auburn hair parted slightly to the side, cascading in soft waves. Her makeup is striking and meticulously applied, featuring warm, smoky eyeshadow in shades of rose and plum that blend seamlessly across her eyelids. The lashes are thick and dramatic, fanning out elegantly to emphasize her closed eyes. She's dressed in a black top with a blush-pink wrap draped loosely over her shoulders, revealing a glimpse of her décolletage in a subtly sensual yet tasteful manner. The hand of the makeup artist, adorned with multiple decorative bracelets and a tattoo on the wrist, gently steadies the woman's face, highlighting the intimate, transformative nature of beauty preparation. This detailed scene is an excellent example of Boudoir makeup ideas, showcasing a glamorous yet soft approach to eye makeup that complements the overall mood of boudoir photography.

Book a Makeup Trial With Ducky

A woman with long, platinum blonde hair gazes over her shoulder in a dimly lit, moody boudoir setting. Her makeup, crafted with precision, features smoky eyes with a sharp winged liner that accentuates her piercing green eyes. Her skin glows with a soft, dewy finish, and her lips are painted with a subtle mauve shade that complements her fair complexion. Her eyebrows are perfectly groomed, framing her eyes with natural definition. Tattoos adorn her arms and shoulders, adding an edgy, artistic flair to her look. She wears a delicate lace bralette that peeks out from beneath her hair. The warm glow of a bedside lamp casts soft shadows across her face, emphasizing the contours created by the expertly applied makeup. This captivating look, enhanced by the skillful touch of a Sonoma County boudoir makeup artist, blends sensuality with bold, artistic expression.

While the vast majority of our clients let us style them the day of their photo shoots, some want to test out more adventurous looks before hand to make sure they’ll like their look before their session.

If you’d like to schedule a boudoir hair and makeup trial with Ducky before your boudoir photo shoot, you can reach out to her directly at (707) 331-4198.

Have Questions About Boudoir Hair and Makeup?

You’re not alone—so I pulled together answers to the ones our clients ask most.

Are Strip Lashes or Lash Extensions Better For Boudoir Photos?

A close-up, overhead view captures a woman seated, eyes closed, as a makeup artist carefully adjusts her long, voluminous false eyelashes. The woman has fair skin and auburn hair parted slightly to the side, cascading in soft waves. Her makeup is striking and meticulously applied, featuring warm, smoky eyeshadow in shades of rose and plum that blend seamlessly across her eyelids. The lashes are thick and dramatic, fanning out elegantly to emphasize her closed eyes. She's dressed in a black top with a blush-pink wrap draped loosely over her shoulders, revealing a glimpse of her décolletage in a subtly sensual yet tasteful manner. The hand of the makeup artist, adorned with multiple decorative bracelets and a tattoo on the wrist, gently steadies the woman's face, highlighting the intimate, transformative nature of beauty preparation. This detailed scene is an excellent example of Boudoir makeup ideas, showcasing a glamorous yet soft approach to eye makeup that complements the overall mood of boudoir photography.

From a quality standpoint, lash extensions are better. They’re better for close-ups and look more natural than strip lashes. However, from a cost standpoint, they’re more expensive—for both the initial fill and the maintenance if you want to keep them long term.
We include strip lashes as part of your makeover before your photo shoot, so they cost you nothing. They look great from 1/3 close-ups to full-body portraits. Very tight close-ups are where you’ll see the difference in quality between them.
Therefore, if budget is your main concern, go with the strips. If you want the best boudoir photos possible, get the lash extensions.

What Makeup Looks Best For Boudoir Photos?

There are two general looks that work really well. The natural look, and the dramatic stylized look. The natural look is pretty self explanatory. The dramatic stylized look can vary widely with smoky or colored eye shadows, wing tip eye liner, custom mixed lip stains, etc. We avoid excessive contouring because I’ll be contouring your features with light.

Do You Have Any Boudoir Makeup Tips To Make My Photos Better?

Yes! Arrive with a clean, makeup-free face so my artist has the perfect canvas to start with. Wash and dry your hair the morning of your session so it’s ready for styling. While most clients won’t have any issues with their makeup lasting all day, stuff happens. I recommend you bring your basic touchup kit like:
Mascara
Pointed Q-tips
Lip applicators
I will provide a straw for you to drink from while we photograph your session. This helps kee your lips looking great for the duration of your photo shoot.

Will Ducky Stay For The Session While I’m Photographed?

Ducky and I will arrive to your session at the same time. She will begin with your makeover shortly thereafter. While you’re getting made over, I’ll usually set up some equipment and come up with a game plan for your photos. Your makeover will usually take between 1 1/2 – 2hrs. After she’s done and you’re happy, she’ll leave us to photograph your session.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top