Once you’ve scored a job interview, it’s on you to make the best first impression possible. Aside from being ready to answer questions regarding your qualifications or how you fit in with company culture, your beauty look should factor just as much into your preparation. Yes, we know, how you look shouldn’t be the reason you land your dream gig–but it shouldn’t be the reason you don’t, either. Ahead, we’ve rounded up 12 key beauty tips on job interview makeup, hairstyles, and more that will prove to potential employers how put-together and detail-minded you are–and will have you feeling ultra-confident. Get ready to nail it!
1. Stick with natural makeup colors.
As fun as it is to rock colorful winged eyeliner, bright shadow, or high-shine glitter or shimmer, it’s best to go with subtle definition and neutral hues for professional-looking job interview makeup. Powder eyeshadows will crease less than cream formulas. Plus, subtle blush on the apples of your cheeks will add a healthy glow!
2. Save the bold lip for later.
Glossy lips can come across as immature or unprofessional, and a bright red pout can feel a little too vampy. A lipstick or lip stain in a neutral-pinkish hue is always a safe bet for job interview makeup, or even a rich rose or berry, as long as it’s applied sparingly–use your finger or blot generously.
3. Go lighter on the liner.
You may be a whiz with liquid liner, but unless you can perfect a light touch, try a soft pencil eyeliner or gel liner with an angled brush. You want bright, alert eyes for an interview–smokey eyes and dramatic cat-eyes are best saved for evening events.
4. Skip the fake eyelashes.
We love us some dramatic lashes, but a bold set of fakes can come across as inappropriate, not to mention distracting. Save yours for a night out, rather than job interview day, and opt for a few swipes of *non-clumpy* mascara instead (two coats should do it).
5. Don’t let blemishes crush your confidence.
Worrying about whether your interviewer is looking at that pimple on your chin can derail your focus. Never that! Consider evening out your complexion with a lightweight, full-coverage foundation or skin tint. If you’re experiencing redness, use a green color-corrector and concealer. Bonus: A lightweight powder will also help if you’re concerned about nervous sweating.
6. Mind your brows.
Making sure your eyebrows are neat and groomed will go a long way. Trim, tweeze stray hairs, and keep it all in place with a brow gel–because being detail-oriented is always a good thing!
7. Keep hair out of your face.
Who doesn’t love some face-framing strands? Well, to an interviewer, they might read as disheveled. Whether you’ve got side-swept bangs that cover one eye or tendrils that fall in your face, take care to pin your locks neatly with an understated clip or pin (leave the oversized pearl snap clips at home, no matter how cute they are).
8. Consider pulling long hair back.
Have long locks? A simple subtle headband or a sleek low ponytail can keep your strands out of your face–and help you resist the urge to touch, twirl, or generally futz with them. Plus, it looks neat, chic, and pulled-together profesh.
9. Forgo the fragrance.
Regardless of whether you think it’s the most classic, understated perfume, you never know if the person you’ll be meeting with has an, er, sensitive nose–or allergies. Fragrance is a very personal preference, and offending an interviewer’s olfactory senses can potentially knock you out of the running before you’ve even sat down.
10. Make sure your nails are neat, subtle, and simple.
Remember what we said about being detail-oriented? Get or give yourself a manicure pre-interview, taking care to ensure your cuticles are trimmed, your nails are neatly filed, and your polish is fresh, not chipped! Unless it’s very understated, skip the nail art. Soft, sheer nail polish hues or clean, clear coats are always safe bets.
11. Keep your hands hydrated.
If you struggle with dry or rough hands or don’t have time for a manicure, apply a hand cream the night before your interview, to moisturize while you sleep. That, combined with a dab of cuticle oil in the a.m., will have your hands will be soft and shakeable for your meeting. On the flip side, if you suffer from sweaty palms pre-interview, keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you to avoid a damp ‘shake.
12. Don’t take new products for a test run on the day of your interview.
As exciting as it is to try out a fresh new beauty product, you never know how said product will last or perform throughout the day. It’s best to rely on your favorite trusted mascara or frizz spray–you’ve got enough on your mind, anyway!
Do you have any job interview makeup, hair, or beauty tips? Share them in the comments–and shop chic office essentials here!
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Actually this artile is about interview, not traveling. And about beauty tips, not documents to take with you