It’s recruiting season for many law student across the country. For second year law students, Winter Interview Program (normally known as Early Interview Program but shifted to the winter this year due to COVID-19), is a 3 day long opportunity to have brief screener interviews with multiple law firm recruiters who come to campus. While this used to take place in person, our current circumstances means that this will bee virtual this year. Video interviews were always a possibility even before COVID, but I imagine that as long as we are required to wear masks for in person interactions, employers may opt for video interviews. So I’m sharing how I do my video interview makeup and tips for how get ready for the big call.
Video Interview Makeup: Complexion Products
The goal of video interview makeup for me is to look as natural is possible. I do not like to wear makeup on a daily basis and if I can get away with it, I won’t wear makeup to work. Still I understand the importance of doing things to dissuade the appearance of tiredness that law school and school in general during this time can cause.
Foundation: Mented Cosmetics Stick Foundation
I stick with stick foundations (see what I did there) because they are easy and quick to apply and usually the most natural looking. If you’re looking to cover only specific areas, these work because you can easily target a spot. On top of that they are usually very blend-able and easy to sheer out or build up depending on what you need. The Mented Cosmetics Stick Foundation is a perfect match for me, lightweight, and does not get greasy or oily like some stick foundations normally do.
Concealer: Kosas Revealer Concealer
When it comes to concealer, I only apply under or around my eyes as opposed to places on my face that I wish to highlight. The goal is to correct pigmentation under my eyes and make me look a little more energized. This means I’m not necessarily using a bright shade. Instead I’ll apply a shade fairly close to my skin tone. I’ll normally use the Kosas Revealer Concealer in 8.5. The concealer is very lightweight, hydrating, and helps reduce the appearance of puffiness. It’s even better that Kosas has expanded the shade range of this product, so hopefully you’re more likely to find a shade that works for you.
Setting Powder: Sephora Microsmooth Powder
This is not the time I pack on the powder to bake my concealer. All I need is something to apply all over my face, including under my eye. The Sephora Microsmooth Powder is technically a foundation, but it’s lightweight and sheer enough to act as a setting powder.
Bronzer: Mented Cosmetics Bronzer
Bronzer is not at all a necessity, but if you are looking add one in to your look, I’d go with one that is subtle enough to not overpower the look, but pigmented enough to add warmth. That’s why I go with the Mented Cosmetics Bronzer. My shade is “Yacht Life.”
Video Interview Makeup: Eye Products
Brows: Mented Cosmetics or Thrive Causemetics Brow Pencil
Really you can and should go with any eyebrow pencil of choice, assuming it is what you normally do. If your eyebrows are thick and need no additions, skip this. I don’t line my brows, or even use concealer to clean them up for a natural video interview makeup look. I’ll simply brush them in one direction and fill them in with a very lightweight, brown (not black!) brow pencil.
Mascara: Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
Mascara is the main event for the eyes of a video interview makeup look. I absolutely love the Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara because it lengthens eyelashes without giving them an incredible clumpy look or overdramatized look!
Eyeshadow: Nothing at all!
I usually err on the side of not using eyeshadow for video interviews. For one, I wear glasses. But on top of that it’s really not necessary. Instead, if you’ve got pigmentation around your eyes like I do, I suggest applying concealer to your eyelid and setting it with setting powder before applying your mascara. Otherwise you’re good to go! If you do plan on applying eyeshadow, stick to neutrals like what you’ll find in the Mented Cosmetics Everyday Eyeshadow Palette.
That’s it for my video interview makeup look. As for lips, lip balm is more than enough and not distracting. When it comes to hair, which Black women in particular often have to consider, I’ve gotten more comfortable with experimenting and now decide to go with a hair look that would be what I would wear on the job. What that means is, if I’m not going to be able to sleek my hair back into a bun every day, I’m not going to let that be the hairstyle that they meet me with. Last summer, I was totally comfortable rocking one of my curly afro wigs, and I wouldn’t shy away from doing the same in the upcoming summer. Wear what makes you comfortable and what you can sustain!
If you’re reading this and you have an interview coming up, good luck! You have everything you need to succeed.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12: 9
