Ace Your Next Interview with These 3 Easy Makeup and Hair Looks

It’s the day before your job interview. You’ve researched the company, printed out your resumes, and prepped answers to tricky questions—so now let’s decide what to do with your hair and makeup.

Showing up looking confident and put together makes for a lasting first impression, so it’s best to plan your look ahead of time. You don’t want to feel frazzled creating complicated hairstyles or makeup on the day of your interview—this is not the time to try out that intricate braided updo you saw on Pinterest!

Even if you’re reading this just hours before the big moment, these three stress-free looks will have you ready in no time so you can put your best face forward.

Look #1: Sleek Pony, Glossy Lips

Hair

A slicked back ponytail will eliminate the chance of runaway strands distracting your interviewer (and yourself!). Just part your hair, brush it back and secure with the band of your choice—feel free to show a little pizzazz with a bow or scarf-like ponytail holder. Add a little hair oil to seal your ends and a spritz of hairspray to keep flyaways in place for effortlessly classy hair.

Makeup

It’s best to err on the side of minimal when it comes to interview makeup. For this look, pair your pony with lightweight foundation, rosy-hued blush and a coat of volumizing mascara for 360° definition. Finish off with a mauve-pink gloss for a pop of color that pulls the look together.

Look #2: Cute Chignon & Crisp Cat Eye

Hair

This quick and easy chignon will have you looking chic without taking up the extra time you need to review your notes. Part your hair, leaving out bangs or short tendrils, and gather the remaining hair into a ponytail at the center back of your head. Twist your strands into a circular bun around your elastic and secure with bobby pins. Fluff out your bun for a more voluminous look. Finish by wrapping your bangs around a curling wand to create loose spirals great for softly framing your face.

Makeup

Let your peepers do the talking with a confident cat eye that says, “I can handle anything.” Line your top lid with brown liquid liner, and wing out slightly for delicate yet determined eyes. Add a lash lifting mascara, peachy-pink blush and a neutral matte lipstick for a makeup look that means business.

Look #3: Silky Waves, Strong Brow

Hair

Make your hair shine as bright as your glowing recommendations with this simple, silky style. First, create defined ringlets with your trusty curling wand, and then comb out to loosen the tight tendrils. Finish off with a shine-inducing spray, preferably formulated with argan oil for a glossy touch that illuminates your strands.

Makeup

By “strong brows,” I don’t mean the painted on kind that make you look surprised throughout the whole interview. Instead, go for clean arches that frame your eyes without shocking the hiring manager. Keep your face makeup natural with just a touch of bronzer, barely-there mascara and tinted lip balm. For your brows, turn up the volume with a tinted gel for instantly fuller strands that stay in place. Want added definition? Lightly trace your arches with a brow wax and angled brush for shapely brows that’ll give you the extra confidence you need to nail your interview.

Illustrations by Megan Badilla