I Inquired with Makeup Artists on How to Capture the Most Flattering Passport Photo Ever—9 Celebrity-Level Tips

      There’s nothing quite like the humbling experience of being at the CVS counter all dressed up, mentally spiraling while listening to the cheerful beeps of self-checkout scanners. “Could I see that?” I cautiously ask the cashier, who obligingly shows me his computer screen as I scrutinize the less-than-flattering image that will stick with me for the next decade, gripping my lip liner as if it were a good luck charm. Realistically, I’m not expecting to gain Bella Hadid's bone structure overnight, but ten years is a long stretch, and I would prefer a passport photo that doesn’t make me cringe whenever I present it to an airport official. Is that really too much to ask? Apparently not, if TikTok is to be believed. A quick search on the platform yields endless videos titled “How to take your passport photo like a baddie.” The leading voice in this trend is arguably Georgia Barratt, a UK content creator whose viral 2022 makeup tutorial boasts 16.5 million views, but the struggle to capture a "good" ID photo is certainly not a new phenomenon. For instance, Victoria Beckham initiated an entire photo shoot—complete with a glam squad—during her DMV visit in the 2007 reality series, Victoria Beckham: Coming to America. "They don't do retouching?" she quips to the government employee. Passport photos are indeed a great equalizer! In today's world, where selfies quickly fade before the next wave of Gen Z content, an analog ID holds special significance.

      “The contentification of everything and the emphasis on looking great in unexpected situations is also part of it,” explains makeup artist Lila Childs. (For instance, see TikTok’s jumbotron trend, where users create AI-enhanced videos of themselves looking fabulous as they're showcased on big screens. It’s reminiscent of Pamela Anderson back in 1989, when she was discovered at a BC Lions game.) A flattering passport photo becomes a significant achievement—it shows you’ve conquered your angles and triumphed over unflattering lighting. And if a few makeup tricks can help with that, it’s worth the effort.

      So, what does passport makeup involve? In short, “the aim is to impress,” states celebrity makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell, who produced a 37-minute video on nailing the look. “You'll want super-sculpted cheekbones, soft-matte skin that looks flawless in photos, defined and lifted eyes with a subtle wing, and luscious lips.” It sounds fantastic, but achieving that ideal look is trickier than expected. According to Sewell, passport makeup is more suited for the camera, requiring heavier coverage than you might typically use. Yet, it also needs to appear fresh and natural. After all, your government ID should resemble you. “It’s not so much about looking overly glamorous but more about appearing naturally polished and confident,” adds fellow celebrity makeup artist Kelly Zhang. With that in mind, I sought guidance from these three experts to outline each step before heading to my local CVS.

      Is full glam necessary for your passport-photo appointment? Absolutely not—let’s emphasize that for everyone in the back! Like any beauty trend, take what resonates with you and leave the rest behind. But for those keen on learning the best tips and tricks, continue reading for the go-to passport makeup guide you need.

      1. Generous Contour

      Starting with contouring might seem odd, but makeup enthusiasts know the drill. For a naturally sculpted look, professionals suggest the underpainting technique, where you apply contour and highlighter before foundation or concealer. “This enhances shadows and gives you a more defined appearance, especially around the nose,” says Childs. Feel free to layer on the contour, particularly near the eyes and under the cheekbones. Zhang notes that “cameras often flatten the face more than real life, so I typically recommend a bit more definition than you might think."

      2. Apply a Soft-Matte Base

      While a dewy, radiant complexion looks beautiful in person, it can appear unflattering in a photo, particularly in poor lighting. “Flash photography can amplify shine,” says Zhang, who avoids shimmer or overly dewy products. Instead, she advocates for a lightweight, skin-like foundation in the T-zone—around the eyes, forehead, nose, and chin—to maintain a dimensional, natural appearance. “Armani Luminous Silk foundation is a go-to for photography,” Sewell points out.

      3. Set With Powder

      Setting powder is vital for passport makeup. Even if you usually skip this step, take a moment to secure your base, especially in the T-zone and on the cheeks, as camera flashes can enhance shine. “I don’t typically 'bake,' but I would definitely do an under-eye powder bake for this look,” Childs mentions. If you can find a powder that blurs and brightens, like Makeup by Mario’s Soft Blur