Makeup isn't a must for a pretty driver's license photo, but these driver's license makeup tips definitely make a difference.
We love studying the best-looking driver’s license photos to see what makes them so darn cute!
In this study, what we noticed are some interesting makeup similarities that are just too specific to be a coincidence.
These girls know what they’re doing, and now you will too!
We’re revealing the results below.
Driver’s License Makeup Tips
1. Natural glam is the way to go
One of the most obvious makeup similarities among the best license and ID photos is a natural makeup look.
Nothing too glam, nothing over-the-top.
A natural and simple look will enhance your looks without making you look like a different person.
This is so important for any ID photo!
Tips for achieving a natural makeup look
Avoid bright, flashy colors
Go for more subtle and neutral tones like browns and dusty pinks
Stay far, far away from glitter
This can draw too much attention to all the wrong places
Remember you want to enhance your features, not change them
Your license must look like you!
2. Avoid raccoon eyes
Directly related to our last driver’s license makeup tip is this: avoid raccoon eyes.
How do you get raccoon eyes?
When you wear too much eyeliner!
While eyeliner is a good way to make your eyes look more interesting, you need to be super careful with it.
Too much eyeliner, particularly black eyeliner on your waterline, can make your eyes look much smaller(source).
To avoid this, try a simple winged eyeliner instead, or use a color other than black on your waterline.
eyeliner tips for your license
Keep it simple
Don't underestimate the power of a simple winged eyeliner
Anything but black
If you need to wear eyeliner in your waterline, go for a dark brown instead
Open up your eyes
With beige eyeliner! (White may look too obvious)
3. Say YES to BOLD brows
Another similarity we couldn’t ignore among the best IDs and driver’s license photos is strong, bold brows.
But not sharpie brows.
There’s a difference!
tips for achieving the perfect brows
Don't over pluck
Thin brows aren't for everyone
Try soap brows
A dramatic arch can make you look surprised or even angry
Keep your brows in place
Try a brow gel (or soap!)
4. Go easy on the highlight
Tip number 4 for your driver’s license makeup is to go easy on the highlight.
As in, very easy.
"Your highlighter singing to you from your makeup bag"
Too much highlighter can quickly make you look like a disco ball in your photo… which is never a good look.
Check out this photo Bretman Rock posted showing why too much highlighter is always a bad choice for an ID:
You’ve been warned!
5. Shine be gone!
If your skin tends to get oily, there’s another kind of highlighter you need to worry about — the natural kind.
That’s why tip number 5 is to keep shine under control.
Luckily, you can do this easily with oil-absorbing sheets that you can pick up from your local beauty supply store. They’re super effective, and your makeup won’t smudge when you use them.
Oil Absorbing Sheets
$7I tried these sheets in my teen years, and was horrified (and satisfied) by just how much oil they picked up.
Buy on WalmartPro Tip
In a post about the best makeup for passport photos, experts Colette Casher and Kierra Lanice recommend applying translucent setting powder to your T-zone to reduce shine by absorbing any excess oil.
6. Use the RIGHT kind of lashes
In over 90% of the driver’s license photos we studied, it was obvious that the girls were wearing false lashes.
This is a smart trick because natural eyelashes don’t show up easily in ID photos.
Using false eyelashes is an easy way to get around this problem and make your eyes pop.
Just be sure you choose the right ones!
tips for choosing the right kind of lashes
Avoid dramatic lashes
These can easily make your eyes look much smaller
Consider your unique eye shape
What works for your bestie may not be what works for you
Mascara is your friend
If you aren't using falsies, apply enough mascara so your eyelashes actually show up on camera.
7. NUDE is GOOD
Another great driver’s license makeup tip is to go for a nude/neutral lip.
You might be tempted to go for a bold lip color, but this can draw too much attention to your lips and away from the rest of your look.
Instead, a nude/neutral color will make your lips look nice without being too much.
Gloss is a great idea because it’ll give your lips shine even if your photo is black and white.
But, if you really want to add color to your lips, choose a nude/neutral-colored lipstick, a tinted gloss, or a lip stain.
8. Add a tiny bit of shimmer
License makeup tip number 8 is to add a tiny bit of shimmer to the inner corners of your eyes.
This is a subtle but really pretty touch that’ll instantly brighten up your look.
9. Blush is a plus
Blush is a great way to add a healthy glow to your face.
Don’t be afraid to include it in your makeup look!
tips for applying blush
Be light-handed
Too much blush can make you look like a doll but not in a good way
Choose the right color for your complexion
This makes a world of a difference!
Apply blush in the right place
Find blush application tips for your face shape
10. Conceal Your Eye Bags
In this post, we talk about the importance of sleep for a good driver’s license photo.
But if you absolutely could not get enough sleep the night before your photo, concealer will be your best friend.
Apply concealer to hide your eye bags and make it look like you slept peacefully for hours!
Sleeping Beauty who??
Eye gels, patches, and creams are also really helpful for reducing puffiness from your eyes and making you look more awake.
Check out this highly-rated set from Good Molecules.
Energizing Eye Care Set
$24Caffeine and yerba mate extract help reduce the look of puffiness and dark circles.
Buy on Amazon11. Swipe Up!
Applying your makeup in upward strokes is one of the many techniques to give you a more lifted look for your driver’s license picture.
tips to give yourself a mini facelift
blend your contour upwards
focus on putting mascara on the center of your lashes
don't contour your forehead too much
12. Beware of ghosts
As with any kind of flash photography, you want to avoid flashback at all costs.
Flashback is the white cast you see on your face (typically under your eyes) when you take a photo with flash.
This gives you a ghost-like appearance and will instantly ruin your license photo.
Instantly.
The worst part is that you won’t know your makeup will give you flashback until you take your photo — and then it’s too late. (That’s why this tip is so important).
tips for avoiding flashback
don't use sunscreen with a white cast
avoid translucent setting powder
Using a colored powder instead can help to reduce flashback
choose your concealer carefully
Be sure your concealer isn't too light or you're going to have some problems
13. Say Cheese! 😀
This may sound cheesy, but it’s really true — a smile is the best makeup a girl can wear.
So, as long as you’re allowed to smile in your driver’s license photo, don’t be afraid to!
A smile will brighten up your photo and immediately make you look better and even feel better.
Besides, you’re getting your driver’s license or permit!
That’s definitely something worth smiling about.
BONUS TIP: Practice before the big day
In this post, we emphasize the importance of practicing your driver’s license look before the big day.
This is so, so important, especially for your driver’s license makeup.
We’ve all had a makeup look turn out completely different from what we planned in our head.
In a bad way.
Practicing your makeup look helps you see what works and what doesn’t BEFORE the big day.
This is a great time to try out different colors and techniques and test for flashback.
That way, you can make changes and choose the look that’s best for you.
To help you practice, we created a cute driver’s license template that you can get for free!
Just enter your name and email, and we’ll send two versions right to your inbox!
THE DRIVER'S LICENSETEMPLATE
Test out your driver's license hairstyles, makeup looks and poses before the big day!
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