4 Quick And Easy Headshot Makeup Tips

Headshots are an important part of any personal or corporate brand. They’re also a fun way to show off your personality and style on your social media profile.

In this article, I share my top 4 tips for taking better headshots.

The answer is YES. High Definition cameras pick up the slightest discoloration, dark circles, blemishes, redness, and bags under the eyes.

I personally love fresh, youthful, dewy look of the skin.When it comes to skin work, which is one of the fundamental skills for any Makeup Artist, it is as easy as this: the skin must look flawless in the images straight out of camera. It’s only when you zoom in and study the image you may find what to retouch, but at a first glance the captured images should look like they don’t even have any makeup.So, I recommend natural makeup. Here you can see my Headshots Portfolio

Pre-Shoot “Preparations”

The skin should be prepped, exfoliated, moisturized a week before the shoot. Drink plenty of water. The reason for this preparation is that hydrated skin looks great on camera. That’s the mantra you should try to adhere to before a photoshoot; keeping your face clean and moisturized and getting plenty of water, rest, and shade.

If its necessary, wax upper lip to (for female) remove hair. Most women have it and it’s totally normal, but the High Definition cameras will most certainly capture it and that’s not something we need to show in the headshot. Waxing is a simple procedure that can be done at home or at any beauty spa, and while you are there, you can also groom the eyebrows. All of this should be done a couple of days prior to the shoot to avoid any resulting skin irritation.

Trim and shape your eyebrows. This goes for both men and for women.Brows are often forgotten but make a big difference. Fill in sparse or light brows to give them a definition and fullness so that they serve their purpose in framing your face.

Trim your nose hairs. Yes – we can see your nose hairs.

With lips, there’s not a whole lot you can do. There is however a few things you shouldn’t do. Let’s start with The Do’s; Light gloss for women, light lip balm for men.

The don’ts; Lip liner is unnecessary, it will stand out a mile and take away from the natural look we’re putting all of this effort in for. Tone down the lipstick ladies.This is not the time for a bold red lip. It should look natural. The purpose of the makeup is to look like you’re not really wearing makeup. Bold lips are going to be distracting.

Keep it natural. This isn’t the time to play with colors. I always advise light eye makeup. A nice separation of the lashes, no fake lashes if possible. Fake lashes do tend to clump together after a while, and be longer than is humanly normal, but good ones can look natural. If you use eye shadow, I recommend nude colors that match your skin tone very closely.

If it’s possible, a few days before your shoot; I would recommend to do some makeup testing.

If a female client is under the age of 15 or a skilled hair and makeup artist (who knows the photographer’s lighting), she may be fine without hiring a professional hair and makeup artist, but everyone else should really hire a professional, and preferably someone who is a professional with headshots experience.

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