Polished & Professional: How To Do Your Makeup For A Job Interview

Craving a career change in 2026? Here’s how to do your makeup for a job interview, according to a freelance makeup artist.

If a change in employment is on your bingo card for 2026, there’s a handful of things you should know before stepping into the office of a potential employer.

Along with a well-thought-out CV and cover letter, presenting yourself as polished and professional can go a long way, too.

According to freelance makeup artist, founder of GH Makeup Academy and Viva Beauty Award Makeup Artist of the Year 2025 winner Gabrielle Houghton, job interview makeup doesn’t call for a fussy 10-step routine or a horde of expensive beauty products. Instead, she recommends all genders focus on looking like themselves in an interview to make the best first impression.

“It’s not about looking different, it’s about looking like you on a really good day,” Gabrielle says. “When we use makeup to do that, we naturally present better in any setting.”

More than this, Gabrielle believes makeup’s transformative powers can ease nerves and help people feel empowered and in control ahead of their interview.

“If [you’re] not feeling like [your] best self because the morning was chaotic, or maybe your schedule is intense, the polish that comes from makeup or even just basic grooming can help us shift into the right frame of mind,” she says.

While full glam will always have its place for special events or weekend soirees, beauty looks suited for the boardroom verge on minimalist – think a radiant, hydrated base, and a healthy flush of colour where needed.

The motto for your interview beauty look should be polished, not overdone – something to keep in mind when approaching your makeup bag that morning.

Unless, of course, you’re interviewing for a job in the creative industries rather than something corporate – in which case, self-expression will always be key.

Gabrielle shares her top tips on how to appear polished or well-groomed for an interview, along with her recommendations on accessible products that won’t break the bank.

Start with a hydrated base

Use a hydrating serum and moisturiser or your favourite sunscreen. Apply skincare with your hands and use a bit of pressure to massage the face and bring blood to the surface with sweeping motions from the centre of the face, outward to the perimeter. This will gently drain any excess fluid or puffiness for a fresher look naturally.

Viva loves Avene Sunsitive Sunscreen Serum SPF50+, $50.

Never skip taming the brows

Drader Brows Brow Lift Stronghold Clear Gel, $32, will hold even the most unruly, resistant brows – for any gender.

Add a little concealer under the eyes or on any spots

Finish with hydration on the lips

I love using Weleda Skin Food, $28. You can also add it to the tops of cheekbones for a hydrated highlight. Hydration in the right areas subtly signals optimum health.

Gabrielle says even non-makeup wearers will find the above tips helpful, an easy guide to follow to feel well presented, not over-the-top.

“Even if you don’t usually wear makeup, think of this as another tool you can use,” Gabrielle says.

“You don’t need to be ‘done up’ for every job role, you just need to look awake, healthy, and put together.”

More beauty

A go-to guide to party season glamour, the best new season beauty buys and more.

Hailey Bieber’s Beauty Brand Rhode Is Coming To NZ In February. Here’s What To Buy & What To Skip. Hailey Bieber’s viral skincare and makeup brand Rhode is launching into Mecca stores in New Zealand on February 13. Here’s what to add to cart.

A definitive guide to the most effective serums to use in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. Pigmentation? Acne? Dehydration? These serums help treat every skin concern, at every age and stage of life.

Glitter! Metallics! Shimmer! A no-holds-barred guide to party season beauty. Prepare to dazzle this party season with our edit of unconventional beauty looks.

How gait, genes and good bacteria could change the way we think about ageing. Viva’s beauty editor travelled to Cannes to find out from international experts.