FREE MINI WORKSHOP: MAKE UP FOR SELF TAPES

What To Do (and What Not To Do)

When acting for the camera, honesty matters. Film and television cameras see everything—texture, makeup, lighting mistakes, and even when someone hasn’t followed simple instructions. The goal is not to look glamorous or overly styled. The goal is to look real, clear, and believable so the casting team can focus on your performance.

Whether you're filming a self-tape or appearing on set, here are some honest do’s and don’ts that actors should keep in mind.

Makeup: Keep It Real

Do: Keep It Natural

Use minimal makeup. A light base to even out skin tone and a bit of powder to reduce shine is usually enough. The camera reads subtlety very well. Light lipstick or vaseline to keep lips moist not dry.

Don’t: Use Contouring

Heavy contouring may work on social media or beauty videos, but it often looks fake on camera. Harsh lines and sculpted shadows distract from your face and performance.

Don’t: Wear Fake Eyelashes

Fake lashes can cast shadows and look unnatural on film. Casting directors want to see your eyes and your expressions, not dramatic lashes.

Do: Look Clean and Prepared

You shouldn’t look like you just rolled out of bed. Brush your hair, tidy your brows, and present yourself neatly. Simple grooming goes a long way. Smell nice but not over powering but smell nice. Some people are not aware of their own smell and casting agents rooms are generally quite small.

Don’t: Overdo Foundation

Heavy foundation can look thick and textured under high-definition cameras. Let your real skin show through.

Self-Tape Basics: The Technical Stuff Matters

Always Film Landscape

Self-tapes should always be filmed landscape, not vertical. Vertical video is common for social media, but casting teams review tapes on widescreens. A horizontal frame keeps your performance clear and professional.

Pay Attention to the Brief

Casting teams often include very specific instructions. These might include framing, background color, lighting, wardrobe, or how to slate your name. If the brief asks for something specific, follow it exactly.

Ignoring the brief can make it look like you didn’t read the instructions or that you’re difficult to work with.

Follow the Identification Instructions

Most auditions ask actors to clearly identify themselves at the start of the tape—usually name, sometimes height, location, or agency. This ID helps casting organize submissions and know who they’re watching.

Make sure your ID is clear, simple, and matches what they asked for.

What Casting Directors Actually Want

Casting directors aren’t looking for perfect makeup or elaborate setups. They want to see:

• Your face clearly

• Your natural expressions

• Your ability to follow instructions

• A professional, prepared presentation

• 
  

If your makeup is distracting, your video is vertical, or the instructions weren’t followed, it takes attention away from the performance.

The Golden Rule

Keep it simple. Keep it honest. Follow the brief.

When your tape is clean, natural, and easy to watch, the casting team can focus on the only thing that really matters—your acting.

Below is Catie Anderson from TMH - showcasing nice basic make up for self tapes!