How To Do Makeup For Headshots?

It’s finally the big day and you’re heading out for a headshot shoot. Clothes - check, photographer - check, studio - check. But how about the makeup? Yes, we’re talking about hair and makeup for headshots. Don’t even start with “Oh, it’s just a headshot.” Makeup is crucial for highlighting and defining your features during a shoot. Somehow in pictures, your features can look dull and you want to appear your absolute best in them. A professionally done headshot will last you for years, so it’s best to invest fully in it. So, keep scrolling for professional headshot makeup tips and tricks! 

Why Is Makeup Important for Headshots?

Professional headshots with hair and makeup are critical to organically promoting who you are professionally. 

Let us explain to you why you need makeup for a professional headshot:

• Highlights your best features: 

Unlike social media pictures and videography, headshots do not offer the convenience of filters. Sure, you can ask the photographer to Photoshop later but it may cost you extra. Nevertheless, the output won’t be as expected. As per makeup artist Bridie Coughlan, makeup for professional headshots should be natural, highlighting your best features. “Basically, headshots and self-tapes should be pretty natural,” said Bridie in a recent interview. She further added, “You want to look like yourself... You really don’t want to see [the makeup], you want to see yourself.”

• Camera and lighting considerations: 

Bright lighting and professional cameras can often wash out skin tones or highlight imperfections that might not be visible in person. Soft and minimal makeup for a professional headshot can even out skin tone, reduce excessive shine, and define features that may otherwise look flat or muted on camera.

Best Makeup for Professional Headshots: Essential Tips

Professional headshot makeup should be minimal and make you feel yourself in front of the camera. Let’s understand how to choose the right makeup for a headshot:

• Look for Matte Formula: It’s recommended to shop for matte formulas such as powder or water-based makeup products. It ensures an even complexion on camera and prevents studio reflections. 
• Test Products in Natural Light: Test foundations and concealers in daylight to figure out your perfect shade. Ask for help from the beauty story executive when swatching products to find your perfect shade.
• Opt for Neutral Shades: Choose neutral shades for your eyelids and blush. Look for palettes with muted hues such as beige, brown, soft taupe, and dusty rose.
• Choose Soft Lip Colors: Soft pink, mauve, and nudes work well for professional shoots. You can also consider soft tints and lip balms for natural headshot makeup.
• Pick Low-Coverage Products: Avoid heavy or high-coverage formulas to avoid looking extra. Stick to light contouring and highlighting products for a subtle look. 

How to Do Makeup for Headshots: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Now that we’ve discussed headshot makeup tips, let’s move on to the headshot photo makeup tutorial. This step-by-step tutorial will help you with DIY makeup for headshots. 

• Step 1: Prepping the skin: Begin by cleansing your skin to remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities. Apply a light moisturizer to prep the skin before applying makeup. Use a primer to create a smooth canvas. 

• Step 2: Foundation and concealer: Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone, especially your neck or chest area. Avoid a cakey or dewy foundation, as it might make your headshot look unprofessional. Go for a water-based foundation for a professional headshot. Use concealer to hide your dark circles, redness, and blemishes. 

• Step 3: Eye makeup: When applying makeup for professional headshots, keep your eyeshadow neutral and apply a thin layer of eyeliner. Keep it minimal with soft brows and earthy eyeshadow shades, especially for makeup for modeling headshots. 

• Step 4: Blush and contour: Contouring in photos looks great if done right. After applying the foundation, the features might look flat. Contouring adds shadows and a chiseled look to your face. When it comes to blush, choose one that works for your skin tone. Peachy or red ones look great for skin of color, while pink ones are suitable for fair skin. Don’t go too loud on the contouring and use a translucent powder to settle the final corporate headshot makeup. This powder step goes a long way as it prevents the makeup from melting or moving. This prevents it from looking sweaty in photos. 

• Step 5: Lips: Go for matte lipsticks in nude shades or shades that are close to your natural lip color such as pink or mauve. Avoid using lip gloss or plumpers. To define the lips, you can use lip liner. 

Corporate Headshot Makeup: Looking Professional in Business Photos

Corporate professionals are expected to showcase a polished and professional appearance in the headshot. 

Let's talk about how to achieve this with corporate headshot makeup:

• Makeup for business headshots: Opt for a semi-matte foundation and soft blush. Choose a soft matte lipstick and neutral eyeshadow for business headshot makeup. 
• Best makeup for corporate headshot: Consider subtle contour, well-groomed brows, and a mattifying blush look. It is most suitable for lawyers, architects, and CEOs. 

Hair and Makeup for Headshots: Key Considerations

For professional and impressive results, you cannot miss out on makeup hair for professional headshots.

• Hair and makeup for headshots: Keep it clean. A sleek bun, ponytail, or loose waves is ideal for women. Whereas, for men, pulled-back hair and well-groomed facial hair should be considered. 

• Professional headshots with hair and makeup: Before shooting, consult a makeup artist or hair stylist to ensure your professional headshots with hair and makeup are done properly. 

Can You Achieve Pro-Level Results at Home?

If hiring a professional makeup artist is out of budget, DIY makeup for headshots can be a suitable option for you. 

• Best affordable products:

Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation

Concealer: e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer

Brows: NYX Professional Micro Brow Pencil

Eyeshadow Palette: Milani Everyday Eyes Eyeshadow Palette

Mascara: L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

Lips: Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best makeup for headshots?

Opt for a natural or no-makeup look for a professional headshot. 

2. Can I wear makeup for corporate headshots?

Yes, apply subtle makeup to enhance your appearance in a professional or corporate headshot. 

3. Should I keep my headshot makeup natural or go bold?

It is recommended to choose natural professional headshot makeup. Avoid a bold or dramatic makeup look. 

4. How can I do my own makeup for headshots at home?

Follow a simple makeup routine focusing on basic foundation, concealer, neutral eyeshadow, blush, or lip shade for DIY makeup for a headshot. 

5. What eye makeup should I use for headshots?

For eye makeup for headshots, go for neutral eyeshadow shades, light eyeliner, and soft mascara for a complete look. 

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