Job Interview Makeup Tips

First impressions are everything. That sentiment couldn’t be any more true than when it comes to the dreadful job interview.

There’s so much more that goes into making a good first impression during an interview. It’s more than just how you speak and what your qualifications are.

How you present yourself physically can make a significant impact.

That’s why in today’s article, I’m going to share with you seven tips that will help you achieve the perfect job interview makeup look.

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Keep it Soft

Your initial instinct may be to draw attention to your mouth during the interview, of course, you want to make an impact while you’re speaking. But dark lipsticks can be distracting and draw attention away from where to focus should be – your eyes.

You will want to pick medium-toned and natural shades for your lipstick. Medium tones will also help you avoid having to reapply the lipsticks. Think along the lines of your lips but better. Hot pinks, vampy reds, and plums are off-limits when it comes to the perfect job interview makeup.

Focus on the Eyes

Now that you know the lips aren’t where you should pull focus, let’s talk about all things eye makeup. How you do your eye makeup can make or break the eye contact you’re trying to achieve. You want your eyes to be striking but not intimidating. It’s all about complementing your eye color and shape so they’ll stand out to the interviewer.

To achieve this effect, you will want to keep it neutral. Try to choose shades that compliment the tone of your eyes. Warmer tones compliment cool-toned eye colors. Rust shades compliment blue eyes beautifully, and pale mauve tones make green eyes shine.

Brown eyes have the best of both worlds and can rock anything. There are only two things I would forgo in an interview makeup look, shimmers, and dark shadows/liners. It’s best to leave those for your nighttime adventures!

If you’re a redhead, consider using brown mascaras and eyeliners. Brown is softer and creates a less harsh look.

As a woman who tends to have reddish color hair, I can speak to the black versus brown statement being true.

A Natural Flush

Using blush is essential for an interview look. That’s because it can make you look healthy and lively. You always want to put your best and thriving self forward in this situation. Choose a blush color that’s close to your natural flush tone. The blush should also have a finish that looks natural on the skin – this is another instance where you may want to avoid shimmers (NARS’ most infamous shade would be a no-go here). Satins and mattes are your best friend.

To ensure your blush appears natural and not overbearing, skillfully apply it with an extra fluffy face brush. Sweep the brush in circular motions on the apples of your cheeks as you smile; this will help with proper placement. And don’t be afraid to sweep a light amount across the rest of the cheek to create a more sculpted and upswept appearance.

Powder to Calm

Job interviews are one of the most nerve-racking events a person can go through. With the increased amount of stress comes a tremendous amount of sweat. That’s where your favorite face powder will come in clutch.

Don’t go heavy with the powder, just ensure that you thoroughly apply it to the areas on your face you tend to glisten most. For me, that’s my t-zone, which includes my forehead, nose, upper lip, and chin.

Avoid Orange and Green

Most office spaces where interviews are held have cheap fluorescent lighting. That style of lighting can leave the skin looking pale and sickly. You don’t need to make this any worse with your makeup.

That’s why we recommend avoiding orange and green makeup products. The combination of these colors and fluorescent lighting can amplify the sickly effect.

Ensuring that you apply a healthy amount of blush can combat this, and it will give you a healthy glow.

Clean and Simple Nails

I live for a coffin nail with a pop of color. I’m talking bright pinks, greens, and blues, especially in the spring and summer. But that simply isn’t a good interview look.

Mid-length, natural shape, and neutral/classic colors are best for the occasion. And in my personal experience, neutral colors elongate my fingers, giving off an elegant appearance.

Prep the Night Before

Preparation will make the getting ready process easier and less stressful. You’ll be able to focus more on the critical aspects of getting ready for your interview.

But how do you prepare the night before?

It’s simple. Pretend it’s the night before the first day of school. Lay your outfit out and choose the makeup products you want to use. Spend time picking out the perfect shades, and don’t forget to lay out your best makeup brushes for the job ahead. By having everything out and ready to go beforehand, you reduce guessing time and stress.

It’s also a great idea to create a getting-ready playlist that will help you get pumped for the interview and help ease your nerves leading up to it.

Let Your Mind Shine

When you’re interviewing for a new job, what’s most important is what you can bring to the table. And that has nothing to do with your job interview makeup look.

Let the interviewer know what skills you possess and why you’re the perfect fit for the job. Your looks come second.

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