Makeup for Professional Headshots: Expert Tips
Joseph West • March, 2024
Making the right impression with your professional headshot starts with perfect makeup. Discover how to achieve a camera-ready look that embodies both your professionalism and personality.
STUDIO POD
Are you gearing up for a professional headshot and wondering how to do makeup for headshots to nail that camera-ready look? You're in the right place! Unlike your daily makeup routine, headshot makeup plays by a different set of rules. It's all about looking like you, just polished and confident under those bright lights. In this guide, we're diving into expert tips for acing your professional headshot makeup. Let's get you ready for your close-up!
Eyes
Eyes are the windows to the soul, especially in headshots:
Neutral Eyeshadows: Stick to neutral, flattering tones. Choose eyeshadows in warm browns, soft taupes, or muted rose for light skin. For dark skin, rich chocolates, deep burgundies, or warm coppers add depth.
Eyeliner Tips: For a defined yet natural look, use a fine-tip eyeliner. Consider a brown liner for a softer look on light skin or a jet black for more contrast on darker skin. Avoid thick lines; instead, opt for a thin line close to the lash line, slightly winging out at the corners to elongate the eyes.
Mascara: Choose a lengthening and curling mascara. Apply in thin coats, allowing each to dry before the next. Avoid clumpy formulas. For lower lashes, use a waterproof, smudge-proof formula sparingly.
Avoid False Eyelashes: Steer clear of false eyelashes. They tend to obscure your eyes and can make it challenging to clearly see them in photographs. In some instances, overly long false eyelashes can even create the impression that your eyes are partially closed, giving an unintended sleepy appearance.
Skin
Your skin is the star of the show in headshots, so let's make it shine (but not literally):
Skin Preparation: Start with hydration. Drink plenty of water and use a good primer for a smooth base.
Primer Perfection: Apply a primer that addresses your skin concerns. For oily skin, use a mattifying primer. For dry skin, a hydrating primer works wonders.
Foundation Type: Both liquid and powder foundations have their merits for headshots. While oil-free liquid matte foundations are often recommended for their seamless finish, it's important to use a product you're comfortable with. If you're not experienced with liquid foundations, they can dry quickly and lead to a caked appearance. Feel free to opt for the type of foundation you're most comfortable applying.
Addressing Skin Concerns: Got redness or dark circles? Use a color-correcting concealer before your foundation - peach tones for light skin and orange tones for dark skin - to counteract dark circles. Spot conceal blemishes with a matching skin tone concealer.
Choosing the Right Shade: Match your foundation to your neck, not your face, for a natural look. For light skin, opt for a yellow or peach-based foundation to avoid ashiness. For dark skin, a foundation with red or blue undertones can add warmth.
Application Techniques: Apply foundation with a damp beauty blender, starting from the center and blending outwards. Avoid heavy layers to prevent cakiness and flashback.
Lips
Your lips can subtly enhance your headshot:
Color Selection: Choose a lipstick that complements your skin tone without overpowering. For light skin, nudes or light pinks add a soft touch. For darker skin, berry shades or deep reds offer a stunning contrast. Opt for a lip color that's slightly darker than what you usually wear. Digital cameras tend to wash out lighter colors, so a shade darker ensures your lips look natural and defined in photos, closely resembling how they appear in real life.
Application: Outline your lips with a liner that matches your lipstick. This defines the shape and prevents color from bleeding. Fill in with a lipstick using a brush for precision. Blot and reapply for lasting coverage.
Finish: Prefer satin or matte finishes. Gloss should be minimal to avoid reflective glare.
Lipstick Maintenance: During the shoot, make it a habit to periodically check your teeth in a mirror. Lipstick can sometimes transfer to your teeth without you noticing, and it might go unnoticed by the photographer as well.
Eyebrows
Eyebrows frame your face, so let's get them right:
Advance Shaping: Shape your eyebrows a few days before the shoot. It's challenging to make significant changes to eyebrow shape during retouching, and reshaping too close to the shoot can leave your eyebrows appearing red – a difficult issue to rectify post-production.
Shaping and Filling: Neatly groomed brows are essential. Fill in gaps with a pencil or powder that complements your hair color. For light skin, go a shade darker; for dark skin, a shade lighter or matching your hair color.
Setting: After filling, set your brows with a clear or tinted brow gel. This keeps them in place and adds a subtle sheen, giving a more polished look.
Powder
Achieving the right level of matte finish is essential for headshots:
Initial Application: Apply powder generously at the beginning of your shoot to minimize shine. Excessive shine in headshots can be unflattering. Use a quality matte powder to achieve a matte finish.
Choice of Powder: Translucent powder suits all skin tones and sets makeup without adding weight.
Focus Areas: Concentrate on areas prone to shine, like the T-zone. Use a large, fluffy brush for a light, even application.
Blush
Blush brings a healthy, natural glow:
Shade Selection: For light skin, opt for soft pinks or corals. For dark skin, richer tones like deep oranges or warm browns work well. Cream blushes blend into the skin for a more natural look, while powders offer longer wear.
Application Technique: Smile and apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards towards the temples. Use a light hand and build color gradually.
Hair
Complement your makeup with the right hairstyle:
Natural Styles: Choose a hairstyle that feels comfortable and reflects your usual style. This helps maintain consistency between your headshot and your everyday appearance. Avoid trying out a completely new or unfamiliar hairstyle, as you might not be satisfied with the results.
Consider a Gentle Blowout: For longer hair, a gentle blowout can provide better volume for your headshot. It's important not to overdo it; aim for just enough volume to breathe life into your hair. Keep in mind that weather conditions can affect your hair's appearance, so consider an indoor shoot on humid or rainy days.
Product Selection: Use lightweight products to add volume and tame flyaways. Avoid heavy gels or waxes that can weigh down your hair or make it look greasy, especially under studio lights.
Enhance Shine: Opt for hair products that enhance shine without making your hair appear wet. Shine adds dimension and vitality to your hair.
Before the Headshot Session
More Tips on Headshots Makeup!
The preparation for your headshot begins well before you sit in front of the camera. It's all about setting the stage for a flawless look.
Practice Runs: Don't leave your makeup look to chance. In the days leading up to your headshot, take the time to experiment with different makeup styles. Pay attention to how different foundations react to your skin over time and how various eye makeup styles enhance your features. This is also the perfect opportunity to test how your makeup looks in photographs, ideally in natural lighting.
Skincare Routine: In the week leading up to your headshot, stick to your tried-and-true skincare routine. Now is not the time to experiment with new products or treatments that could cause unexpected reactions. Focus on gentle cleansing, effective moisturizing, and if you're going to be outdoors, don't forget sunscreen. The goal is to have your skin in its best condition, free from irritation or breakouts.
Color Testing: Experiment with different lipstick shades, from nudes to deeper tones, to find the best color that brightens your face without overpowering it. For eye makeup, try subtle shimmer in the inner corners of the eyes to add a spark without being too flashy.
Night Before Prep: Consider a hydrating face mask the night before to ensure your skin is plump and radiant. If you have oily skin, a clay mask can help to reduce excess shine.
Outfit: Coordinate your outfits and makeup effectively. Test your makeup alongside different outfits to achieve harmony between the two. For detailed guidance on what to wear for headshots, check out our dedicated article.
During the Headshot Session
The day of your headshot is all about maintaining that perfect look you've worked hard to create.
Essentials Kit: Pack a small makeup bag with the essentials for touch-ups. This should include your foundation or concealer for quick fixes, blotting papers to manage shine, your lipstick or gloss for reapplication, and a compact mirror. It's also wise to include a small brush or sponge for blending.
Lip Care: Bring a nourishing lip balm to apply before your lipstick, ensuring your lips stay hydrated and prevent cracking, especially under matte lipsticks.
Regular Checks: Utilize breaks during the session to check your makeup. This is crucial as different lighting setups can affect how your makeup appears on camera. Look for any shine, smudging, or creasing, particularly around the eyes and mouth. A quick touch-up can make a significant difference in the final photos.
Blotting Technique: Instead of adding more powder to control shine, use blotting papers first to absorb excess oil without layering too much product, which can make the skin look heavy.
Makeup Tips for Men
Makeup for men in headshots should be subtle yet effective, enhancing features without being noticeable.
Subtle Touches: A small amount of concealer can be used to cover blemishes or under-eye circles, creating a more even complexion. Choose a concealer that matches your skin tone perfectly. For a shine-free look, especially in areas like the forehead, nose, and chin, use a mattifying powder. This helps in reducing glare and gives a more polished appearance.
Skin Texture: For those with facial stubble, use a stippling technique when applying foundation or concealer to avoid a patchy look. Gently press the product into the skin with a stippling brush or sponge.
Groomed Brows: Brows frame the face, so it's important they look their best. Brush them into place and use a clear brow gel if needed to keep them neat throughout the shoot. Avoid overfilling or shaping them too dramatically – the goal is clean and natural.
Lips: A natural lip balm is sufficient for men, especially if you tend to have dry or chapped lips. Start applying lip balm a few days before the shoot to ensure your lips are well-hydrated and look their best on the day.
Benefits of Studio Pod for Experimenting with Headshot Makeup
Studio Pod's automated, no-photographer setup provides an unparalleled benefit for those looking to experiment with their makeup for professional headshots. This unique environment offers a relaxed and pressure-free space, ideal for trying out various makeup styles at your leisure. The absence of a photographer allows you to adjust your makeup freely, encouraging a creative and personalized approach to achieve your desired look.
Joseph West, a co-founder of Studio Pod, leverages his extensive experience in photography to provide professional headshot services. Through Studio Pod, he shares his insights and expertise in the photography industry, underscoring his commitment to the photography industry.