When it comes to creating interview-perfect looks, there are three factors that determine which makeup colors you choose and how you wear them: who you are, who you want to be and who is interviewing you.

Who You Are

First impressions count big in an interview, and chances are you’re not the only person trying to be impressive enough to get the job. So put your best face forward and be yourself. Take a good look at yourself before you apply any makeup at all. What are your best features? What would you like to conceal or accentuate? Using your usual color palate, put on your makeup, paying close attention to the areas you recognized as either a stand-out or tone-down feature.

Who You Want to Be

Now that you’ve applied your makeup as you usually do, consider the message your look is sending to a potential boss. Regardless of the position you’re applying for today, what position do you want in the future. Let your interviewer see that you will be not only be a great assistant now, but you’ll be an even better executive soon. Perhaps you should choose a less shimmering shade of blue or a grey liner instead of dark black. You may need to wear lipstick to help make your look more pronounced. Dress your face for success.

Who is Interviewing You

If your position is in the fashion industry or a trendy restaurant or clothing store, you probably have more room to experiment with color and shimmer. However, don’t overlook that fact that every employer wants someone who not only personifies the position, but can get the job done. Make your look inspire the interviewer to trust you. Be sure your look compliments you instead of distracting someone looking into your eyes and watching you speak.

Create the Look

Even if you normally don’t wear any makeup, you should wear some for an interview. It creates a polished, professional appearance that says you care about yourself and the job.

·    Use foundation or tinted moisturizer to even your skin tone and cover blemishes.

·    Apply concealer where needed but don’t over do it, especially around your eyes.

·    Use a facial highlighter or a soft white eye shadow to lightly accentuate the inner corners of your eyes. A bright-eyed look says you’re alert and interested in what the interviewer is saying.

·    Use a neutral color palate for your eyes of no more than three shades. Try a light sand highlight shade for browbones, hazelnut along the crease and cocoa on lids and under the lower lashes.

·    Line your lids with sage or sable. Liner should be used sparingly and smudged to create a defined, but soft look.

·    Apply soft black mascara lightly along lower lashed and to top lashes. Apply a second sweep along the outside lashes to really open your eyes. Be sure mascara has no clumps, flakes or smears along your lids.

·    Use an eyebrow pencil or powder to fill-in and define your look. A small amount of hair wax helps define brows and keep them in place.

·    Apply blush lightly under your cheek bones to define and on the apples of your cheeks to accent your eyes.

·    Line your lips with a neutral liner and fill in. Apply a mild lipstick in a coordinating shade to your eye palate. Be sure your lips are moisturized. Freshen your smile with a clear lip balm before you go in for your interview.

·    Avoid all shimmer and high-shine gloss.

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