How to Do Makeup for a Professional Headshot
Why Makeup Matters for Headshots
Professional headshots are often the first impression you make on potential clients, employers, or partners. It’s more than just a simple photograph—it’s an image that should project confidence, professionalism, and approachability. Whether you’re using your headshot for a LinkedIn profile, corporate website, or marketing materials, the goal is to make sure you look your best. Your makeup plays a crucial role in ensuring that your headshot communicates exactly what you intend it to.
Every aspect of your headshot, from your outfit to your expression, needs to work together to create a cohesive and professional image. But even the most stylish outfit and confident pose can be compromised by makeup that doesn’t complement the camera. For this reason, achieving camera-ready makeup is essential.
Unlike everyday makeup, headshot makeup needs to look perfect under various lighting conditions, including studio lighting and natural daylight. With the right approach, makeup can help define your features and enhance your overall appearance without looking too heavy or unnatural. Let’s dive into how to get your makeup just right for a professional headshot.
The Difference Between Everyday & Camera-Ready Makeup
When you wear makeup for everyday activities, it’s often designed to be light and natural, flattering in various lighting situations. However, when it comes to headshots, the camera picks up far more detail than the human eye. What looks good in person may not always translate well into photos, especially when dealing with bright lighting or high-resolution images.
Key Differences Between Everyday & Headshot Makeup
Foundation: Sheer or dewy Matte, medium-to-full coverage with subtle highlights on nose, forehead, and cheekbones
Powder: Optional Essential to reduce shine while maintaining a soft glow
Blush & Contour: Light application Slightly stronger to define cheekbones, blended naturally
Highlighter: Glowy or minimal Placed on the nose bridge, forehead center, and cheekbones for a polished effect
Eye Makeup: Can be subtle or bold Well-defined but natural—enhancing eyes without harsh lines
Lip Color: Light gloss or bold shades Slightly deeper than the natural lip tone for better contrast on camera
Eyebrows: Softly filled or natural Defined but still natural-looking to frame the face effectively
The goal with headshot makeup is to create a professional, refined appearance that’s flattering under any lighting. It’s all about striking the perfect balance between enhancing your features and avoiding heavy or harsh makeup that could detract from your overall look.
How Lighting Affects Makeup in Photos
Studio lighting can be harsh, which often results in unwanted shine on your face. Bright lights may cause your skin to appear shinier than it is in real life, and your makeup needs to work with that. Matte foundation, along with setting powder, helps absorb excess shine while still maintaining a natural glow on the high points of your face (forehead, nose, and cheekbones).
You also need to be cautious about your makeup’s staying power under bright lights. A strong matte finish with long-wear formulas ensures that your makeup stays intact throughout the entire session.
How to Prep Your Skin Before Your Headshot Session
Prepping your skin before applying makeup is essential for a flawless headshot. If your skin is not properly hydrated or exfoliated, makeup can settle into dry patches or uneven texture, making your skin look less smooth and polished on camera.
Skincare Tips for a Flawless Headshot Look
Hydrate: Proper hydration is key to achieving smooth and plump skin. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session, and make sure to apply a moisturizer that suits your skin type.
Exfoliate: Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, giving your skin a fresh and smooth surface. However, be cautious not to over-exfoliate, as this can cause irritation and redness.
Avoid Last-Minute Treatments: While facials or new skincare treatments may seem like a good idea, it’s better to avoid them right before your shoot. These treatments can sometimes cause irritation or breakouts, which will show up in your photos.
Use a Primer: A good primer helps to even out the texture of your skin, creating a smooth canvas for your makeup. If you have oily skin, use a mattifying primer, while a hydrating primer is best for dry skin types.
Taking care of your skin ensures that your makeup goes on smoothly and lasts throughout the shoot.
How to Do Eye Makeup for Professional Headshots
Your eyes are one of the most important focal points in a headshot, and they need to be properly defined without overwhelming the rest of your face. A subtle, natural eye makeup look will make your eyes stand out in a flattering way, enhancing your expression while keeping the focus on you.
Use Neutral Eyeshadow: Shades like soft browns, taupes, or warm tones are perfect for creating a well-defined eye without looking heavy.
Define the Lash Line: A thin line of eyeliner along the lash line helps frame the eyes without being too bold. Choose a soft brown or black eyeliner for a natural, polished look.
The Best Lip Colors for Headshots
Lip color is an essential part of headshot makeup. Too pale, and your lips may disappear in the photo. Too bold, and the lip color can dominate the image. The ideal lip color for a headshot is one that enhances your natural lip color, ensuring your face looks balanced and well-defined.
Choose a Shade One to Two Tones Deeper Than Your Natural Lip Color: This enhances your lips’ natural color without being too dramatic.
Avoid Overly Glossy Finishes: Glossy lip products can reflect too much light, making your lips appear uneven in photos. A semi-matte finish is more camera-friendly.
Use a Lip Liner: A lip liner helps define the shape of your lips, making them appear fuller and preventing the color from bleeding. Well-defined lips will help bring balance to your face and complement your overall headshot look.
Blush & Contour for Headshots
Blush and contour can help define the structure of your face, adding dimension without being too noticeable. For headshots, the application should be a bit stronger than your everyday makeup, as it needs to show up well on camera.
Blush: Apply the blush slightly higher on the cheekbones than usual and blend well to create a youthful, fresh look. Soft rose, peach, or mauve tones work well for most skin tones.
Contour: Light contouring along the cheekbones and jawline can create a more sculpted look. Be sure to blend the contour thoroughly to avoid harsh lines that might be noticeable in the photo. Contouring should enhance your natural bone structure, not mask it. The goal is to look polished and defined while maintaining a natural appearance.
Powder & Shine Control
Controlling shine is one of the most important aspects of professional headshot makeup. Excessive shine can distract from your features and make your face look greasy, especially under bright lights.
Shine Control Tips
Use a Translucent Setting Powder: Setting powder helps control shine and ensures that your makeup stays in place throughout the session.
Blotting Sheets: Keep blotting sheets on hand during the session, especially if you have oily skin. These can absorb excess oil and help keep your skin looking fresh.
Makeup for Corporate & Business Headshots
If you're taking a headshot for a corporate or business setting, your makeup should project professionalism and approachability. A clean, polished look is essential, but you still want to ensure that your features are well-defined.
Best Makeup Looks for Corporate Professionals
Classic and Natural: For a corporate headshot, a neutral and natural makeup look is usually the best choice. Soft tones will ensure that you appear polished without drawing too much attention to your makeup.
Balanced Contrast: Your makeup should define your features without being too harsh. A little definition around the eyes, eyebrows, and lips will help you stand out on camera while keeping the focus on your face.
Matte Finish: Avoid overly glossy finishes, which can appear shiny under studio lighting. A light glow on the cheekbones is nice, but avoid a dewy finish that may not photograph well.
Balancing Professional & Personal Style in Headshots
Makeup for Different Industries
Corporate & Finance: Stick to clean, simple makeup with neutral tones. You want to look polished and professional.
Creative & Marketing: Creative professionals may have a little more flexibility with their makeup, but it’s important to stay polished. You can experiment with a slightly bolder lip or eyeshadow, but keep the overall look sophisticated.
Tech & Startups: For a tech or startup headshot, a more relaxed but still professional look works best. Focus on natural makeup with soft definition for a look that feels fresh and approachable.
Makeup for Outdoor vs. Studio Headshots
For outdoor headshots, use lightweight, oil-free products to prevent shine in natural light. Try Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation and Laura Mercier Translucent Powder for a matte finish. In studio settings, where lighting is often bright, opt for a full-coverage matte foundation like Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r and set it with Urban Decay All Nighter Spray. In both settings, define eyes with Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil and choose a satin or matte lip color like MAC Retro Matte for a polished look.
Preventing Makeup Meltdown in Warm Weather
Preventing makeup meltdown in warm weather is crucial for maintaining a flawless headshot. To combat heat and humidity, use long-wear, oil-free foundations and mattifying primers that control shine and keep makeup in place. Set your makeup with a light dusting of translucent powder to absorb excess oil, and keep blotting sheets handy for quick touch-ups throughout the day. Opt for lightweight, buildable products to avoid a heavy feel and ensure your makeup lasts. These strategies will help you stay fresh and polished, no matter the temperature, ensuring that your headshot looks its best.
Hair & Makeup for Men in Headshots
For men, proper skincare and facial hair grooming are key to achieving a polished look in headshots. Start by keeping your skin hydrated and exfoliated in the days leading up to your session for a smooth, fresh complexion. Use a lightweight moisturizer and a mattifying primer to control shine, especially in the T-zone. When it comes to facial hair, make sure it’s neatly trimmed or groomed to suit your desired look—whether it's a clean-shaven appearance or a well-maintained beard.
Should Men Wear Makeup for Headshots?
Generally, men don’t need to wear makeup for headshots, as it can often look unnatural on camera. It’s best to leave makeup out and instead focus on skincare, hydration, and facial hair grooming. If you have skin concerns, simply let your photographer know, and they can advise if any adjustments can be made during the session or in post-editing.
Beard Grooming & Hair Styling Tips for Professional Photos
For a polished look in headshots, proper beard grooming and hair styling are essential. If you have a beard, make sure it is neatly trimmed and well-defined. Use a beard comb or brush to shape it and trim any stray hairs, ensuring it complements the shape of your face. If you prefer a clean-shaven look, make sure to shave right before your session for a smooth, fresh appearance. When styling your hair, keep it clean and well-groomed, using a light styling product to avoid excessive shine or flatness. Opt for matte or light-hold products for a natural, controlled look that stays in place without appearing too styled. Avoid over-styling, as it can make the hair look too stiff or unnatural in photos.
Should You Hire a Professional Makeup Artist for Headshots?
Hiring a professional makeup artist ensures that your makeup enhances your natural features and looks flawless on camera. They know how to choose the right products and techniques to handle lighting, control shine, and create a polished, consistent look that lasts throughout the session.
While doing your own makeup is an option, it can be difficult to achieve the same precision and natural finish. A professional makeup artist will make sure your makeup is balanced and camera-ready, saving
