Skincare and Hair for Women’s Professional Headshots:

Preparing for Your Best Headshot or Branding Photoshoot

Whether you’re updating your professional headshot or planning a full personal branding photoshoot, putting your best face forward is crucial. Your photos will likely be the first impression many people have of you online, so it’s worth taking the time to prepare and ensure you look and feel your absolute best. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get ready for your photoshoot, from skincare and makeup to outfit choices and mental preparation.

Skincare: Creating the Perfect Canvas

Great photos start with great skin, so prioritizing your skincare routine in the weeks leading up to your shoot is essential. Here are some tips to get your skin photo-ready:

1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days before your shoot. Proper hydration helps plump up the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and giving you a healthy glow.
2. Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night in the week before your shoot. This allows your skin to repair and regenerate.
3. Exfoliate gently: Use a gentle exfoliator 2-3 days before your shoot to remove dead skin cells and create a smooth surface. Don’t exfoliate the day before or day of, as this can cause redness or irritation. .
4. Moisturize consistently:  Use a good quality moisturizer morning and night to keep your skin hydrated and supple. Be sure to extend your moisturizing routine to include your neck and décolletage, as these areas are often overlooked but can show signs of aging just as quickly as your face.
5. Consider a facial: If your budget allows, book a hydrating facial about a week or two before your shoot. This can give your skin an extra boost of radiance.
6. Avoid new products: In the week leading up to your shoot, stick to your tried-and-true skincare routine. Now is not the time to experiment with new products that might cause a reaction.
7. Treat any blemishes: If you develop a pimple, treat it gently with spot treatments. Avoid picking or popping, which can lead to redness and scarring. Remember, that’s what Photoshop is for, so don’t stress about a blemish on headshot day.
   
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Makeup: Enhancing Your Natural Beauty

The key to great makeup for headshots is to enhance your features without looking overly done. Here are some tips for a flawless, camera-ready look:

1. Start with a good base: Use a primer to create a smooth canvas and help your makeup last longer under the lights.
2. Choose the right foundation: Opt for a medium-coverage foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly. Avoid anything too heavy or matte, as it can look cakey on camera. For women with darker skin tones, also check out the foundation tips in the makeup section on our article on What to Wear for Headshots Especially for Women of Color.
3. Conceal strategically: Use concealer to brighten under the eyes and cover any blemishes or redness. Don’t go overboard on concealer and make sure it matches. It can get a little cakey if used too thickly.
4. Set with powder: Lightly dust translucent powder over your T-zone to reduce shine, but don’t over-powder, as a slight glow looks healthy on camera.
5. Define your brows: Well-groomed, defined brows frame your face beautifully. Fill in any sparse areas with a brow pencil or powder.
6. Enhance your eyes: Stick to neutral eyeshadows that complement your skin tone. Use eyeliner to subtly define your lash line, and apply a few coats of mascara to open up your eyes.
7. Fake Lashes: Avoid long, dramatic falsies for headshots. Subtle, natural-looking lashes are acceptable. For headshots, light retouching can enhance lashes, so it’s better to just use mascara if you’re not sure. Our makeup artist can apply natural-looking fake eyelashes if desired.
8. Add a touch of color: A soft blush on the apples of your cheeks will give you a healthy, natural-looking flush.
9. Choose the right lip color: Opt for a lip color that’s close to your natural lip color but slightly enhanced. Avoid very dark or very bright shades unless they’re part of your signature look.
10. Bring touch-up supplies: Pack some blotting papers, your lipstick, and a small powder compact for quick touch-ups during the shoot. (If you’re coming to our Headshot Pros AZ Studio, we keep powder and blotting papers, as well as lip gloss on hand.)

Hair: Polished and Professional

Your hairstyle should complement your face and reflect your personal brand. Here are some tips for picture-perfect hair:

1. Schedule a trim: Get a trim about a week before your shoot to ensure your hair looks neat and healthy.
2. Avoid drastic changes: Don’t make any major changes to your hair color or style right before the shoot. You want to look like yourself, just the best version.
3. Choose a style that suits you: Select a hairstyle that you’re comfortable with and that flatters your face shape. This might be sleek and straight, soft waves, or a polished updo. Note that your photoshoot day is NOT the day to try something new and drastic. You need to look like you.
4. Prep your hair: Use a heat protectant before styling to prevent damage and frizz.
5. Control flyaways: Use a light hairspray or smoothing serum to tame any flyaways or frizz. We have some fly-away strategies to help out in the studio as well.
6. Consider professional styling: If you’re not confident in your styling skills, consider having your hair professionally done for the shoot.
7. Bring styling tools: Pack a brush, hair ties, and any styling products you might need for touch-ups. We have combs and hairspray in the studio.

Professional Hair and Makeup: Elevating Your Look

While many people are comfortable doing their own hair and makeup, hiring a professional for your photoshoot can take your images to the next level. At Headshot Pros AZ, we understand the importance of looking your absolute best in front of the camera. That’s why we offer the services of our highly talented hair and makeup artist.

Our in-house artist brings a wealth of experience to your session, having previously worked for NBC on renowned shows like Saturday Night Live and 30-Rock. With this level of expertise, you can trust that you’ll receive star treatment and a camera-ready look that enhances your natural beauty while aligning with your personal brand.

Benefits of Professional Hair and Makeup:

1. Camera-ready finish: Professional artists understand how makeup translates on camera and can ensure you look your best in both natural and studio lighting.
2. Stress reduction: Let an expert handle your look while you relax and prepare mentally for your session.
3. Longevity: Professional products and application techniques help your look stay fresh throughout the entire shoot.
4. Expertise in current trends: Our artist stays up-to-date with the latest styles and can suggest looks that complement your features and personal brand.
5. Attention to detail: From perfect brows to flawless skin, a professional can address small details that make a big difference in your final images.

When you book your session with us, you have the option to add on our professional hair and makeup services. However, we understand that some clients may have a preferred stylist or wish to do their own makeup. The choice is entirely yours, and we’re happy to accommodate your preferences to ensure you feel comfortable and confident during your shoot.

Remember, investing in professional hair and makeup is not just about looking good on the day – it’s about feeling confident and ensuring your images make a lasting impression long after your session is over.

Wardrobe: Dressing for Success

Your clothing choices can significantly impact the overall impression of your photos. Here are some basic guidelines for selecting the perfect outfits, but you can also see our full guide on What to Wear for Women’s Headshots here and Specific Tips of What to Wear for Your Industry here.

1. Reflect your brand: Choose clothing that aligns with your personal or professional brand. If you’re in a creative field, you might have more flexibility with colors and styles than someone in a more conservative industry.
2. Stick to classics: Classic, timeless pieces tend to photograph well and won’t date your images quickly.
3. Avoid busy patterns: Solid colors generally work best on camera. If you do choose patterns, keep them simple and not too distracting.
4. Consider your coloring: Choose colors that complement your skin tone and hair color. Jewel tones tend to look good on most people.
5. Fit is key: Make sure your clothes fit well. Baggy or too-tight clothing can be unflattering in photos.
6. Layer thoughtfully: Layering can add depth to your photos, but keep it simple. A blazer over a blouse or a cardigan over a dress can work well.
7. Bring options: Pack a few different outfit choices so you can vary your look or consult with the photographer on what works best.
8. Don’t forget accessories: Simple, elegant jewelry can add a nice touch to your photos. Avoid anything too flashy or distracting.

Mental Preparation: Feeling Confident and Relaxed

Looking your best isn’t just about physical preparation – your mental state plays a huge role in how you come across in photos. Here are some tips to help you feel confident and relaxed:

1. Get plenty of rest: Aim for a good night’s sleep before your shoot. Being well-rested will help you look and feel your best.
2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to and on the day of your shoot. This will help you feel energized and keep your skin looking fresh.
3. Eat well: Have a light, nutritious meal before your shoot. Avoid anything that might make you feel bloated or uncomfortable.
4. Practice posing: Spend some time in front of a mirror practicing your smile and finding your best angles. This can help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
5. Use positive affirmations: Remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments. Positive self-talk can boost your confidence.
6. Arrive On Time: Give yourself plenty of time to get to the shoot location. Rushing can increase stress and affect how you look and feel.
7. Bring music: If it helps you relax, bring some of your favorite music to listen to while you’re getting ready. (When you have a session with us at Headshot Pros AZ, just let us know your favorite type of music/playlist when you arrive and we’ll play it during your session.
8. Communicate with your photographer: Don’t be afraid to discuss any concerns or preferences with your photographer. They want you to look and feel your best too.

If you’re still having jitters about your upcoming photoshoot, here’s our guide to overcoming camera anxiety.

General Tips for a Successful Shoot

Here are some additional tips to ensure your photoshoot goes smoothly:

1. Plan ahead: Start preparing for your shoot at least a week in advance. This gives you time to take care of any last-minute details without stress.
2. Avoid alcohol and salty foods: In the days before your shoot, steer clear of alcohol and overly salty foods, which can cause puffiness and bloating.
3. Do a trial run: If you’re doing your own hair and makeup, do a trial run a few days before the shoot. This allows you to make any necessary adjustments.
4. Bring a friend: If allowed, consider bringing a trusted friend to your shoot. They can provide moral support and help with last-minute touch-ups.
5. Communicate your goals: Discuss your objectives for the shoot with your photographer. Are these photos for LinkedIn, your website, or marketing materials? This can help guide the style and mood of the photos.
6. Be yourself: While it’s important to look polished, don’t strive for perfection at the expense of authenticity. The best photos capture your genuine personality.
7. Have fun: Try to relax and enjoy the experience. Your comfort and confidence will shine through in the photos.

After the Shoot

Once your photoshoot is complete, it’s will be time to choose your favorite images. If you’re doing a studio session, we’ll normally select your images together right after the shoot. For outdoor shoots and branding shoots, you’ll normally get a gallery in a few days to preview, and then we’ll schedule a time to go through them together to make your selections. When you receive your photos, choose the ones that not only look good but also authentically represent you and your brand.

Remember, great headshots and branding photos are an investment in your professional image. By taking the time to prepare thoroughly, you’ll ensure that your photos showcase the very best version of yourself, helping you make a strong first impression in the digital world.

With these tips in mind, you’re well-prepared to shine in your upcoming photoshoot. Remember, the most important accessory you can wear is your confidence. When you feel good, it shows – and that’s the secret to truly stunning photos.

Back to What to Wear for Headshots: A Comprehensive Guide for Women

Makeup, headshots and mug images © HeadshotProsAZ.com | Other images are purchased stock images

Cari Hall, Professional Headshot Photographer

Cari Hall is a professional headshot photographer based in Phoenix, Arizona. Since 2014, she has specialized in corporate headshots, LinkedIn headshots, and personal branding photos that help professionals and companies stand out with confidence. Drawing on more than a decade of experience — and a background in advertising and marketing — Cari brings both technical expertise and brand strategy insight to every session. She is known for creating a stress-free experience, helping even the most camera-shy clients feel comfortable, confident, and authentically themselves.