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Prepping for the Shoot, Part 4 – Hair, Makeup and Skin

September 27, 2019

Prepping for the Shoot, Part 4 – Hair, Makeup and Skin

I’m often asked about how to style hair and makeup for business headshot photoshoots. My advice is always to look as much like you do at work as possible. Don’t wear more makeup than you normally would and don’t try a new hairstyle right before the shoot.

Hair should be neat, professional, and how you normally wear it for work. Avoid getting your hair cut right before the shoot. If you decide to have a stylist do your hair, make sure to do a test run in advance of the shoot.

Prepping Skin (yes, men too!)

Don’t do any extreme beauty regimens right before your shoot, like facial peels, tanning or extensive exfoliating. Your skin can look very irritated.

A light and gentle exfoliation IS recommended for both men and women.

The night before brush your lips with your toothbrush to help get rid of any dead skin.

Make sure skin is clean, free of food particles. Don’t worry about blemishes and temporary irritations, as these can be removed or reduced in PhotoShop.

Facial Hair

Men: Shave the morning of the shoot. A 5 o clock shadow can’t be Photoshopped easily. If you have facial hair, but sure to trim and clean it up before the shoot. Use cooling gel or aftershave to help with skin irritation.

Women: Get rid of any unwanted hair a few days before your shoot. Clean up brows and upper lip hair.

Makeup

Makeup should be natural and what you would normally wear to work during the day.

Avoid wearing strong colors of lipstick unless that’s what you normally wear.

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