I inquired with makeup artists about how to capture the most flattering passport photo ever—9 secrets from celebrities.

      Nothing quite humbles you like standing at the CVS counter all glammed up, spiraling mentally to the rhythmic beeping of self-checkout machines. "Could I see it?" I cautiously ask the cashier, who patiently displays his computer screen as I scrutinize the unflattering image that will be with me for the next decade, clutching my lip liner like it’s a lucky charm. I’m realistic; I’m not hoping to suddenly gain Bella Hadid’s bone structure, but ten years is a long time, and I want a passport photo that doesn’t make me cringe every time I present it to an airport attendant. Is that too much to ask? Apparently not, according to TikTok. A quick search on the platform reveals countless videos titled something like "How to take your passport photo like a baddie." Pioneering this trend is UK-based content creator Georgia Barratt, whose viral 2022 makeup tutorial has garnered 16.5 million views, but the challenge of taking a "good" ID photo is nothing new. Think about Victoria Beckham, who arranged a full photo shoot—glam squad included—during her DMV visit in the 2007 reality TV special, *Victoria Beckham: Coming to America*. "You don't do retouching?" she deadpans to the government employee. License photos, the great equalizer! Nowadays, in a world where selfies have a lifespan of about 10 seconds before the next Gen Z content arrives, the traditional ID becomes a meaningful keepsake. "I also think it’s the contentification of everything and the obsession with looking good in unexpected settings," explains makeup artist Lila Childs. (Exhibit B: TikTok’s jumbotron trend, where users create AI videos of themselves looking fab as they appear on the big screen—a throwback to Pamela Anderson circa 1989, discovered at a BC Lions game.) A flattering passport photo becomes the ultimate flex, suggesting you’ve figured out your angles and conquered the challenges of poor lighting. If a few makeup tricks can help achieve that, it's definitely worth it.

      So, what does passport makeup involve? Simply put, "the goal is to serve," says celebrity makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell, who produced a 37-minute video focused on achieving this look. "Think super-sculpted cheekbones, soft-matte skin that appears smooth in pictures, a defined and lifted eye with a subtle wing, and plump lips." While it sounds fantastic, perfecting that baseline look is more challenging than anticipated. Passport makeup tends to require more coverage than usual, according to Sewell, yet it should still give off a clean and natural vibe. After all, your government ID should resemble you. "It's less about looking overly glamorous and more about appearing naturally polished and self-assured," adds celebrity makeup artist Kelly Zhang. Considering this delicate balance, I asked the three experts to guide me through each step before heading to my local CVS. This is journalistic exploration, right?

      Is full glam necessary for your passport photo appointment? Absolutely not—let's make that clear for everyone in the back. As with any beauty trend, feel free to take what resonates and leave what doesn't work for you. But for those interested in the best tips and techniques, scroll down for the essential passport makeup guide you’ll need.

      1. **Generously Contour**

      Starting with contouring might seem odd, but beauty enthusiasts understand the approach. For a naturally sculpted effect, makeup artists recommend the underpainting technique, where you apply contour and highlighter before the foundation or concealer. "This creates shadows and gives you that extra-defined appearance, particularly around the nose," Childs explains. Don’t hesitate to apply contour, especially around the eyes and under the cheekbones. Zhang adds, "Cameras tend to make faces appear flatter than they really are, so I suggest using a bit more definition than you might typically think."

      2. **Apply a Soft-Matte Base**

      While dewy skin looks magical in real life, it can appear off in photos—especially those taken in poor lighting. "Flash photography can amplify shine," explains Zhang, who advises against using shimmer, glitter, or overly dewy products. Instead, use a lightweight, skin-like foundation on the center of the face ("around the T-zone, under the eyes, forehead, nose, and chin," she instructs) to maintain a dimensional yet natural appearance. Sewell enthusiastically recommends "Armani Luminous Silk" for a foundation that excels in photography.

      3. **Set with Powder**

      Setting powder is the unsung hero of passport makeup. Even if you don’t usually set your base (ahem, me), it’s worth taking a moment to secure everything, especially around the T-zone and cheeks where camera flashes can enhance shine. "Although I don’t typically bake, I would certainly do an under-eye powder bake for this look," adds Childs.