6 Beauty Do’s & Dont’s When Getting Ready for a Job Interview

A job interview can be daunting. It’s a make-or-break moment, without any do-overs. Therefore, making a good first impression is important. While we often put a lot of thought into assembling the perfect outfit, we tend to forget that hair and makeup matter too. Think about it: the interviewer will spend the majority of the time looking at your face. If you want to get it right, there’s a lot to take into account. I made it a little easier for you and collected the most important beauty tips to help you nail your next interview.

It’s all about that base

Before a job interview, we often feel stressed. This causes the body’s stress hormone cortisol to rise, which leads to increased oil production in the skin. To avoid looking oily, go for a lightweight foundation with a natural matte finish, like the bareMinerals barePro Liquid Foundation. If you prefer dewy foundations, consider skipping them for the interview. Combined with excess oil and nervous sweats, they will make you look shiny rather than glowy. Adding a mineral powder on top of your foundation will help you suppress that nervous sheen.

Another important tip that is often overlooked: make sure you blend your foundation down your neck, even if you’ve found the perfect match for your skin tone. And lastly, don’t forget to check your makeup in natural daylight before leaving the house, to make sure there are no harsh lines or patches left on your face.

Say goodbye to your cat eye

Looking professional while showing off your personality is difficult, especially in a more formal interview setting. The rule of thumb for interview eye makeup is: less is more. You don’t want to look like you watched makeup tutorials all weekend (even if that is the case). Always go for a soft eye look using neutral colours. The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette from Ilia has a nice combination of soft browns, beige and peach, to give your eyes some definition while keeping it natural.

Even though it takes ages to perfect your eyeliner technique, it’s probably not the skill you want to showcase during your interview. Use a pencil instead of a liquid liner for a softer, more natural look. Apply a few layers of a waterproof mascara you know and trust. Going for the waterproof version lowers the risk of getting mascara marks under your eyes or on your eyelids. Always check for smudges right before you go in, just to make sure.

A heavenly healthy glow

Adding colour to your face makes you seem more lively and healthy. An easy way to achieve a healthy glow is E.L.F. Cosmetics’ new Putty Blush. This lightweight blush melts into your skin and has a semi-matte powder finish. Perfect for that desired natural-looking flush. Is an all-matte makeup not your thing? Add a subtle glow with a non-shimmery product like the Uoga Uoga Moon Path highlighter.

In case your cheeks often flush in stressful situations, wear very little or no blush at all. Are you still worried about looking sunburned because your nerves get out of hand? Use a green-tinted primer before applying your foundation to counteract any redness. The Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce Redness Primer should do the trick.

Stand out with a statement lip

No makeup look is complete without a perfect pout. If you want to come off as serious and professional, a nude lip is your safest bet. MAC’s Satin Lipstick, for example, has a nice array of beautiful nude hues. However, making a statement can sometimes have a very positive effect, as it takes confidence and shows a more creative and outgoing side of you.

If you feel like adding a colourful accent to your makeup, then a statement lip is the way to go. But be careful: a bright-coloured lip starts to look blotchy and messy after a while. A good alternative is a sheer lipstick like The Glossier Generation G Lipstick. This product is not as pigmented as most lipsticks and gives your lips a colourful, yet classy finish.

Don’t let your hair get in your way

Keeping your hair out of your face is another go-to for a job interview. This way, you won't be tempted to touch or fiddle with it. You may not notice you’re doing it, but the interviewer definitely will. Pull your hair back into a ponytail, or go for Hailey Bieber's signature low bun. When most of your hair is out of the way, try taming your baby hairs (aka the wispy strands alongside your hairline). Apply some hairspray to a toothbrush and push those stubborn little hairs into place.

Do you have curls? Own them! Just make sure they’re well-styled and don’t look frizzy. Use a good leave-in conditioner that leaves your curls looking polished, but not wet, like the Briogeo Curl Charisma. A low bun can work well too. Not only does it keep your hair out of your face, but it also prevents it from acting out due to humid weather.

Pay close attention to details

A job interview is not the time for glitter or bold hues, whether it’s on your face or even your nails. Go for pink or nude nail polish, and don’t apply it until the night before to avoid chipping. Colour coordinating your nails with your outfit and lip colour is always a good idea. It shows that you put thought into your appearance and makes the overall picture look put together. When it comes to your hands, keep them nice and moisturized.

Are you wondering whether or not you should wear perfume to a job interview? Even though it makes perfect sense to want to smell good during an important event like that, it’s better not to wear any fragrance. A person’s taste in perfume is highly personal. What smells good to you could smell horrible to the interviewer. First impressions last, and so does the memory of an unpleasant scent.

The final tip, as cheesy as it sounds: be true to yourself. Are you not used to wearing a full face of makeup? Then don’t start on the day of your interview. Do you feel weirdly exposed when you put your hair in a ponytail? Wear it down. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in your skin. That’s the real key to nailing your job interview.

Illustrated b Carolina Diaz