Best Makeup to Wear to an Interview

Whether you're a recent college grad or simply back on the market, applying for jobs is stressful enough. Agonizing over an upcoming meeting after you've snagged an interview? Even worse. Although we can't do much for your resumé, we can give you pointers on how to ace your makeup. Go ahead and relax a little: You have one less thing to worry about.

Eyes

The team at Glossybox, a prestige beauty product subscription service, says that matte, neutral shades like browns, tans, and soft beiges are best. Opt for matte formulas, and "stay away from shimmer as it can be distracting." When it comes to eyeliner, go with traditional blacks and chocolates, and apply in a thin, soft line. "Stay away from colorful eyeliner," the pros advise. Vivid aqua and sparkling gold might look cool for a night out with pals, but reflect poorly on a future employee.

Lips

For your kisser, Glossybox experts recommend sheer lipsticks or tinted balms that are "close to your natural lip shade, like an everyday nude or soft rose." When heading into the corporate environment, it's best to let lippie enhance your look, not claim it (read: now's not the time to experiment with trendy tangerine). As far as gloss goes, use matte or satin finishes since traditional tubes can be distractingly shiny and don't look professional.

Nail Polish

In our eyes, a professional manicure is an indulgence warranted by stomach-churning pre-interview nerves. Before heading to the salon, settle on a color so you won't be tempted to reach for the season's latest blue or green. The Glossyboxers agreed, reminding us that neutrals are best here, too. Put down the neon purple and reach for a creamy beige or light pink instead.

What if you’re interviewing for a creative position?

Obviously, there's a natural desire to show you're trendy without going overboard. We dig Glossybox's tip of applying safe, sandy shades to your eyes and then paying more attention to other areas of the face. "Focus on a lip or cheek look," the experts suggest. "Right now, coral lips are really big. Find a subdued, but still poppy, colored balm and blush. It's totally acceptable as long as it's done tastefully."

Good luck!