Wondering how to do make-up for a headshot? Or, maybe you’re thinking, “should I wear makeup for headshots”? Makeup can either make or break your headshots but are not essential by any means with the right photographers and editors. Here are a few tips for how to do makeup for headshots and whether you even need makeup at all:
Keep it natural.
When it comes to makeup for headshots, less is often more. You don't want your makeup to be the first thing people notice in your headshot. Instead, you want it to enhance your natural beauty. Start with a good moisturizer to create a smooth, even canvas for your makeup. Then, opt for a light foundation or tinted moisturizer that matches your skin tone. Avoid heavy contouring, as it can look harsh in a headshot.
Focus on your eyes.
Your eyes are the windows to your soul, and they're often the focal point of a headshot. That's why it's important to make them stand out. Start by applying a light eyeshadow in a neutral color, like beige or light brown. Then, add some definition by lining your eyes with a thin black or brown liner. Finish with a coat of mascara to make your eyes pop.
Define your brows.
Your eyebrows frame your face and can make a big difference in your headshot. Make sure they're well-groomed and defined. You can use an eyebrow pencil or powder to fill in any sparse areas and create a more defined shape.
Don't forget about your lips.
Your lips can add a pop of color to your headshot and bring attention to your smile. Lipstick or lip gloss in a natural shade that complements your skin tone is fantastic. However, if you wear bright and shiny lipstick in your day to day, then wear bright and shiny lipstick! We love pops of color and can often be more eye-catching.
Matte is your friend.
When it comes to makeup for headshots, matte finishes are often the way to go. Avoid products with a lot of shimmer or glitter, as they can create unwanted reflections in your headshot. Matte finishes, on the other hand, create a smooth, even look that photographs well. At our agency we take care of shiny skin no matter what.
Avoid Massive Eyelash Extensions
Big eyelashes take away from the greatest physical feature, eyes! When lighting headshots, we focus on creating eye-catches: direct light hitting a part of your eyeball, bouncing around, and redirecting light through your iris. When wearing big eyelashes, it cuts the amount of light able to hit your eyeball initially, making it more difficult to show off the focus point. Eyelash extensions are great. Just know that the larger the eyelashes get, the more difficult it will be to make those eyes shine! You may also be wondering; do I even need makeup?
Of course not. In fact, makeup done improperly or over the top can actually make your headshots more difficult to edit. If you are paying for a professional headshot service, your photographers and editors should know how to handle blemishes and damaged skin. The natural look is a timeless and popular choice for headshots. It's a classic and versatile style that can work for a variety of professional settings, from actors to business professionals. In this blog, we'll discuss some tips for achieving a natural look for headshots.
Start with a clean canvas: Before applying any makeup, make sure your skin is clean and well-moisturized. This will create a smooth and even base for your makeup application.
Use light coverage foundation: Opt for a light coverage foundation or tinted moisturizer that matches your skin tone. This will even out your skin tone without appearing heavy or cakey.
A note on blemishes: Do not worry about having a breakout before your headshot session. They are a relatively easy fix, especially if on a flush part of skin. However, if you have any in the crevaces’ or corners of your face, then light concealment may be helpful in ensuring full removal in post.
Define your brows: Well-groomed and defined brows can help frame your face and create a polished look. Use a brow pencil or powder to fill in any sparse areas and create a defined shape.
Enhance your eyes: Focus on enhancing your eyes with light eyeshadow and mascara. Use neutral colors like beige or light brown for a natural look. A coat or two of mascara will help define your lashes without appearing too heavy.
Don't overdo the contour: When aiming for a natural look, it's important to avoid heavy contouring. Instead, focus on enhancing your natural features with a light touch of bronzer to add warmth and dimension.
Set your makeup: Finally, set your makeup with a light dusting of powder. This will help your makeup last longer and reduce any shine.
Whether you are choosing to have makeup done professionally, doing makeup yourself, or keeping it completely natural, simple always wins. Most importantly, do what makes you feel most confident. A good headshot photographer and editor will be able to handle breakouts, sweat, shiny makeup, self-tanner, over-contoured skin, and really anything that gets thrown their way.