Preparing Your Makeup for Professional Headshots

| Posted on |

It’s that time again for the dreaded headshots… or is it just me who feels like that? You’ve booked your photographer, searched through your wardrobe for the perfect outfit, and practised your best pose (on your favourite side of your face, of course).
But there’s one thing that can truly make or break your photos: your makeup.
It’s not just about choosing makeup that helps you feel confident and like the best version of yourself. It’s also about helping the camera capture your features in the most flattering way possible. With the right preparation and a few simple techniques, you can ensure you’re looking picture-perfect.
Below are some helpful tips to keep in mind before your shoot.
 

Makeup Tips for Headshots

Check your makeup in natural light
Always look at your finished makeup in natural light before your photoshoot. Artificial lighting can hide imperfections that the camera will easily pick up.
Choose soft lip colours
Soft, natural lip shades tend to photograph better than bold or very dark colours. They keep the focus on your overall look rather than drawing too much attention to the lips.
Avoid visible foundation lines
Make sure your foundation blends seamlessly down your neck and matches your chest. Any visible line between your face and neck will be noticeable in photos.
Skip shimmery or overly dewy products
Avoid shimmery powders or very glowy finishes. A more matte base works best for headshots and prevents unwanted shine under the camera lighting.
Keep eye makeup soft
Avoid very dark eye makeup or heavy lashes. These can create shadows and make your eyes appear smaller in photos. Your eyes are one of the most important features in a headshot, so you want them to stand out clearly.
Use a little more blush than usual
Cameras can sometimes wash out colour in the face. Applying slightly more blush than normal can help maintain a healthy look. Just make sure it’s blended well so it enhances your complexion rather than looking too strong.
 
Skin Preparation Before Your Shoot
Prep your skin the day before
Exfoliate and use a moisturising mask the day before your shoot. Make sure it’s a product you’ve used before so there’s no risk of irritation.
Hydrate your skin in the morning
Apply a good moisturiser on the morning of your shoot and allow it time to fully absorb before applying makeup. Focus especially on any dry areas that need extra hydration.
Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated helps flush out toxins and keeps your skin looking fresh rather than puffy or dull.
Get a good night’s sleep
A restful night’s sleep can make a big difference in avoiding puffy skin and dark under-eye circles.
Keep makeup natural
Natural-looking makeup tends to photograph best, so keep your overall look simple and balanced.

Eyebrow Preparation

Make sure your eyebrows are tidy at least a couple of days before your photoshoot. This allows any redness from grooming to settle, as cameras can easily pick up irritation.
Eyebrows frame the eyes, so keeping them well-groomed makes a big difference. I often see people with untidy brows in photos, and this can distract from the overall look. Think of them as the frame to your picture, you don’t want a messy frame around a beautiful image.
 
Controlling Shine
Powder your face well to prevent shine appearing in your photos. A translucent powder works best because it sets the makeup without altering the colour of your foundation. A matte base generally photographs much better for professional headshots.
 

Headshot Grooming Tips for Men

Men can benefit from a little preparation too. Here are a few simple tips:
  • Apply a lightweight moisturiser on the morning of the shoot to keep the skin hydrated and looking fresh.
  • If you have redness or breakouts, colour correctors can help. Green neutralises redness, while peach or orange tones help reduce the appearance of dark spots.
  • Manage facial hair intentionally. Whether you prefer a clean shave or a beard, make sure it looks tidy and well groomed.
  • Brush and trim eyebrows and check for any stray hairs. Avoid plucking on the day of the shoot, as this can cause redness. Trimming is fine if needed.
  • If your skin looks shiny, blotting papers and a little translucent powder can help reduce excess shine.
  • Style your hair using natural-finish products so it looks neat without appearing shiny or greasy.
 
Do a Quick Test Shot
If possible, check your look after a test photo. Look for things like:
  • Any unwanted shine
  • Whether you need slightly more blush
  • If your eyeliner or eye makeup looks even
This quick check allows you to adjust anything that feels or looks out of place before the final photos are taken.

Want Professional Help?

If you’re unsure about getting your makeup just right, you can always book me to do it for you. That way, you can walk into your headshot session feeling completely confident in your look.
You can also shop my recommended headshot products here.