Makeup and Grooming Tips for Corporate Headshots: Look Your Best on Camera

Mar 203 min read

Your corporate headshot is an essential part of your professional brand—whether it’s for LinkedIn, your company’s website, or a leadership profile. The right makeup and grooming choices can make all the difference in ensuring you look polished, confident, and camera-ready.

At Glynns Thomas Portraits, we help business professionals feel comfortable and look their best in front of the camera. Below, we share expert makeup and grooming tips to help you achieve a flawless and professional headshot.

Why Grooming & Makeup Matter for Corporate Headshots

✔ Enhances your natural features without overpowering your look.

✔ Reduces shine and evens out skin tone for high-resolution images.

✔ Helps you look fresh, polished, and confident.

✔ Prevents distractions so the focus stays on you—not on makeup mishaps or grooming issues.

Makeup Tips for Corporate Headshots

1. Start with a Good Skincare Routine

📌 Moisturize before applying makeup to create a smooth, hydrated base.

📌 Avoid heavy oils—opt for lightweight, non-greasy products.

📌 Use an oil-absorbing primer if you have oily skin to reduce shine.

2. Keep Foundation & Concealer Natural

📌 Choose a light to medium coverage foundation that matches your skin tone exactly.

📌 Avoid SPF foundations—they can create a white cast under flash photography.

📌 Use concealer sparingly under the eyes to brighten dark circles.

3. Use a Matte Finish to Reduce Shine

📌 Apply translucent powder lightly to your forehead, nose, and chin.

📌 Avoid dewy or overly shimmery finishes—they can reflect too much light on camera.

4. Define Your Eyes Without Overdoing It

📌 Stick to neutral, matte eyeshadow shades (browns, taupes, soft grays).

📌 Avoid glittery or shimmery eyeshadows—they can create glare.

📌 Use black or brown eyeliner close to the lash line for subtle definition.

📌 Apply mascara to enhance lashes, but avoid clumping.

5. Choose a Natural, Professional Lip Color

📌 Stick to neutral, pink, or berry shades that complement your skin tone.

📌 Avoid overly glossy or shimmery lipsticks—matte or satin finishes are best.

📌 Stay away from very bold reds unless they align with your personal brand.

6. Groom Your Brows for a Polished Look

📌 Fill in sparse areas with a brow pencil or powder to define your face.

📌 Avoid overly dramatic brows—keep them soft and natural.

7. Subtle Blush & Contour for a Healthy Look

📌 A light application of blush (peach or rose tones) adds warmth.

📌 Use contour sparingly to add subtle definition to cheekbones.

📌 Avoid excessive bronzer, which can look unnatural under studio lighting.

Grooming Tips for Men’s Corporate Headshots

1. Shave or Trim Facial Hair

📌 If you’re clean-shaven, shave the night before to avoid irritation.

📌 If you have a beard or mustache, trim and shape it neatly before the shoot.

2. Get a Fresh Haircut (But Not the Day Before!)

📌 Schedule your haircut a few days before your session for a natural look.

📌 Avoid drastic changes—stick with a style you’re comfortable with.

3. Control Shine & Oily Skin

📌 Use oil-blotting sheets or a light translucent powder on the forehead and nose.

📌 Moisturize lightly to avoid dry patches.

4. Groom Eyebrows & Nose Hair

📌 Trim stray hairs—unruly brows and nose hairs can be distracting.

📌 Consider a light brow gel to keep them in place.

General Grooming & Makeup Tips for Everyone

✔ Wear what makes you feel confident and professional.

✔ Avoid last-minute facials or skincare treatments that may cause redness.

✔ Drink plenty of water before your shoot for healthy, hydrated skin.

✔ Get a good night’s sleep—it makes a big difference in how fresh you look.

✔ If in doubt, go for a polished, natural look.

Final Thoughts: Look & Feel Your Best in Your Corporate Headshot

At Glynns Thomas Portraits, we specialize in making corporate headshots effortless. With expert lighting, posing, and retouching, we ensure you look polished, confident, and professional—without stress.

📸 Book Your Corporate Headshot Today!👉 https://www.glynnsthomas.com/contact-sacramento-photographer