Passport GRWM: Your Guide to a Photo-Ready Look That Lasts a Decade
Jas is the former Senior Content Specialist at Adore Beauty. A beauty admirer turned certified addict, she brings a sharp editorial eye and pop-culture pulse to everything she creates. Her words have appeared in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Broadsheet. When she’s not producing viral content or podcasting about skincare, you’ll find her thrifting for vintage treasures or binging Bravo (strictly for research, of course).
Let’s be honest: no one likes their passport photo.
Between the unflattering lighting, awkward posing rules, and the pressure of knowing this image will follow (haunt) you for a decade, it’s a recipe for regret.
But this time, I was determined to do it differently.
My last passport photo, taken as a teen mid-argument with my mum about whether I was “smiling” or “grimacing,” belongs in a vault.
The result? A look that says “You’ll pay for this” (you’ll see what I mean shortly).
With big travel plans and adult money to fund them, I vowed to give my passport picture the glow-up it so desperately deserved.
And if TikTok had taught me anything, it’s that there’s an art (and a little science) to perfecting a photo-ready beauty routine.
If your passport is up for renewal, here's how to achieve a picture-perfect look that balances natural beauty with a touch of camera-ready finesse.
The Golden Rules of The Perfect Passport Photo.
1. Contouring Is Your Best Friend.
Passport lighting is nobody's friend. Think changing rooms, but worse.
Subtle contouring adds depth and definition. Use cream contour for easy blending, focusing on the areas you want to shape and add shadow to like your cheekbones, jawline, and nose.
2. Match Your Face to Your Neck.
Nothing ruins a photo like a foundation mismatch.
Double-check your shade in natural light and blend your base down your neck to avoid the dreaded line.
3. Keep Shine in Check.
We love dewy skin, but the camera sees it as shine.
Use a translucent powder or mattifying primer to keep your forehead, nose, and chin camera-ready.
4. The Snatched Hairstyle.
This tip is a retrospective one (it’s only 10 years, right?)
Pull your hair back into a neat, face-framing style.
A slick ponytail or bun will give your face a natural ‘snatch’ (tightening) effect, and keep the focus on your features.
5. Location, Location, Location.
My final piece of advice is another retrospective one (learn from my mistakes, people).
Do your research when it comes to where you get your passport photo taken.
I got mine at my local post office, but if I had my time again (and was more organised), I’d explore either having a professional photographer or camera store snap my picture.
At the very least so you can ask for as many reshoots as you like without being embarrassed by nosy onlookers.
My Passport GRWM Makeup Routine.
Step 1. Skin Prep.
I started with ultra-hydrating serums:
Liberty Belle Rx by Dr Moss GLAM SQUAD Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating & Brightening Serum - 30ml for radiance and Bioderma Sensibio Soothing Defensive Serum for Sensitive Skin 30ml to quell redness.
My under-eyes got a brightening boost from Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème 15ml, followed by the classic Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base 50ml.
For SPF, I mixed Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial SKINSCREEN SPF50+ with the Super Glow Drops, creating the ultimate primed canvas.
Important note: Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.
Step 2. Base.
I’m not a big primer gal, but I do love a luminous base product, so I started my makeup routine with elf Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter.
I then under-painted with the MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Face Essentials Palette H1, using its contour shades to add definition to my cheekbones, nose and frame of my face.
A dab of Huda Beauty Cheeky Tint Blush Stick in Rebel Red added a natural flush, blended perfectly with the elf Cosmetics Putty Blush Brush.
I then applied the Huda Beauty #Fauxfilter Luminous Matte Liquid Concealer to brighten my under eyes.
Its doe-foot applicator is perfect for sculpting beneath underpainting for maximum impact.
To top it off, Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup Foundation provided flawless, but still breathable coverage.
Step 3. Brows & Eyes.
For brows, NYX Professional Makeup The Brow Glue gave me a feathered but natural look.
It adds the perfect dose of tint to sparse areas for a fuller appearance.
I kept things fairly minimal for my eyes; blue mascara didn’t quite feel appropriate for this occasion.
I used a creamy beige shadow for my base, followed by a brown/khaki hybrid in my crease and along the lower lash line, and a muted pink shimmer across the lid.
All of these shades are in an exciting new eyeshadow palette that’s coming soon (sorry) – but hopefully, you should already have similar shades in your kit.
A soft wing, courtesy of MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Color Pencil, and a swipe of Clinique High Impact Mascara tied it all together.
4. Finishing Touches.
I lightly applied the MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Setting Powder to my undereye and T-zone to keep shine at bay.
For lips, I combined M.A.C Cosmetics Macximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy with MAKE UP FOR EVER Wherever Walnut Pencil, topped with AB LAB by Adore Beauty HA Plump Hydrating Lip Oil in Haze.
Come along for the chaos IRL below...
Final Thoughts.
Does my new passport photo look like a Vogue cover? Absolutely not. But compared to my last one, it’s a masterpiece.
The new black-and-white filter doesn’t hurt, either.
So, if your passport renewal is looming, grab your beauty bag and book the appointment because when you're jet-setting you deserve a photo that makes you proud–if not, one that doesn't make you cringe.
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