TV / Broadcast News

Full matte coverage to combat studio lights. Heavier blush/contour than real life (lights wash you out), and avoiding SPF to prevent 'ghost face'.

TV / Broadcast News makeup is a specialized, full-coverage beauty technique designed specifically to withstand harsh, high-definition studio lighting. Characterized by entirely matte finishes and slightly exaggerated contouring, this polished style prevents reflective shine and stops the wearer's features from looking washed out on camera. It is the industry standard for on-air presenters, news anchors, and anyone appearing under professional broadcasting lights.

To create TV / Broadcast News makeup, start by prepping the skin with SPF-free, mattifying products to prevent camera flashback. Build a full-coverage, strictly matte base, followed by slightly exaggerated contour and vibrant blush to combat bright studio lights. Liberally powder the face to eliminate shine, finishing with sharply defined matte eyes and crisp lips.

Face/Base Eyes Matte Polished Bold TV Video Call Presenting

~18 min 6 steps 18 products

The Kit

SPF-Free Moisturizer
Mattifying Face Primer
Full-Coverage Matte Liquid Foundation
Dense Foundation Brush
Matte Liquid Concealer
Damp Makeup Sponge
Matte Powder Bronzer
Angled Face Brush
Vibrant Matte Powder Blush
Translucent Setting Powder
Velour Powder Puff
Matte Setting Spray
Neutral Matte Eyeshadows
Fluffy Blending Brush
Black Gel Eyeliner
Black Volumizing Mascara
Rosy Nude Lip Liner
Long-Wearing Matte Lipstick

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How to Create TV / Broadcast News

Prime the Skin

Massage an SPF-free moisturizer and a mattifying face primer into the skin to control oil and prevent camera flashback. Focus the primer on the T-zone to ensure a perfectly smooth, shine-free canvas.
Apply Matte Base

Buff a full-coverage, matte liquid foundation over the entire face using a dense foundation brush. Blend a matte liquid concealer under the eyes and over any blemishes with a damp makeup sponge to create a flawless, even complexion.
Sculpt and Flush

Sweep a matte powder bronzer heavily under the cheekbones, across the forehead, and along the jawline with an angled face brush to combat wash-out from bright studio lights. Apply a vibrant matte powder blush to the apples of the cheeks using a slightly heavier hand than usual so the color registers on camera.
Set the Face

Press a translucent setting powder generously into the under-eyes, chin, and forehead using a velour powder puff to eliminate all reflective shine. Lock the base in place with a generous mist of matte setting spray.
Define the Eyes

Blend deep neutral matte eyeshadows into the crease and a lighter matte shade across the lid using a fluffy blending brush to create definition without glare. Line the upper lash line closely with a black gel eyeliner and finish with two coats of black volumizing mascara.
Perfect the Lips

Outline the lips precisely with a rosy nude lip liner to create crisp, defined borders that translate well on screen. Fill the lips completely with a coordinating long-wearing matte lipstick to prevent smudging or light reflection.

Pro Tips

Check your makeup under a ring light or harsh white light before finalizing; what looks like too much blush in your bathroom mirror is usually exactly right for the camera.
Avoid eyeshadows or facial highlighters with even the slightest micro-shimmer, as high-definition cameras can pick these up as oily spots or distracting glare.
Make sure to blend your foundation and matte bronzer well down your neck and onto the decolletage so your face perfectly matches the rest of your body under the intense lighting.

Common Questions

What does TV / Broadcast News makeup look like?

It looks incredibly flawless, entirely matte, and slightly exaggerated in person. Because professional camera lights blow out natural shadows and color, the heavy contouring and vibrant blush end up looking perfectly balanced and natural once on screen.

What products do I need for TV / Broadcast News makeup?

You will need an SPF-free moisturizer, a mattifying primer, full-coverage liquid foundation, and completely matte color products for the eyes, cheeks, and lips. Generous amounts of translucent setting powder applied with a velour puff are also essential to kill any reflective shine.

Is TV / Broadcast News makeup good for beginners?

Because it relies heavily on building full-coverage bases and understanding how light interacts with exaggerated facial contouring, this style is generally considered difficult for beginners. It requires precise blending and an understanding of high-definition camera effects to execute perfectly.

Why is SPF avoided in broadcast makeup?

Sunscreen ingredients, particularly physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, intensely reflect light. Under bright studio lighting or flash photography, this creates an undesirable white cast or 'ghost face' effect on camera.

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