Here’s the deal. As a professional headshot photographer in Los Angeles who’s been doing this for 26+ years, I don’t hand you a list of MUAs and hope for the best. I have VERY SPECIFIC criteria for every makeup artist I bring into a session, because the work in my portfolio only looks as good as the lighting I use and the artists I employ.
And believe me I’ve heard all the nightmare stories and all the praises. So here’s exactly what I screen for. ✨
Why does your makeup artist matter as much as your photographer?
Because makeup is the one variable that can ruin an otherwise perfect headshot, and it’s one of the top reasons I’ve seen reps ask for a re-shoot.
Too much makeup shows up so often that some reps flat out tell their clients “Don’t wear makeup in your headshots!!” I don’t agree with that instruction, but I understand where it comes from. Because soooo many actors get this wrong and so many photographers just don’t bother being hands-on with this process. I can tell you this, going bare doesn’t work because no makeup tends to look washed out on camera, and evening out skin tone makes a big difference in leveling up your image.
What we’re after is the “no makeup, makeup look.” That is the “no-makeup makeup” look: retouching kept to a minimum, so casting sees the natural real you, not the glammed-up version. And with casting scrolling thousands of headshots for a single role (source: Casting Networks), a heavy face is simply a reason to pass on you. Because over doing your makeup means you’re not going to look like the person who walks in the room.
Do men need a makeup artist too?
Yes, and they have ever since digital cameras hit 22+ megapixels. Back in the early days, none of my male clients needed to hire a makeup artist. Digital and HD changed that permanently.
For men, foundation needs to be translucent and luminous instead of matte and heavy. It evens skin tone, covers under-eye circles, and kills shine and sweat (my biggest issue with men). When it’s applied by an expert, men shouldn’t look like they’re wearing makeup at all. In fact it’s the best compliment when men decline having their makeup taken off at the end of the session! 😉
What do I actually look for in a makeup artist?
I look for verifiable talent, a real website, a face-to-face meeting before I ever bring them in on a session, and an attitude that makes your day better instead of worse. Here’s my checklist, in order:
- 1️⃣ Real work on a real website. If they only have Instagram, it’s usually a sign they’re unprofessional or new.
- 2️⃣ A meeting before I try them out. I hand them a list of headshot-appropriate preferences that agents want to see so that all my makeup artists are consistent.
- 3️⃣ Industry standards. I explain what keeps you in the safe zone and prevents reps from asking for a re-shoot (as it pertains to makeup).
- 4️⃣ The small stuff. Things like not using unsanitized fingers to touch up under the eyes. You’d be surprised. 👀
- 5️⃣ A good attitude. Artists who genuinely ENJOY what they do and aren’t itching for the shoot to end.
- 6️⃣ Every skin type. No exceptions, and I’ll explain that one below.
Pro tip: Camera makeup isn’t everyday makeup. Coverage could seem significantly heavier than what you’re used to, because the lens picks up mismatched colors, smudges, and caking that your bathroom mirror never shows you.
How do I vet an artist for every skin tone?
I only work with professionals who understand ALL skin types, won’t make you look ashy or orange, and are mindful of the tonal variations on your skin. I literally ask makeup artists to bring their products to our meeting and I personally check to make sure they have the lightest light and the darkest dark in their kit.
For my dark-skinned thespians, this is not a nice-to-have. It’s the whole ballgame. The headshot examples throughout my site show makeup applied across skin tones, ages, and genders on purpose, so you can see the proof before you book.
Worth knowing: plenty of actors show up without ever booking a makeup artist on their own. At Vanie Poyey Photography, an artist is provided for you when you book so that you don’t agonize over finding (a good) one yourself.
What should you expect from the makeup artist on session day?
On time, attentive to your needs, and agreeable to your requests. Professionalism, to me, means all three. ✅
After all, you’re paying for this service, SO YOU’RE THE BOSS! After makeup is applied, if you request changes, makeup artists shouldn’t get offended or give you a hard time. In my Los Angeles studio, that’s a MUST. Before we start, I always ask if we did anything you wouldn’t do or vice versa.
Here’s why makeup for acting headshots matters more than it used to. In most casting offices, 80 to 90% of first rounds are now taped (source: Casting Networks). That means the person who shows up on that tape has to be recognizably the same person in your photo. If your headshot was glammed and you’re not, you’ve created distrust with casting.
My goal is to take the guesswork out of your session so when you book, you’re getting a hand-picked team, without the nightmare stories and without the re-shoot request. That’s also why I say hire the artist instead of doing it yourself. Your focus should always be on the photographer and the direction, not on your own face.
And none of this is about pretty. Makeup has exactly one job when it comes to actor headshots, which is to bring your best face forward so the real, castable you comes through. Remember, acting headshots only work when they capture specific looks and personality, not when they’re flawless. For the full breakdown of what belongs on your face and what doesn’t, I wrote an article here:👉 less is more, and here’s why.
If you’re looking for LA headshot photographers right now, ask them who does their makeup and how they picked that person. If they can’t answer, that tells you something.
Frequently asked questions about headshot makeup artists
These are the questions actors ask me most often about the makeup side of a session.
Should I do my own makeup for my actor headshots?
I don’t recommend it. Camera makeup is a different craft than everyday makeup, and doing it yourself splits your attention on the one day it needs to be on the work. A professional headshot photographer who provides a vetted makeup artist who’s versed in industry standards has already solved this for you.
Do male actor headshots need makeup?
Yes. Since digital cameras crossed 22+ megapixels, men need makeup to even skin tone, cover under-eye circles, and control shine. Done right, nobody can tell it’s there.
What should I tell the makeup artist at my session?
Speak up, right at the start and again after they’re done. Better yet, work with a photographer who’ll act as your advocate. Tell them if the face in the mirror isn’t yours. You’re the boss, and a good artist (and photographer) won’t get offended by that information.
Can headshot makeup fix dark under-eye circles?
Yes, and that’s the one place I want full coverage. My artists cover it completely so we can retouch the lines and leave the natural texture, instead of erasing tonal differences in post and making you look like an AI version of yourself.
How often should I update my actor headshots?
More often than most advice says. Casting Networks suggests refreshing every couple of years (source: Casting Networks), and Casting Frontier lands in roughly the same range (source: Casting Frontier). I disagree. Trends and your own face move faster than that, so I’d rather see you refresh every 8 to 10 months and avoid the re-shoot cycle entirely.
If you’re ready for a session where the team is already handled and you can just show up and act, reach out and let’s talk. And if you’re still sorting out which looks you should even be shooting, start with my free Look Guide. I’ve got you.
Cheers, 🥂
Vanie
Your results are certainly stunning.