Remove the background from cosmetics photos

At a glance

How to do it

1. Upload a clean product shotWipe off fingerprints and dust, face the label to the camera and shoot from slightly above so the cap and the depth of the pack show. Use soft light from one side to show the shape of bottles and tubes.
2. Remove the background and check the glassThe tool starts on white. Look closely at clear glass, frosted bottles and liquid: the old background can show through them after the cutout. If it does, reshoot against white so whatever shows through is already white.
3. Download and line up the rangeDownload HD as a JPG on white. Crop every shade to the same size and position so a range of lipsticks or bottles reads as one set on your collection page.

Tips and common mistakes

• Shoot swatches, don't recolour themSwatch each shade on skin or card under the same daylight-balanced light. Google asks images to show the exact colour and finish being sold, so photograph every shade instead of recolouring one.
• Tame glare on glossy packsMirror-finish caps and glossy boxes reflect lights and windows. Light from the side, use a white card to soften highlights, and turn the pack slightly until the hot spot moves off the label.
• Keep filters off resultsThe ASA advises against filters on photos directly relevant to the product, such as skin after a foundation or tan. Background changes are fine; changing the result is not.
• Show the product, not just the boxAmazon wants products out of their packaging in main images unless the packaging is an important feature. Lead with the bottle, compact or tube, and add the box in a secondary photo.
• Add a texture shotAn open compact, a swirl of cream or a cut lipstick shows the formula. Shoot it real rather than generating it, so it matches what buyers receive.