At Longroad Studio in St. Louis, our goal is to help you feel confident, empowered, and authentically beautiful in every portrait we create—whether you’re stepping in front of the camera for a professional business headshot or an expressive empowerment portrait session. Makeup Tips.
One of the most common questions we hear from clients before a shoot is:
“What should I do about hair and makeup?”
The good news? You don’t need a glam squad or a professional artist to look amazing in your photos. A few simple techniques and a thoughtful approach to your look can go a long way. Below, we break down the best hair and makeup tips for both your business headshot and your empowerment portraits—with ideas you can do yourself at home.
Makeup Tips for a Professional Business Headshot
Your business headshot is your digital handshake—it should reflect your professionalism, warmth, and approachability. The key here is natural, polished makeup that enhances your features without looking heavy or overly done. Note- we can add a polished and flawless makeup look in the retouching stage.
Here’s what we recommend:
1. Start with a Flawless Base
Use a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer that evens out your skin tone. Choose a formula that’s close to your natural shade and blends easily. Avoid heavy or cakey foundations, which can appear flat or mask-like on camera.
Pro Tip: Use a translucent powder to reduce shine on the forehead, nose, and chin—but don’t over-powder. You want a soft, natural glow.
2. Define the Eyes, Don’t Overdo Them
Stick to neutral tones for eye shadow—soft browns, taupes, or warm greys. Lightly define the crease and add a subtle shimmer on the lid if you like.
Use a brown or black eyeliner to define the upper lash line (just the top is enough), and finish with one or two coats of mascara. False lashes aren’t necessary for this look—keep it simple and clean.
3. Subtle Brows and Natural Lips
Lightly fill in your brows to frame your face, using a pencil or powder that matches your brow color.
For lips, stick to a neutral or soft pink lipstick or gloss—something close to your natural lip tone that still adds polish and life to your face.
Makeup Tips for Empowerment Portraits
Your empowerment portraits are where you can lean into your personal expression and style. This session is all about confidence, creativity, and emotion, so your makeup can be a bit more expressive—while still staying natural and true to you.
Here’s how to elevate your look:
1. A Luminous Base with a Bit More Coverage
Use a foundation that gives a smooth, radiant finish. You might want a touch more coverage than your everyday makeup, especially if you’re doing close-ups. A touch of highlighter on the cheekbones or bridge of the nose adds a healthy, empowered glow.
2. Stronger Eye Definition
For empowerment portraits, feel free to go bolder with eyeliner or richer eyeshadow tones. Deep browns, golds, bronzes, or even soft mauves and burgundy can look stunning—just keep it blended and soft.
False lashes are optional. If you love the look, go for a natural set that enhances rather than overpowers your eyes.
3. Sculpted Brows and Lush Lashes
Give your brows a little extra definition—this adds strength and structure to your portraits. A brow pencil, pomade, or gel can help you create a soft yet bold shape.
Mascara is a must here. Go for two to three coats and lift those lashes! Strong eyes help convey emotion and power in close-up portraits.
4. A Pop of Color on the Lips or Cheeks
Feel free to try a slightly bolder lip shade—rich rose, berry, or coral tones often photograph beautifully. Match it with a coordinating blush to bring warmth to your face.
Avoid ultra-matte formulas; creamy or satin finishes tend to look more flattering and natural in photographs.
Hair Tips for Any Portrait Session
Hair can completely shift the feel of your portraits—so whether you want sleek and professional or soft and undone, here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Keep Your Hair True to You
You don’t need a fancy updo or dramatic curls to look beautiful. What matters most is that your hair feels like “you.” Go with a style you feel confident in—whether that’s straight, wavy, curly, or pinned up.
2. Don’t Try Anything New the Day Of
This goes for both hair and makeup. The day of your session is not the time to try new products, haircuts, or techniques. Stick with what you know works well for your skin and hair type.
Should I Hire a Professional?
Hiring a professional makeup artist or hairstylist is completely optional. Many of our clients do their own hair and makeup and look absolutely stunning in their portraits. If you enjoy doing your own beauty routine and know what looks best on you—go for it!
That said, if you’re someone who feels more confident with a bit of expert help, we can recommend trusted local artists in St. Louis who specialize in natural, camera-ready looks that don’t feel overdone.
Final Thought: Confidence Is the Best Makeup
No matter how you choose to do your hair or makeup, the most important ingredient is how you feel. When you feel confident, empowered, and at ease—that energy shines through in every image.
At Longroad Studio, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—from what to wear, how to pose, and how to feel fully prepared. Whether you’re booking a professional business headshot or a bold empowerment portrait session, our goal is to help you look and feel your very best.
Ready to step in front of the camera with confidence?
Contact Longroad Studio today to book your session or ask questions about preparing for your shoot. We can’t wait to photograph you