The art of perfecting your passport photo with subtle makeup
A photo of an ID card or passport is taken quite infrequently. We all want to look our best in it, as this image will represent us for the next few years. Unfortunately, official and close-up photos often aren't the most flattering. Nevertheless, it must be taken in such a way that it complies with regulations. In this regard, makeup can be extremely helpful. So, what's the secret to a successful document photo session?
What is "passport makeup"?
ID card photos must reflect our true appearance. This doesn't mean that makeup is prohibited. On the contrary, it allows us to highlight our natural beauty, but it's important to keep it subtle and not overdone. In this type of photography, bold or provocative makeup will not work. Wild eyeshadows, colourful eyeliners, intense contouring, or strong lips can obscure our true personality, so they're not recommended. We should not stray too far from our everyday appearance so we can easily be identified.
"Passport makeup" is the solution to the eternal problem of unsatisfactory ID photos. This type of makeup works perfectly, ensuring compliance with regulations while also being pleasing. Passport photos must clearly show the face without major alterations, so this type of beautification focuses mainly on highlighting our features and camouflaging imperfections we wouldn't want to expose.
How to achieve this makeup look?
Follow these steps, and you'll have a passport photo you'll be proud of for years, while still being recognisable during travel or in official matters.
We should focus primarily on the eyes and face. The complexion should be smooth, so a foundation and concealer that hide shadows, discolourations, or other imperfections are ideal. Avoid overly heavy and highly matte foundations, as they can have the opposite effect, creating a mask-like appearance and emphasising skin texture. It's also worth considering the colour to avoid looking too pale, too dark, or orange-toned. A powder will keep these products in place, ensuring our face doesn't shine as sweaty.
Proper eye makeup is the main element that adds elegance. Choose nude eyeshadows and black mascara. A great trick is adding natural lash clusters to the outer corners to elongate the gaze and create a cat-eye effect. However, strip false lashes and dramatic lines won't work, as they can overwhelm the eyes. It's good to emphasise the eyebrows, which frame our eyes, but in a gentle hair-like way rather than a geometric one.
Finally, pay attention to details like bronzer, highlighter, and blush to keep the face from looking flat and to naturally accentuate its features. On the lips, a balm or gloss that keeps them soft and juicy without drying out works best.
