The Complete Guide to Makeup for Professional Headshots

TL;DR

Wear makeup if you normally do. If you don’t, you don’t need to start. The goal is to look like yourself. If you’re not confident doing your own makeup for photos, hire a makeup artist who understands headshot photography because it differs from event or editorial work. Avoid trying new products before your session to prevent allergic reactions. Oily skin is common and a good photographer will be prepared for it. Men should skip makeup entirely unless they wear it daily because the discomfort will show in their face. Restraint photographs better than heavy coverage.

Introduction

Makeup for headshots isn’t about transformation. It’s about enhancing what’s already there. The goal of a professional headshot is to look like yourself on a good day. You should absolutely feel beautiful and polished. The key is that when someone meets you in person after seeing your headshot, they recognize you immediately. This isn’t witness protection. You don’t have to hide your face behind the entire makeup palette.

This guide covers everything you need to know about makeup for your headshot session. You’ll learn whether you should wear it, when to hire a makeup artist, and what mistakes to avoid. For wardrobe guidance, see what to wear for headshots and best colors for professional headshots.

Should You Wear Makeup for a Professional Headshot?

If you normally wear makeup, wear it for your headshot. If you don’t, you’ll look and feel uncomfortable wearing it, and that discomfort will be visible in the final images. Confidence comes from comfort, and comfort comes from familiarity. Wearing something unfamiliar on your face during a photo session adds unnecessary stress to an already unfamiliar situation. Stick with what you know.

Your headshot should match how you show up in real life. When someone meets you in person after seeing your headshot, they should recognize you immediately. A dramatic difference between your headshot and your everyday appearance creates a disconnect that works against you. Clients, colleagues, and contacts form expectations based on your headshot.

There is a big difference between changing your makeup for an occasion and using a headshot that doesn’t look like you. When a woman steps out for an evening with styled hair and dramatic or glamorous makeup, people simply think she went out for an evening. Nobody trusts her less. But if you use a headshot that is 20 years old or dramatically altered, you won’t look like your photo when clients meet you. They will wonder what else you are lying about. Trust erodes before the conversation even begins.

On one occasion, earlier in my career, I was on location making headshots of young actors for a talent agency when I first encountered the notion of stage makeup. Of course, stage makeup is applied a bit heavier and more dramatically in order to emphasize facial features so that they can be seen from afar. One teenage actor, a lovely girl, showed up with makeup that was so heavy that you might think she slammed the whole palette on her face and called it a day. Perhaps what was communicated to her was quite different than my understanding of the requirements. No matter the case, I had no choice but to ask her to remove her makeup and reapply it. For the record, this isn’t a crowning achievement for me and I didn’t feel good about asking her to do that. She reluctantly obliged, and while she was initially offended at the request, she still had a great time, and the images turned out beautifully. I did encourage her through the session, the same as I would any other client. But somehow I think she needed to hear it more than others. I never asked her why she applied her makeup as heavy as she did, but I did explain my logic in having her remove it. I explained that it would be difficult for agents and casting directors to picture you in a particular role if you are hiding your beauty behind a palette of makeup. I think that she finally understood that I was looking out for her best interest. That’s all us headshot photographers are: trusted advisors, confidants, consultants, therapists, friends, and we make some pretty nice photos too!

Understanding what makes a professional headshot helps clarify why looking like yourself matters.

Should Men Wear Makeup for Headshots?

If you don’t normally wear makeup, skip it entirely for your headshot. Good retouching handles blotchiness, tonal shifts, and blemishes without needing product on your skin. Men sometimes ask about wearing makeup because they see news anchors and public figures wearing it on camera. TV personalities wear professional broadcast makeup that helps them look put together on screen, prevents glare from oil and sweat, and involves heavier application than regular street makeup. A headshot is one controlled moment with flattering lighting. Steer clear unless you wear makeup daily.

For oily skin, which is common, a good headshot photographer will have blotting papers and mattifying products ready. This handles shine throughout the session without requiring makeup. There is no shame in applying a little product for better results. A small amount of mattifying gel takes seconds to apply and improves the quality of the final images. The goal is a great headshot, and a quick touch of product helps achieve that.

Shine can be really difficult to control. I either spot it during normal conversation with my clients or when I have set up my lights to photograph them. One of my recent clients was a nice gentleman who lacked a little follicular horsepower. In other words, he’s losing his hair. This condition is not unfamiliar to many fellows out there, myself included. Even though we accept the notion of going bald, that doesn’t mean we want to draw attention to it either. So, I began the process of “noggin relief” by using a few blotting papers to remove surface-level oil. The light was still reflecting off of the edge of the top of his head. I manipulated my lights to feather them a bit more, which effectively reduced the amount of light that hit a particular area. We were getting closer, but a bit more was needed. This is where I reach for the Rimmel London Stay Matte - Primer. This stuff essentially mattifies without feeling greasy or oily. I offered him a small dab on his fingertips, had him gently spread it on top of his head, and voila! A combination of techniques yielded us some fantastic results.

Should You Hire a Makeup Artist for Your Headshot?

If you’re not confident doing your own makeup for photos, hire a makeup artist who understands headshot photography. Photo makeup differs from stage makeup or editorial makeup. Stage makeup is applied heavy so facial features can be seen from a distance. Editorial makeup is artistic and dramatic. Headshot makeup is designed to be seen up close, in high definition, under controlled lighting.

A makeup artist who specializes in headshots understands that photo makeup differs from event makeup, editorial makeup, stage makeup, and everyday makeup. They are all different. They understand that the camera captures every detail and that subtlety matters. When hiring a makeup artist for your headshot, ask about their experience with photography specifically.

If you already know your look and feel confident applying your own makeup, that works too. Some people prefer doing their own makeup because they know their face best. Others prefer being pampered and want the expertise of a professional. Both approaches work.

My makeup artist, Lionel, is an integral part of my process. When my clients arrive at the studio, I introduce them right away. When ready, I send Lionel and my client to the makeup station and I stay out of their way. Lionel is a calm, soothing type of person. He is gentle and relatable, kind and endearing. A visit with Lionel is literally like visiting a spa. Lionel and I have worked together for years, and he knows my aesthetic quite well, so I don’t have to guide him too much, except on the rare occasion. This frees us both up to focus on enhancing the client’s experience.

While Lionel is conversing and applying makeup, I am preparing my lights, my software, and getting things ready to make the headshot session as seamless and efficient as possible.

Some folks come to the studio apprehensive, anxious, or even nervous. Having Lionel do what he does helps to distract, calm, and soothe the client. It’s hard to be worried or nervous when you are having a conversation with a gentle human being who is gracefully running a soft brush up and down your face.

A short while later, my lovely client emerges from the makeup station with a renewed lease on life, a skip in her step, a can-do attitude, and compliments galore over what a gem Lionel is.

Lionel is also as much of a perfectionist as I am. This means that with two exceptionally detailed people caring for one client, it’s not likely we will miss too many nuances or details. I love that his level of perfection matches mine and it shows in our work!

I’d say this is the exact kind of business relationship we all hope for. I am grateful to Lionel for the pride he takes in his craft, what he does for the benefit of my business, and what he does to make my clients feel so incredible!

Matte or Dewy: Which Foundation Finish Photographs Better?

My makeup artist, Lionel Adriano, has worked with me for years and understands how makeup performs under studio lighting. For headshots, he recommends matte foundation over dewy finishes. Studio lights intensify any shine on the skin, and what looks fresh and glowing in natural light can read as sweaty or oily under studio lights. Matte finishes avoid that unwanted glare and create a more consistent skin texture in the final images. A matte base gives me a neutral canvas, so I can control where highlights fall with my lighting.

If you prefer dewy makeup in everyday life, consider switching to matte for your headshot session. This doesn’t mean your skin will look flat or lifeless. Dewy finishes are designed to catch and reflect light in flattering ways for in-person interactions, but that same reflectiveness works against you under controlled studio lighting. Matte foundation lets the photographer’s lighting do what it’s designed to do. You can return to your preferred dewy look as soon as you leave the studio.

What Is the 2-3 Rule for Makeup?

The 2-3 rule suggests focusing on two out of three areas: hair, makeup, or outfit. When two are polished, the third can be more relaxed. For headshots, this means you don’t have to go all out on everything. If your hair is styled and your makeup is done, a simple outfit works. If your outfit is sharp and your hair is set, lighter makeup is fine.

For headshots, this principle reinforces the idea of restraint. When every feature is competing for attention, nothing stands out. When two or three elements are emphasized thoughtfully, the face looks balanced and the viewer’s eye knows where to go. This rule exists because over-emphasizing everything creates a heavy, overdone look. And heavy, overdone looks rarely photograph well for professional headshots.

Why Less Is More for Headshot Makeup

Heavy coverage hides natural beauty. Too many people put on more makeup than they need when they are already naturally beautiful. The camera shows everything, and heavy makeup looks heavy in photographs. When someone applies too much, the result looks overdone and unnatural. The goal is to enhance your features, not to cover them up.

The best headshots show real skin. Makeup that looks natural allows your actual features to come through. Authenticity connects with viewers far more than a heavily made-up face. Restraint consistently photographs better than excess. Less product means more of you shows in the final image.

What Lip Color Works Best for Headshots?

Lip color is personal. The shade that flatters one person may not work for another, and your preferred color palette should guide your choices. There is no universal “best” lip color for headshots.

What matters more than color is finish. Matte lipstick removes the ability of light to reflect off your lips. Since lips are naturally moist, they catch light in a way that looks healthy and dimensional. Matte finishes eliminate that reflection, which can make lips look flat and unnatural in photographs.

Lip gloss works well regardless of whether you prefer a tinted or natural look. The slight sheen allows light to reflect the way it would naturally, creating fullness and dimension in the final image. If you wear lipstick, I recommend adding a layer of gloss over it.

How to Care for Your Skin Before a Headshot

Healthy skin photographs well. In the days leading up to your session, focus on hydration and gentle skin care. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Use a gentle cleanser and apply moisturizer when your skin is still damp for maximum absorption. Exfoliate as necessary to remove dead skin cells. These basics make a noticeable difference in how your skin looks on camera.

Avoid trying new products. Allergic reactions happen, and the last thing you want is a rash or breakout the day before your headshot. Stick with products your skin already knows and tolerates.

If you’re prone to dry or flaky skin, exfoliate and moisturize in the days before your session. If you’re prone to oiliness, your photographer will have products to handle shine during the session. Women who wear makeup can also look for products with built-in oil control, like mattifying primers. These help manage shine throughout the day without adding extra steps.

Lips matter too. A little preparation prevents chapped or flaky lips on the day. Hydrate and exfoliate your lips in the days before your session so they photograph smoothly.

For more on preparing beyond makeup, read about how to prepare for your professional headshot session.

What About Oily Skin?

Oily skin is common and not a problem. A good headshot photographer will be prepared with blotting papers and mattifying products to handle shine throughout the session. For clients who wear makeup, most products today include oil control built in. For clients who don’t wear makeup, especially men, the photographer should use these products before the session begins. It’s not something to stress about beforehand.

Should You Get Lash Extensions Before a Headshot?

Lash extensions are not recommended for headshots. They cover most of the eye, block light from getting into the eyes, and are distracting in photos. Even natural-looking extensions tend to dominate the face and draw attention away from your actual eyes. If you already wear lash extensions regularly, consider having them removed before your session or choosing the most minimal style possible.

Eyeliner for Headshots

Lionel’s approach to eyeliner is restraint. The goal is soft definition around the eyes, not bold lines. Traditional eyeliner tends to be too harsh and creates stark contrast that can look severe in photographs.

Instead of sharp liner, Lionel prefers soft, buffed-out shadow to draw focus to the eyes without being garish. This creates definition while keeping the overall look natural and balanced. The eyes should be enhanced, not outlined.

Brow Mistakes to Avoid for Your Headshot

Brows frame the face, and mistakes are noticeable in photos.

Some common issues that show up in headshots:

Over-plucking or over-waxing creates thin, unnatural brows that look dated. Brows need enough fullness to frame the face properly.

Over-filling with pencil or powder can look heavy and drawn on. The goal is subtle enhancement, not obvious lines.

Microblading gone wrong is difficult to hide. Good microblading looks natural. Bad microblading looks like permanent marker. If you’re considering microblading before a headshot, do it well in advance and make sure you trust the technician.

Ignoring them entirely can also be a problem. A quick grooming to clean up strays makes a difference.

Brows are personal. Some people prefer thin, some prefer full, some prefer natural. The issue isn’t a particular style. The issue is when brows look unintentional, uneven, or obviously artificial.

Eyeshadow for Mature Skin

For clients with mature skin, Lionel focuses on mimicking the look of health and vitality. The goal is to enhance what’s there, not to transform or cover. He recommends thinking of your skin on its best day and choosing products that support that image rather than fight against it.

Eyeshadow tones should stay native to your natural skin color. Finishes should appear smooth and blurred rather than shimmery or glittery. Bright colors and sparkle tend to emphasize texture instead of minimizing it, drawing attention to areas you might prefer to downplay.

Makeup Colors to Avoid

Lionel avoids what he calls “fashion colors” in headshot makeup. These are colors that wouldn’t naturally exist on your face. Blue eyeshadow, hot pink lips, or other bold statement colors pull attention to the makeup itself rather than to you.

The goal of headshot makeup is to enhance your natural features, not to showcase the product. When someone looks at your headshot, they should see you. If the first thing they notice is your eyeshadow or lip color, the makeup is working against you.

How Aging Skin Photographs

Aging skin has specific characteristics that affect how it photographs. Skin gets drier as it ages, which can make it look flaky, rough, or more textured. Aging skin takes light differently than younger skin, and the camera captures these differences.

Heavy, cakey makeup settles into creases and wrinkles and looks strange. Powdered products can emphasize texture rather than smooth it. Using less product is the solution, not more.

For aging skin, hydration matters more than coverage. Lightweight products work better than heavy foundations. Restraint becomes even more important because the skin shows every heavy layer.

Why You Shouldn’t Tan Before Your Headshot

Don’t get a spray tan before your headshot. Don’t roast in the sun either.

Spray tans and tanning beds create color cast issues, streaking, and an unnatural look that the camera captures mercilessly. They look muddy and orange in photos and require color balancing beyond what would normally be needed. Beyond the photography concerns, research on tanning bed cancer risks shows the World Health Organization has classified them alongside tobacco and asbestos. People who use tanning beds regularly are 55% more likely to develop melanoma. For those under 36, the risk increases more than eightfold. There is no such thing as a safe tan from UV exposure.

Sunburns create their own problems. They dry out the skin, create texture issues, cause peeling, and create exposure challenges for the photographer. Color correction becomes difficult when skin is red or uneven.

Even if you prefer how you look with a darker complexion, consider this: unless you look that way in the middle of winter, it’s probably not how you normally appear. And the goal of a headshot is to look like yourself.

Years ago, a client came to my headshot studio for an updated set of images for personal branding, LinkedIn, and various other marketing needs. In conversation, she had mentioned recently getting a spray tan. I said nothing to her at the time, but in retrospect her session is the reason I recommend NOT tanning before your headshot session.

When my retoucher and I worked on this set of headshot photos, what was apparent was that spray tanning created a time-consuming issue for us to color balance. I rely on my eyes and visually seeing my clients in person to ensure that I keep color balance as close to what they genuinely look like as possible. When someone spray tans, or tans at all, they effectively remove my ability to determine their true skin tone.

More than that, chemicals are used on the skin, UV lights are used, and the skin tends to react differently than untanned skin under photographic lights. This is not a difference in skin complexion, but rather a distinction between tanned skin, either by sun, spray, or tanning bed, and untanned skin.

We eventually got her skin to look somewhat normal, but her session is the reason I ask, even beg my clients NOT to tan before their sessions. If you must, then wait a few weeks before being photographed.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Headshot

If you have done your own makeup, check your look in the mirror before the session begins. If touch ups are needed, feel free to make adjustments as long as you blend everything well and use a light hand when applying.

For those who have hired a makeup artist, enjoy being pampered. Many people arrive at their headshot session feeling apprehensive or nervous, especially those who struggle with perceived flaws and self-acceptance. Time with a makeup artist offers an opportunity to unwind, reduce some tension, and focus on something other than the camera for a while. By the time makeup is finished, most people feel more open and ready to have a great headshot experience.

If you change your mind about something during the session, speak up. Adjustments can usually be made. A good photographer wants you to feel comfortable and confident because that’s what creates a great headshot.

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Sources:

• Scott Barnes - Broadcast makeup for TV personalities
• PMC/NIH - Tanning bed cancer risks
• Bustle - 2-3 Rule explanation
• American Academy of Dermatology - Skin care guidance