Planning an international trip soon? Don’t forget to check your passport expiration date. There’s nothing worse than realizing your OOO may be put to a halt because you forgot to renew your passport. You know what else is the worst—taking a new passport photo. The harsh lighting, neutral-toned background, and the sole pressure of knowing this photo will live with you for the next ten years can cause one to panic. But thankfully, you’re not alone. Recently, influencer Georgia Barratt went viral on TikTok for her passport makeup, and the internet is following suit with their own slew of tutorials under the hashtag #passportmakeup.
So, whether it’s time for a new passport, driver’s license, or photo ID (none of our city friends know how to drive), keep reading for some tips from two celebrity makeup artists on how to achieve the perfect photo ID makeup.
Tip #1: Say no to trends.
It’s easy to get caught up in the latest trend cycle—blue eyeshadow, anyone? However, according to celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty, it’s important to opt for a timeless look over a trendy one. “Your passport lasts for years, but makeup trends don’t always maintain their allure over time,” she reminds us.
Tip #2: Dewy skin wins.
Natural, dewy skin never goes out of style, according to makeup artist Kirsten Kjaer Weis. “I would suggest a well-moisturized face with minimal coverage. If one tends to have an oily T-zone, mattify it slightly in case of flash photography,” she says. She also recommends moisturizing the skin and lightly applying your preferred foundation, using minimal coverage. From there, apply a bit of concealer where needed, such as under the eyes to avoid looking tired and on any breakouts or blemishes.
Tip #3: Add a bit of definition to the eyes.
A bit of mascara, eye pencil, and eyeshadow goes a long way. Weis suggests tracing an eye pencil along the upper lash line to add depth to the lashes, lightly coating the lashes. If needed, curl your eyelashes to open up the eyes. Finish with a light application of taupe or neutral eyeshadow on the eyelid and in the crease, and gently swipe it underneath the lower lashes to add additional depth to the eyes.
Tip #4: Blush matters.
Since the lighting isn’t always ideal (read: fluorescent) at your local passport photo studio, a bit of sculpting and blush can make a big difference. Bhatty suggests opting for a rosy cheek combined with a soft contour. Weis echoes these sentiments, recommending a touch of color on both lips and cheeks, to look refreshed for yourself and beyond. “Apply a gentle touch of cream blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend it in a circular motion into the skin—giving everyone a refreshed and healthy look,” she adds.
Tip #5: Don’t forget your brows.
Having well-groomed brows in your photo is so important. “Brows frame the entire face, and in an ID photo, they can make a difference because these photos are often pretty blown out,” says Bhatty.
Tip #6: For lips, choose what’s natural to you.
If you’re someone who wears red lipstick every day, then go for it. If not, Bhatty would recommend choosing a rosy or brownish shade instead of your true nude. This way, you’ll have a touch of color that pops while still appearing like yourself.
Tip #7: Remember not to overdo it.
Just because this photo will be memorialized forever doesn’t mean you need to morph into another person. Create a look that is familiar to you, nothing too new. “You'll want to recognize yourself while also making it easy for any immigration officer to do the same,” says Weis.