You don’t need to walk into a headshot session looking like you’re ready for the Brownlow. But a bit of prep goes a long way if you want to avoid looking washed out, shiny, or like you slept in your car. This guide breaks it down for both men and women — what works, what to skip, and how to avoid a bad hair day that lives on forever.
If you’re someone who wears makeup day to day, stick to that vibe — just clean it up a bit. The goal is to look like the best version of yourself, not someone else entirely. Headshot photography, especially under studio lighting or in harsh Aussie sun, can flatten your features and exaggerate shine. Good makeup fixes that. Bad makeup? That just gives Photoshop more work.
For those not confident doing their own, a professional makeup artist is worth it. Just tell them it’s for photography, not a night out. Avoid any MUA that wants to treat it like a wedding gig.
👉 Related post: What to Wear for Headshots in Adelaide
👉 Related service: Headshot Photography in Adelaide
That dewy look might work on Instagram stories, but under camera lights, it often just looks sweaty. Stick to matte or natural-finish products:
Matte foundation or primer: Helps avoid forehead glare.
Translucent powder: Use it on the T-zone to kill shine.
Avoid shimmer or highlighter: The camera picks it up as grease, not glow.
Foundation should match your actual skin tone. Not your fake tan. Not your wishful thinking.
Choose photography-friendly formulas (no SPF).
Blend into the neck — no one wants a floating head.
Apply in natural light if doing it yourself.
🔗 Need solid lighting advice? Check out: How Light Shapes the Perfect Headshot
Lock in a date or ask a quick question — no pressure, no pushy follow-up. Just fill in the basics and you’ll get a proper response, not a robot.
Skip bold reds unless that’s your signature look. Go for:
Neutral pinks, rose, or mauve tones
Cream or satin finish over gloss (gloss reflects light, and not in a good way)
Avoid nude lips that match your skin — you’ll look washed out
Keep it clean, not club-ready.
Use soft browns or neutrals, not heavy smoky eyes
A little mascara and liner is fine — just don’t wing it into next week
No glitter, shimmer, or frosted shadows
You don’t need a full skincare routine, but you also don’t want to look like you’ve been dragged backwards through a hangover.
Shave or trim the beard properly — if it’s patchy, clean it up.
Use powder (yes, really) on the forehead and nose to stop glare.
Lip balm if you’ve got dry lips — the camera won’t miss it.
Tidy eyebrows and nose hair if you’re brave enough to check.
👉 Also read: How to Prepare for a Headshot Session
If you're not confident with light, photo-friendly makeup, it's worth it. Just make sure they know it's for photography — not a night out or bridal shoot.
Use translucent powder or blotting paper just before your session. Focus on the T-zone — forehead, nose, and chin — to avoid glare in photos.
If you wear them daily, yes. Use non-reflective lenses if you can, and give them a good clean to avoid fingerprints or dust showing up in the shots.
Ideally 3–5 days before the shoot. That gives your hair time to settle while still looking fresh and tidy.
Keep them clean, trimmed, and tidy — especially if your hands might appear in the photos. Neutral polish or bare nails are best. Avoid chipped polish.
Best to skip it. SPF can cause white flashback in photos, especially under strong lighting or flash. Use photography-friendly products without SPF.
No stress. Just show up with clean, moisturised skin and a quick powder to cut shine. The goal is to look like you — not someone else.
Not ideal. It reflects light and can look overly shiny. Stick to satin or matte lipsticks in natural tones that suit your skin tone.
Absolutely. A bit of powder or concealer can help with blemishes or shine. It’s not about looking made-up — just polished for the camera.
A beard can look strong and polished — or like a wildlife sanctuary. Choose your fighter.
Trim stray hairs, including under the neck
Use beard oil if you’ve got wiry growth
Check the shape: fade it neatly or go full lumberjack — just commit
Whatever you pick, make sure it’s a style you can maintain for more than 10 minutes.
Frizz control matters — dry flyaways stand out badly
Hair down vs up? If it’s long, try both — get shots with variety
Use hair spray or product to keep it in place, especially if windy outdoors
Flyaways catch light and add unwanted texture. Best way to fix them:
Run a clean toothbrush sprayed with hair spray over them
Use an anti-frizz serum — just don’t drown your roots
If you’re outdoors, bring clips or pins just in case
There’s stuff that looks fine in person but messes up fast in photos:
🚫 SPF in foundation or moisturiser — causes white flashback
🚫 Glitter or shimmer anything — forehead disco
🚫 Fake tan overload — turns orange under lens corrections
🚫 Heavy contouring — looks muddy in most lighting setups
Haircut or colour: Ideally 3–5 days before, not the night before
Nails: Neat and clean. If you use your hands in the shoot, tidy them up.
Skin: Don’t try new products the week of the shoot — breakouts love a deadline.
✔ Blot oily areas
✔ Check teeth for lipstick or lunch
✔ One last mirror check for stray hairs or smudges
✔ If in doubt, ask your photographer — that’s literally part of the job
🔗 Book in: Headshot Photographer Adelaide
🔗 Related reads: The Art of the Perfect Headshot
Need help locking in a date or adding hair/makeup to your shoot? Drop your details below and you’ll get a quick reply — not some drawn-out sales ca
This article was written by Corey M — the bloke behind Shameless Visuals, based right here in Adelaide. Whether it’s chasing the Southern Lights through a frosty paddock or setting up lights in a boardroom, the job’s the same: find the shot that actually means something.
When Corey’s not editing until his eyeballs hurt, he’s out shooting everything from commercial campaigns to birthday chaos to full-scale conference coverage. No fluff, no gimmicks — just real work that makes people take notice.
If you’re here reading this, chances are you’re after more than just a pretty picture. Here’s what Shameless Visuals actually does:
Professional headshot photography for teams, creatives, and anyone who’s sick of cropping themselves out of group shots.
Commercial photography in Adelaide that shows products and brands at their best — not in some soulless stock style.
Real estate and drone photography that makes listings stand out, even in a flooded market.
Event and corporate photography that captures energy, moments, and actual people (not just blurry backs of heads).
Portrait photography that brings out character without making it awkward.
Boudoir photography that’s more about confidence than clichés — completely private, entirely on your terms.
Explore the full range at the Shameless Visuals homepage or get in touch here to book something real.
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