Makeup Tips for The Best Professional Headshot

Makeup Tips for Headshots

​There are so many things that go into preparing for professional headshots; posing, lighting, clothing, and even the location for your headshot.  However, did you know makeup plays a pivotal role in your headshot?  Yes, it does.  So I have written this post to ensure you have the best makeup tips possible so your headshot is far from boring.  You want a headshot that's a freaking rocking portrait. 

Before someone hires you or your company, more times than not, your prospective client will look for a portrait of you; either by looking at your website or social media.  What will you client see if they discover a portrait of you?  You want your headshot to be the best image of yourself; as your face is your name – right.  First impressions are crucial!  That why it’s important to ensure you have the very best makeup tips and photographer when taking your professional headshots.
 
When preparing for your headshot, you want to ensure you start with a clean slate.  Yes, having a freshly washed face is the thing to do. 
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BEFORE:

Cleansing Facial Wipes

Before applying any makeup or concealer, my makeup artist used a cleansing facial wipe to ensure a clean palette.  I have oily skin, so this wipe was great at cutting down the skin on my skin.

STEP 1: CONCEALER

My makeup artist gave me the best tip and words to remember the importance of a concealer.  Think of the concealer as an eraser. Concealer is perfect when you have acne or uneven skin and you want to have a clean fresh starting point for your makeup.  It also helps to mask dark circles under the eye or large pores and cover blemishes visible on the skin.  
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Helpful Tip #1

Use a concealer with additional moisture.  The concealer used for my skin has a multipurpose.  It's a base for my makeup as well as a moisturizer.  

STEP 2: PRIMER

​Primer is a great tool to help you look your best. The primer should be applied to your skin just before make-up application to smooth out fine lines, large pores, and other imperfections that may show up in your portrait. It provides the perfect blank canvas to begin work and applying makeup.  
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STEP 3: FOUNDATION

​Look for foundations that are a darker shade that does NOT contain “shimmer”.  When photographing, shimmering foundation looks like blemishes on the skin and will need to be retouched away.  If your skin tends to get on the oily side (like mine), consider carrying a few oil blotting sheets with you, which are great for last minute touch ups or apply a very tiny amount of translucent finishing powder. 

Helpful Tip #2

To receive an airbrush look, use a tear drop Beauty Blender.  You can obtain these Beauty Blenders in several stores around the Los Angeles Metroplex.  Check out Ultra Beauty, Sephora, even Target.  
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Helpful Tip #3

Apply foundation in a dabbing motion.  This will continue to the look of having airbrushed makeup.
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HELPFUL TIP #4

After the foundation has been applied, a light foundation was added to accent the highlights in my face.  ​A highlighter is placed to create a pretty dimension to the face and gives your complexion a glow…but in small doses!
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STEP 4: ACCENTUATE THE EYES

How are your eyes?  Your eyes are what draw people into you.  Have you ever heard the saying "the eyes are the windows to the soul"?  Your eyes are the first thing people will notice in your photos - not your clothing, jewelry, hair; your EYES are the main focus! 
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HELPFUL TIP #5

​Thicken and elongate your lashes with mascara to emphasize your eyes (Option: add false lashes).  Avoid applying too much mascara to avoid clumping. A good, smooth mascara gives your eyes great definition, and well-proportioned false lashes can also add a great kick to your look without appearing overdone.

​For eye shadows, wear complimentary or neutral tones. But make sure to leave the shimmery eye shadows back in your make up box; though they may look nice in person, they can be distracting and unflattering in professional headshot....and don't forget to brush your eyebrows!
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STEP 5: LIPS

​Our lips are secondary to the eyes.  So, look for natural colors that enhance the tone of your lips.  Apply a bit of neutral lip liner around your lips, to hold the lipstick in place. As mention previously, stay away from the shiny and shimmer lip glosses and gravitate towards a natural toned cream or matte lipsticks. 
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STEP 6: BLUSH AND BRONZER

​Blush and bronzer are great tools to bring out your cheekbones and give your cheeks a definition.  Swipe a little bronzer under your cheekbones and around the outside of your face; then, dust a bit of blush on the cheekbones for a slightly flushed, glowing look.
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STEP 7: CAMERA READY

Now you are camera ready!  Now that your makeup has been applied, the perfect outfit as has been selected, it's time for your professional headshot portrait.  These tips will help you achieve your best professional headshot.  

Makeup Tips for The Best Professional Headshot

Has it been a while since your last professional headshot?  Call me today at (213) 212-2251 or (571) 250-5073 to schedule your next professional headshot or visit the Contact page.
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