Makeup Tips for Job-Hunting ID Photos in Japan [Men & Women: Basic Steps]
For job-hunting (shukatsu) ID photos in Japan, the basic goal is a clean, polished look with healthy, bright skin. You don't need heavy makeup. Just evening out your skin tone and tidying your eyebrows can change the impression your photo makes.
This article covers tips for each part of the face, what men should groom, and how to prepare the day before and on the day of your shoot.
If you want to have your photo taken at a studio once your makeup is ready, you can check available times on the 19Studio booking page. We are a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station, and same-day bookings are available.
Contents
Makeup basics for job-hunting ID photos
The look to aim for is natural, healthy-looking and neat.
ID photos are taken straight on under strong lighting, so colors tend to look paler than they do in everyday life. That is why adding just a little more color to your cheeks and lips and defining your brows a bit more than usual will look just right in the photo.
However, bright colors, glitter and a strong glossy finish stand out in photos. Choose natural shades.
Tips for each part of the face
Let's start with an overview in a table.
| Area | Key point | Recommended color / finish |
|---|---|---|
| Base makeup | Apply thinly and evenly. Avoid a visible color difference from your neck | A shade that blends with your skin, matte to semi-matte |
| Eyebrows | Match the height and thickness on both sides | Brown tones close to your hair color |
| Eye makeup | Lightly define the outline of your eyes | Brown or beige tones |
| Cheeks | Apply softly on the high part of the cheeks | Coral or pink beige |
| Lips | Choose a color that brightens your complexion | Pink beige or coral tones |
Base makeup
Apply foundation thinly and evenly. If it is too thick, it can look chalky and white under the flash and studio lights.
Cover noticeable dark circles or acne marks with concealer, only where needed. Finish with a light dusting of powder to control shine.
Blend along your jawline and into your neck so that only your face doesn't look white.
Eyebrows
Your eyebrows have a big influence on your expression. Match the height and thickness on both sides, and fill in only the spots where the hair is sparse.
Brown tones close to your hair color look natural. Don't overdraw them. A soft finish gives a gentle, sincere impression.
Eye makeup
For eyeshadow, use skin-friendly colors such as brown or beige. A thin layer on the eyelids is enough.
With eyeliner, just fill in the gaps between your lashes. Apply mascara lightly so it doesn't clump.
If your lashes touch your eyelid or the area around your eyes when you tilt your head down slightly, curling them lightly with an eyelash curler will make your eyes show up more clearly.
Cheeks
Use blush to add a healthy glow. Apply it softly on the high part of your cheeks.
Coral and pink beige are easy to work with. A heavy hand looks unnatural, so build the color up little by little.
Lips
Choose a lip color that makes your complexion look brighter. Pink beige or coral tones look natural.
Blot lightly with a tissue to remove excess oil. This settles the color and gives a neater look.
Grooming points for men
For men, it is easier to think of it as grooming rather than makeup.
- Eyebrows: Trim stray hairs and balance both sides
- Skin: If shine, redness or dark circles bother you, use a thin layer of BB cream or concealer
- Facial hair: Check in a mirror for any missed spots after shaving
- Lips: If they are dry, use a non-tinted lip balm
Coordinating this with your hairstyle and clothes will pull your overall look together.
Makeup to avoid, and how to choose
The following types of makeup stand out in ID photos, so keep them subtle or skip them.
- Eyeshadow with strong glitter or pearl
- Thick, dark eyeliner and false eyelashes
- Deep red or very bold lip colors
- Highlighter that is too shiny
When in doubt, remember this: add a little more color than usual, and keep the finish closer to matte. It makes choices easier.
Preparing the day before and on the day
The day before
- Moisturize well to get your skin in good condition
- Get enough sleep
- Do a final check of your hairstyle and suit
On the day
- After skincare, apply a makeup primer to even out your skin
- Finish in this order: foundation, eyebrows, eye makeup, cheeks, lips
- Before leaving home, check your whole face in a well-lit place
- Bring lipstick and powder so you can touch up your makeup
In case your makeup shifts on the way, it helps to arrive a little early and leave time to check yourself in a mirror.
Benefits of shooting at a studio
Even with well-done makeup, how the photo is taken changes how you look. At a studio, you are photographed in a space with proper lighting and a well-prepared shooting environment.
19Studio is a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. You can also walk there from Shinjuku Station. Same-day booking is available, so you can head straight to the studio on a day when your makeup turns out well.
The price includes the photo data, retouching and resizing. There are no extra charges.
You can check available times on the 19Studio booking page.
Summary
- Aim for a clean look and healthy brightness in your job-hunting ID photo
- Keep the base thin, tidy your eyebrows, and add a little color
- Avoid glitter and deep colors; choose natural shades and a matte finish
- Men can also change their impression just by grooming their eyebrows, skin, facial hair and lips
- Moisturizing and sleeping well the day before, and checking in a mirror on the day, make a big difference
Once your makeup is ready, you will want to take your photo with confidence. 19Studio, a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station, accepts same-day bookings. Check available times on the 19Studio booking page
- I love cameras and changed careers from a different industry. Because I used to be the one in front of the camera, I know how nervous people feel. In my articles I share how much a photo can change with a little difference in lighting or the angle of your face.
Walking distance from Shinjuku Station2 min from Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
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