Best Makeup for Professional Headshots: Camera-Ready Makeup
Choosing the best makeup for professional headshots can make a huge difference. Both in how confident you feel, and, polished you look on camera. Whether you’re prepping for a LinkedIn update or a full brand shoot, these makeup tips will help you feel camera-ready without overdoing it.
Watch This Episode on Best Makeup for Professional Headshots
Catch the full episode right here! In this video, I take a fresh look at headshot makeup. I revisit my earlier advice. We’ll update it. Then I’ll share even more practical insights.
You’ll learn the Best Makeup for Professional Headshots. All in one place. Whether you’re planning your own look for a quick selfie, or you’re prepping for a professional photoshoot, you won’t want to miss this.
No matter what type of shoot you’re doing, this video has got you covered. Watch now and feel confident, polished, and ready to shine on camera!
TL;DR:
If you want to look confident and polished in your headshot, start by choosing matte finishes over anything too dewy. Next, avoid products with SPF to prevent unwanted flashback. Then, focus on neutral tones that enhance your natural features without overpowering them. Finally, keep it simple – less is usually more on camera. In this post, I walk you through exactly how to pull it off.
Revisiting Makeup for Headshots: A Question from 2017
Back in 2017, I created a Q&A series on my channel, answering real questions from viewers. One standout was from Michelle Rose Marketing who asked:
“How do you go about looking good fast for any kind of photography?”
From impromptu live appearances to full-scale photoshoots, the challenge is universal. As someone who embraced vintage pin-up aesthetics and ran a photography business for years, I’ve experimented with countless makeup techniques—trust me, I’ve used gallons of makeup along the way!
Finding The Right Experts
For this episode, I wanted to bring in advice straight from the professional makeup artists I work with. I reached out to them, hoping they’d share their tips on camera.
However, none of them were keen to appear on video. (Classic introverts. I totally get it!) So instead, I took a different approach. I’ve gathered and curated some of the best makeup for professional headshots from YouTube’s top makeup channels.
This way, you still get trusted, expert advice, without anyone having to step in front of the camera!
My Favourite YouTube Channels | Best Makeup for Professional Headshots
These tutorials are my go-to resources for polishing my skills, sharing the best makeup tips for professional headshots with my clients, or prepping for shoots.
Pampered Wolf
If you’re over 35 and feeling worried about puffiness or fine lines, Pampered Wolf has got you covered. This no-nonsense British channel is a firm favourite among my clients—and it’s easy to see why.
Gemma shares practical, easy-to-follow tips for reducing puffiness and enhancing your natural features. Her advice is especially helpful if you’re preparing for headshots and want to look fresh, polished, and confident on camera.
Bonus
Plus, as an added bonus, her adorable mammy often appears in the videos, sharing extra tips for viewers over 65. It’s the perfect resource for anyone who wants expert advice with a warm, relatable touch.
Stephanie Bailey
Need a quick fix? Stephanie Bailey’s tutorial is exactly what you’re looking for. In this video, she shows you how to look great with just five minutes of makeup. It’s perfect for those early mornings when you’re short on time, or for those unexpected, last-minute shoots.
What I love most is how practical and achievable her advice is. Plus, her soothing Aussie accent makes the whole tutorial feel relaxed and approachable. If you want simple steps that deliver real results, this one’s definitely a must-watch.
Carl Cunard
Men—this one’s especially for you! Carl Cunard is here to break the stereotype that makeup is only for women. In his tutorials, he shows how a little masculine makeup can go a long way, especially in photoshoots.
Got shine or small imperfections? With his simple techniques, those distractions are easily covered. His approach is subtle, effective, and designed to enhance your natural features without looking overly made-up.
Honestly, this tutorial has been a total game-changer for many of my male clients. It’s a must-watch if you want to look polished and confident in front of the camera.
Beauty Expert Jane
If you rarely wear makeup but still want to smooth your skin for photos, this channel is an absolute lifesaver. Jane’s tips are easy to follow and incredibly helpful, especially for those with Asian skin tones.
Her advice focuses on achieving a professional yet natural look, which is perfect if you’re not used to wearing much makeup. Even better, her approach holds up beautifully under harsh photography lighting.
With her guidance, you’ll be able to enhance your features without feeling overdone—making sure you still look like yourself, just a little more polished for the camera.
Wayne Goss
Still struggling with your foundation? Don’t worry. Wayne Goss is here to help. In his video, “Why Your Foundation Game Sucks,” he breaks it down in a clear, practical way.
This video is truly essential viewing for anyone who wants to perfect their base. After all, a flawless foundation is the secret weapon for achieving headshot-ready makeup.
With Wayne’s expert advice, you’ll be able to troubleshoot common mistakes, improve your technique, and achieve a smoother, more professional finish. His tips are simple, effective, and honestly, a total game-changer.
Key Takeaways: Best Makeup for Professional Headshots
Here are the best makeup tips for a professional headshot that you’ll want to keep in mind!
First, remember to use makeup to enhance your features, not to hide them. The goal is to highlight what makes you uniquely you.
Next, always prep your skin. A good skincare routine will help create a smooth base for your foundation. This small step makes a big difference in how your makeup looks on camera.
When it comes to product, less is always more. Aim for a look that feels natural, yet polished. You want to look like yourself—just a little more refined.
And Finally…
Finally, think about the lighting and photography setup. When choosing products, consider how they’ll photograph. Some makeup looks great in person, but doesn’t translate as well on camera.
Make up Check!
Now that we have more confidence about make-up… Are you ready to plan your outfit? An episode on that here.
Timestamps For This Episode About Best Makeup for Professional Headshots
00:00 – Episode Starts.
00:50 – Revisiting Michelle’s Question.
02:25 – Pampered Wolf’s trick for under eyes.
03:31 – Stephanie Bailey’s trick for pulling a look together in 5mins.
03:42 – Carl Cunard sharing tricks for men and makeup.
05:00 – Beauty Expert Jane talking about Asian skin tricks.
Ready To Plan Your Photoshoot?
So, whether you’re prepping for a headshot or a full personal branding shoot, remember – makeup is just one part of the puzzle. Many other elements work together to create a polished, professional image.
Now that you’ve got the best makeup tips, why not take the next step?
Explore my full range of photography services. That way, you’ll feel fully prepared and camera-ready. From your makeup to your strategy.
More Inspiration
I know. Seeing is believing. That’s why I’ve pulled together a curated selection of past client work to show you what’s truly possible when we collaborate on your professional headshots.
Over the last 14 years, I’ve worked with hundreds of professionals. Influencers, Virtual Assistants, Consultants, Creatives, Coaches, and Corporate Leaders. Helping them go far beyond the typical headshot. Together, we’ve crafted striking, personality-rich imagery that supports not just how they look, but how they lead.
Take a closer look at the range of photography services in my portfolio, and imagine what we could create for your own brand.
Fancy a chat before you commit? Book a call now.
Not sure what kind of shoot you need? Or wondering if we’d be the right fit?
That’s exactly what this call is for. No pressure or obligation.
Just a chance to talk things through, get clear, and see what’s possible. Let’s make sure your next shoot really works for you.
