How to Do Your Makeup for Headshots: A Comprehensive Guide

The goal of a good headshot is to look like you on your best day. And that usually involves makeup. But how much? Where do you apply makeup for photos? Do you do your makeup yourself or hire a professional makeup artist for your headshot session? (Read about choosing whether or not to have a professional makeup artist here.) 

The right makeup can enhance your natural beauty and ensure you look your best on camera. The wrong makeup will at best make you look not quite yourself. At worst it will make you look like a cross between Tammy Faye and Ursula the Sea Witch.

Is Makeup for Headshots Different From Everyday Makeup?

Yes, and no. The goal is not to transform your everyday look too much. You need to still be recognizable in your photo. Professional headshots should represent an accurate image of you, not an overly glamorized version. So that means you should do your makeup like you do it every day.

BUT. A lot of us don’t wear much makeup day to day and the camera can tend to make more makeup look like less and a little bit of makeup look like none at all. So let’s define “everyday” makeup as how you would prepare for a reasonably nice dinner where the steak is $35 but not $65.

The key elements of successful headshot makeup include a flawless complexion, well-defined eyes, and natural-looking lips. It's all about balance - too little makeup may make you appear washed out under the studio lights, while too much can be distracting and unprofessional. 

Preparation is Key

Before applying any makeup, it's important to prepare your skin properly. Start with a thorough cleansing routine followed by a hydrating moisturizer suitable for your skin type. This will create a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup application. If you’re not wearing any makeup for your headshots, this is the only step you’ll need and you can stop here. Don’t skip hydration: this will wake your skin up and make it look fresh for photos.

Primer is also a good step in preparing for headshot makeup as it helps to minimize pores and fine lines while ensuring that the foundation adheres better to the skin. Choose a primer that matches your skin type – matte primers work best for oily skin while hydrating primers are ideal for dry skin.

Foundation and Concealer

If you’ve never used foundation before, don’t start the day before your headshot session. Make sure you’ve been color matched at a makeup counter or with another professional to avoid a foundation that doesn’t match your skin tone. Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly - and go easy on any contouring or bronzing. The goal is to create a natural, even skin tone that reduces the appearance of redness, blotchiness, or uneven tones.

Apply the foundation using a sponge or brush for a seamless finish, and remember to blend it down your neck to avoid any harsh lines. Concealer should be used sparingly to cover any blemishes or under-eye circles– those can be easily retouched after the photo is taken so try not to obsess too much over that.

Steer clear of overly dewy or overly matte foundations – you want your skin to look naturally radiant and if it’s too dewy your skin could look oily or wet in a photo, or on the opposite end of the spectrum, if your skin looks too matte and has no glow or dimension it can look like plastic. Avoid highlighter for your photos, especially with strobe/flash photography, because it will reflect back too much light for a camera and make your skin look oily or sweaty.

Defining Your Features: Eyes and Lips

Well-defined eyes are crucial in headshots as they are often the first thing people notice. Start by filling in your eyebrows with a pencil or powder that matches your hair color. This will frame your face and add depth to your eyes.

Next, apply a neutral eyeshadow palette for a subtle definition. Avoid overly glittery or shimmery eyeshadows as they can reflect light and distract from your eyes. A little bit of shine in the eyeshadow on the center of your eyelids is okay, just don’t get too carried away to avoid the camera’s flash bouncing back too much light and losing the color of the eyeshadow. A thin line of eyeliner followed by mascara will further enhance your eyes without making them look overly dramatic.

When it comes to lips, if you don’t normally wear lipstick, choose a lipstick shade close to your natural lip color but slightly enhanced - think "your lips but better." Avoid high gloss or extremely matte lipsticks; instead opt for satin finishes that look more natural on camera.

Final Touches: Blush and Powder

A touch of blush can add life back into your complexion after applying foundation and concealer. Opt for soft peachy or pink hues that mimic the natural flush of your cheeks.

Finally, set everything with a translucent setting powder. This will help control shine and ensure that your makeup stays put throughout the shoot. But avoid products with silica in them, which comes in a lot of powders. It can cause flashback with strobe photography, which is when the light reflects directly off the powder and makes it look white in the photo.

Make sure you look like you

Doing makeup for professional headshots doesn't have to be daunting if you follow these tips: keep it natural, focus on enhancing rather than transforming, and remember less is more! With the right makeup, your headshots will showcase your natural beauty and professionalism, making a lasting impression.