It’s a common question that many women face when preparing for a job interview: Should you wear makeup to interview? For some, the answer is an easy “no” – they want to be taken seriously and don’t want their appearance to be a factor in the interviewer’s decision. For others, the answer is a resounding “yes” – they believe that looking their best will give them an edge over the competition. So, what is the right answer? Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best thing you can do is to assess the situation and make a decision based on what you think will work best for you. In this blog post, we will explore some of the pros and cons of wearing makeup to a job interview so that you can make an informed decision.
The Pros of Wearing Makeup to an Interview
While there are pros and cons to wearing makeup to an interview, many people feel that there are more advantages than disadvantages. Wearing makeup can give you a boost of confidence, help you look polished and professional, and make you feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar setting.
Here are some of the main pros of wearing makeup to an interview:
You’ll feel more confident.
Wearing makeup can give you a much-needed confidence boost when you’re feeling nervous about an upcoming interview. Knowing that you look good can help you relax and feel more prepared to take on the challenge.
You’ll look polished and professional.
First impressions are important, and looking polished and professional can go a long way in making a good one. If you’re interviewing for a job that requires a lot of public interaction, looking your best can be especially important.
You’ll be more comfortable.
If you’re not used to wearing makeup, it can be daunting to try it for the first time in an interview setting. However, once you get over the initial nerves, wearing makeup can actually help you feel more comfortable. It can act as a barrier between you and the person you’re speaking to, making it easier to focus on the conversation at hand.
The Cons of Wearing Makeup to an Interview
While there are some pros to wearing makeup to an interview, there are also some potential cons.
You may come across as trying too hard.
There’s always the risk of looking overdone and it can give the impression that you’re trying to compensate for something or that you’re not confident in your natural appearance.
Additionally, if you’re not used to wearing makeup, it can be distracting and make it difficult to focus on the interview itself.
It’s important to strike a balance – don’t wear too much makeup, but don’t look like you’re not trying at all either.
How to Decide if You Should Wear Makeup to Your Next Interview
If you are wondering “should you wear makeup to interview”, the simple answer is maybe. It depends on a few factors, such as the industry you’re interviewing for, the company’s culture, and how comfortable you feel in your own skin.
If you’re interviewing for a job in the fashion or beauty industry, then it’s probably a good idea to wear at least some light makeup. This will show that you understand the industry and its standards. However, if you’re interviewing for a job in a more conservative field, like finance or law, then you might want to go without makeup or keep it very natural. The goal is to look polished but not overdone.
As for the company’s culture, try to get a sense of it before your interview. If the office seems casual and relaxed, then there’s no need to wear full-on business attire or heavy makeup. But if the company appears to be more formal, then err on the side of conservatism.
Finally, it’s important to consider how comfortable you feel in your own skin. If wearing makeup makes you feel more confident and polished, then by all means put it on! But if you prefer to go au natural or don’t know how to apply makeup well, then it might be best to skip it for this particular interview.
Tips for Wearing Makeup to an Interview
When it comes to makeup, less is usually more for an interview. You want to look polished and professional, but you don’t want your interviewer to be distracted by your bold lipstick or smokey eye. A good rule of thumb is to keep your makeup simple and natural looking by highlighting your natural beauty only and not exaggerating your features.
Here are a few tips for wearing makeup to an interview:
- Stick to sheer/natural coverage foundations, light concealers, translucent powders to set foundation, and natural color blush. Avoid anything too heavy or cackey – you want your skin to look fresh and natural.
- A light coat of mascara and some neutral toned eyeliner can help make your eyes pop without looking over the top.
- A sheer pink or nude lipstick will add a touch of polish without being too distracting.
- Avoid any bold colors or dramatic makeup looks. You want the focus to be on your qualifications, not your appearance.
- If you are going to sweat during the day, make sure to use a sweat prof, long lasting, light weight foundation instead of a regular one and don’t forget to set your make up with a makeup setting spray to make your it sweat and bullet proof as you might sweat out of nervousness.
So, Should you wear makeup to interview?
Wearing makeup to an interview is a personal choice and there is no right or wrong answer. Some people feel more confident with a bit of makeup on, while others prefer to go au natural. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable in your own skin and that you project confidence. If you need a little boost of confidence, go ahead and wear some makeup, but don’t let it be a crutch — focus on being the best candidate for the job regardless of whether you’re wearing makeup or not.

Sadaf Sehar is the founder of Working Kitty, a platform dedicated to empowering working women. With over a decade of corporate leadership experience, she brings invaluable insights. Passionate about creating inclusive workplaces, Sadaf aims to guide women through workplace challenges. Her website covers dressing, work-life balance, career counseling, and more. Sadaf is a powerful advocate committed to helping women thrive professionally.