Marie
The CEO Look: Best Makeup for Headshots
Let me tell you something that might surprise you coming from a photographer: you probably don't need a makeup artist for your headshot.
I know. Bold statement. But hear me out.
The goal of a business headshot is to look like yourself on a good day. Not a different version of you. Not a glammed-up version. You, looking polished, healthy, and confident. And honestly? Most of us can achieve that without booking a professional HMUA.
Now, for a wedding? Absolutely, I go to a makeup artist. For my own headshots? I go to my hair stylist the day before and I do my own makeup. Because here's the thing: hair matters more than makeup for headshots. A great blowout will do more for your photos than a full beat face.
That said, makeup still matters. So let me share exactly what I do and what I've learned from photographing hundreds of women in my Phoenix studio.
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No Makeup Headshot: Why I Always Recommend Something
Some women wonder if they can skip makeup entirely for their headshot. My honest recommendation: do not.
Even if you rarely wear makeup in daily life, a little strategic product goes a long way in photography. The camera flattens features, amplifies redness, and picks up uneven skin tone in ways the naked eye simply does not notice. A small amount of the right makeup does not change how you look. It just makes sure the camera sees what people see when they meet you in person.
Think of it less as "makeup" and more as "camera-ready skin." The goal is still to look like yourself. Just the clearest, most polished version of yourself.
And if you need one more reason: research found that women who wear light makeup get more promotions than those who go bare-faced. Not heavy makeup. Not a full glam look. Light, natural, intentional makeup. Which is exactly what we are going for here.
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Natural Makeup for Headshots: The Mindset Shift
The aesthetic you are going for? Think quiet luxury. Old money CEO energy. Polished but effortless.
The biggest mistake I see is women trying something new right before their shoot. Don't. Stick to what you know your skin loves, what you feel comfortable wearing, and what actually looks like you. This is not the moment to experiment with a bold lip trend or a new contouring technique you watched on YouTube last night.
Natural does not mean invisible. It means intentional. Every product choice should make you look healthier, more rested, and more defined, without announcing itself.
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DIY Makeup for Headshots: A Step-by-Step Approach
Here is exactly how I prepare for my own headshots.
The week before: foundation and brows
If there is one product worth getting professional help with, it is your foundation shade. Go to Sephora, MAC, or any store with trained staff and ask someone to match you. This is non-negotiable. If you need to blend foundation down onto your neck, that is not your shade. In a close-up photo, the wrong shade will show, and it will distract from your face.
Also the week before: get your brows professionally shaped. Even a quick threading or waxing appointment makes a significant difference in photos. Do this a few days before the shoot so any redness has time to settle.
The night before: skin prep
Drink water. Sleep well. I know, groundbreaking advice. But you would be surprised how many people show up to a shoot dehydrated and exhausted, wondering why their skin looks flat.
The night before, I do a sheet mask. I have mature skin so I reach for a collagen mask. My younger daughter prefers brightening treatments. The point is: use whatever mask works for your skin, not whatever is trending. And again, nothing new.
The morning of: hydrate and build
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and moisturize well. I swear by Embryolisse. It is my go-to hydrating cream and it gives skin a beautiful, natural glow without feeling heavy. Build your makeup on top of a well-hydrated canvas.
Brows: Fill them in if needed, but use a shade that matches your natural brow color. Going too dark reads as harsh in close-up. Full, natural, groomed brows frame your entire face.
Eyes: Keep mascara natural. One or two coats on your upper lashes. Skip the false lashes. In close-up photography, there is often a visible gap between the natural lash line and the false one, and it is distracting. Your eyes should look bright and open, not overdone.
Lips: Two directions, both work beautifully. Satin finish reads as polished and professional. Gloss feels more approachable and warm. What I would avoid: matte lipstick (it can look flat and aging in photos) and the blurred or diffused lip trend. Also, make sure your lip liner follows the actual shape of your lips, including the natural indent of your upper lip. Overlining in a way that ignores your natural shape is very visible in close-up portraits.
For more on what to wear with your makeup choices, read my guide on blending authority and approachability through wardrobe.
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Best Makeup for Corporate and Business Headshots
For corporate and business headshots specifically, the standard is clear skin, defined brows, and lips that look intentional without being distracting.
Here is a quick breakdown of what photographs well versus what does not:
Works beautifully:
- Satin or natural-finish lips in your most flattering color
- Well-groomed, naturally filled brows
- One to two coats of mascara, upper lashes only
- Foundation in the exact right shade, set lightly with powder to reduce shine
- A healthy flush of blush or bronzer, blended well
Avoid:
- False lashes (the gap shows in close-up)
- Matte lipstick (looks flat on camera)
- Foundation that does not match your neck
- Brows filled in with a shade that is too dark
- Lip liner that does not follow your natural lip shape
The same principles apply to LinkedIn headshots and executive portraits. The goal is always polished and professional, never overdone.
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Makeup Artist for Headshots in Phoenix: When It Makes Sense
I do my own makeup for my headshots. But that does not mean a professional HMUA is never the right call.
If you are not comfortable doing your own makeup, if you are going through a significant rebrand and want everything to feel elevated, or if you simply want to show up and not think about it, booking a makeup artist is a completely valid choice.
I offer referrals to trusted HMUAs in Phoenix who understand how to prep clients specifically for photography. If you would like a recommendation, just ask when you book your session.
The key is knowing what you want and what will help you feel most confident in front of the camera.
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One Last Thing Everyone Forgets
Floss before you come in.
I say this with love. You would be amazed how often I am editing a beautiful headshot and there is a piece of spinach from lunch between someone's teeth. Five seconds of flossing before you walk in the door. Please.
And if you wake up the morning of your shoot with a pimple? Take a breath. Retouching is part of the process. I remove small blemishes and temporary redness as a standard part of my editing. One bad skin day is not going to ruin your headshots.
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The Bottom Line
These are my personal recommendations based on what I do for myself and what I have observed works well in photography. Every woman's skin, budget, and comfort level is different, so adapt as needed. The throughline is always the same: look like the best version of yourself, not a different person entirely.
Polished. Natural. Confident. That is the CEO look.
Ready to book your session? Check out my full guide on how to prepare for your headshot, or book your session today.