Last updated: March 2026
What Is Flashback?
Flashback is when makeup (often SPF or silica) reflects camera flash and makes skin look pale, white, or ashy in photos.
Ingredients like titanium dioxide and some SPF can cause flashback. It's a concern for events with flash photography (e.g. weddings). Choosing flash-friendly products and avoiding heavy SPF on the face for events can help.
Tips
- Avoid heavy SPF or silica-heavy powders on the face for events with flash. Test with phone flash before the big day.
See it in action
Tutorials that use or demonstrate this technique: