How to Do Makeup for a Video Interview

Preparing for an interview can be stressful enough, let alone planning a makeup look for the occasion. And if you have a video interview scheduled, you may be even more frazzled. With phone interviews, you don’t have to worry about your appearance, and with in-person interviews, you know how you’ll look to your interviewer. But how does one dress and do their makeup for an interview via webcam? Below, we’re sharing a step-by-step interview makeup tutorial specifically made for your virtual encounters.

STEP #1. PERFECT YOUR COMPLEXION

Since you don’t have to worry about your makeup lasting for more than an hour or so, you can skip primer for a Skype interview. That said, you’ll still want to steer clear of any shine. To do that, be sure to wear a foundation with a matte finish, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation. Buff and blend the formula onto your skin with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender.

STEP #2. BRIGHTEN YOUR UNDER-EYES

Nothing says “hire me” quite like a lively, awake appearance. To help create the illusion of wide, awake eyes, apply a concealer that’s a shade or two lighter than your skin tone in upside-down triangle shapes beneath your eyes. We love the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage. Blend the full-coverage formula using your makeup sponge.

STEP #3. ADD SOME BLUSH

Speaking of a lively appearance, a rosy blush is the perfect way to add just the right amount of color to your complexion. Sweep the L’Oréal Paris True Match Blush in Rosy Outlook over your cheeks for a natural flush.

STEP #4. BOOST YOUR BROWS

While you don’t have to go all out with your eyebrow makeup, a little grooming can go a long way. Brush the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Boost & Set Brow Mascara through your eyebrows to help create a naturally full look.

STEP #5. DEFINE YOUR CREASE

As far as eye shadow goes, there’s no need to overdo it. Keep things simple by subtly defining your crease with a matte, medium brown shade. Use a fluffy blending brush to apply the L’Oréal Pairs Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Matte It Up in your crease.

STEP #6. BRIGHTEN YOUR EYES

Remember that eye brightening trick we mentioned earlier? We have another one for you! To help boost the illusion of well-rested eyes, apply a nude eyeliner, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Nude, to your waterline.

STEP #7. LAYER ON MASCARA

Of course, you’ll want to have defined, long lashes, right? A few coats of a volumizing mascara is all you need to complete your eye makeup—layer on the L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Washable Mascara, Lasting Volume.

STEP #8. PICK YOUR LIP COLOR

Your choice of lip color can take your Skype or Zoom interview makeup up a few notches in a single swipe. There’s just something about perfectly applied lipstick that instantly conveys a put-together appearance. While you may be hesitant to play with color, there are quite a few routes you can go that are acceptable for a video interview. Just be sure to use a long-lasting, smudge-resistant formula that won’t end up on your teeth mid-sentence! Here are our recs:    

If you prefer something neutral…stick to a nude, barely-there lip shade. We love the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain in I Empower.

If you prefer something noticeable…stick to a simple but more pigmented shade, like a rosy pink. Give the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain in I Choose or I Savor a try.

If you prefer something memorable…don’t shy away from raspberry and chocolate hues. These colors still fall under the neutral category but will lend to a more trendsetting (but still professional) appearance. Try the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain in Desired or I Explore.

Next up: Now that you know how to nail your makeup for a video interview, perhaps you’d like more interview advice. Here’s How to Prepare for an Interview.