Can You Wear Makeup in Your Australian Passport Photo? (2026 Guide)

One of the most common questions we get is: can you wear makeup in passport photos in Australia? The short answer is yes—but with some important conditions. While the Australian Passport Office does not explicitly ban cosmetics, they have strict rules about your face being clearly visible and your skin tone appearing natural.

If you wear makeup daily, you can certainly wear it for your photo. However, passport photo makeup needs to be subtle. The goal of the photo is identity verification, not glamour. If your makeup significantly alters your facial features or reflects the camera flash, your application could be rejected.

Passport Photo Makeup Rules: What Is Allowed?

There are no specific “laws” listing banned beauty products, but there are strict biometric guidelines. To ensure your photo is accepted, follow these best practices:

• Keep it Natural: The best makeup for passport photo success is a “no-makeup” makeup look. You want to look like yourself on a typical day.
• Matte is Best: Biometric cameras struggle with shine. Use a matte foundation and powder to prevent hot spots from the flash.
• Neutral Tones: Stick to neutral eyeshadows and lip colours. Bright reds or dark purples can sometimes look different in high-contrast prints.

What Makeup to Avoid in Passport Photos (The “Don’ts”)

Many rejections happen because of how makeup reacts to the flash. Here is what you should avoid if you ask “can I wear makeup in a passport photo?”:

• No Glitter or Highlighter: Products with shimmer can reflect the flash, creating white spots on your face that obscure your features.
• Avoid Heavy Contouring: Biometric scanners map the 3D shape of your face. Heavy contouring changes these shadows and can cause the automated gates at the airport to fail.
• Watch Out for SPF: Sunscreens often cause a “white cast” or flashback under a camera flash, making you look pale or ghostly.

How to Get Guaranteed Compliant Photos with PhotoBooth Online

Worried that your makeup might cause a rejection? The safest way to apply is by using PhotoBooth Online. Our service allows you to take your photo at home, where you can control your lighting and check your makeup in the mirror before snapping the shot.

Plus, we use an advanced verification system to check every single photo. If there is an issue with glare, lighting, or shadows, we will let you know.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Snap a Photo: Stand against any wall in your house. Face a window for the best natural light (this makes your makeup look better, too!).
2. Upload to PhotoBooth Online: Click the button below to upload your selfie.
3. We Process It: We remove the background, crop the image to the correct 35mm x 45mm size, and verify it against government standards, turning it into a 100% compliant Australian passport photo.
4. Self-Print or Order Delivery: Instantly download a print-ready 6×4″ (10x15cm) template featuring 4 copies of your new passport photo and print it for cents in any store. Or, skip the shops and have us mail 8 high-quality prints to your door with free shipping across Australia.