Appearing on TV - what to wear? hair? face?

[Corygal]

Normally my look is fairly low maintenance, putting it politely. So what do I wear? I'm not being styled as far as I know. It's not acting or owt either.

And what do I do for the face - usually left shiny and bare. Hair naturally unprofessional although I've just had it cut.

I need to look smart yet friendly.

[manandbeast]

We need to know the programme :)

[HeartsTrumpDiamonds]

Do you wear glasses?

[TheGirlFromIpanema]

The shine is a killer! Make sure you powder up well beforehand, it gets hot on TV sets v. quickly!

Hair will always look flatter/more limp/less curly/less shiney etc so perhaps try and add volume if anything is my non expert opinion

[Celeriacacaca]

Plain colours or simple patterns. Clean lines such as a dress or similar. Simple unclunky jewellery. Will you be going into make up beforehand? if so turn up shiny and bare. Strongish colour lipstick so you don't look washed out. Have fun.

[Corygal]

Don't get excited, it's not My Benefits Sex Tape or Channel 4's Embarrassing Crotches.

Anything I can do about my double chin?

[manandbeast]

Wear a lot of make up ... Anyone I e ever seen who has gone on TV is caked. But then on telly they look

[manandbeast]

.... Normal

Sorry editing fail

[Terramirabilis]

Former TV reporter here: wear plain colours or simple large patterns (no micropolkadots as they can strobe on camera). No jewellery that makes a noise clinking together. No dangly earrings as the camera will focus in on your face (probably) and they can be distracting. Wear plenty of make up and focus on reducing shine and emphasising eyes and lips. Stand or sit up straight. Pull your jacket down at the back when you sit down if you sit on set. Wear clothes that follow the line of your body without being tight. Sit with your knees together if you're wearing a skirt. Don't wear a skirt shorter than knee length.

...think that's everything

[WipsGlitter]

Get you hair blow dried. Ask if there will be a make up person.

[Corygal]

Ooh MN and terra I love you so much - thanks a million. What do I do about my glasses? Boy are they thick.

[Corygal]

Glasses? Any thoughts on how to fix them?

[specialsubject]

does the 'plenty of makeup' rule apply for men on TV too? Surely there's someone there to do the honours?

you wear glasses. So you wear glasses. That's it.

if it is an outdoor interview (although doesn't sound like it) tie hair back or insist on standing facing the wind. Don't end up a Peston-style laughing stock.

[Terramirabilis]

Yes, men need to wear make up on TV special if they want to look their best. Men who work on TV all wear make up on screen, trust me.

Depending on where Cory is going to be on TV, there may well not be a make up artist/wardrobe person. Regional stations can be quite "bare-bones".

With glasses you should definitely wear eye make otherwise your eyes can get a bit lost and make sure your glasses are clean! If you are able to not wear them on screen then do so.

[Corygal]

I'll try and gaze myopically at the camera. what about nails? they will show, believe me.

[Terramirabilis]

Nails I would say are up to you. If for some reason you think your hands may be particularly noticeable or focussed on then a manicure wouldn't hurt. But I wouldn't say it's essential by any means. Only thing I would avoid would be obviously chipped nail polish in a bright colour. That might be noticeable to viewers perhaps.

[Unacceptable]

But what show is it?
Important detail

[specialsubject]

thanks terramibilis - but presumably men are not expected to have or apply their own makeup. So what happens if a man turns up for an interview at a place with no makeup artist?

[PenCreed]

Don't wear a dress if you're going to have to wear a microphone. There will be nowhere to clip the boxy bit, which will lead to extreme embarrassment as they try to make you wear it on your leg and it won't stay in place*. Make sure you have something the boxy bit can clip to easily instead.

*Yes, this has happened to me. I was still blushing by the time they actually started filming.

[Terramirabilis]

special they don't wear make up! If it's a small station with no make up artist you either bring your own or you miss out unless you can persuade someone to lend you some. The male presenters have their own make up.

[MajesticSeaFlapFlap]

I reckon ops mugshot is going to be on crimewatch

[Corygal]

I slathered on makeup (thanks no 7) and loads of Revlon photoready primer (free with nail envy, the best nail varnish around). Did smoky eye with ancient pencil from bottom of handbag.

I wore...orange cashmere jumper, grey snake leather cuff, black Vince jogging trousers - thanks so much for that tip, the mic went in my pocket not up my crotch as it would have done had I worn a dress. Finished off with Gucci snaffle loafers because they weigh a ton and stop me twitching my feet.

1.Amazed at how good I looked - must do this grooming thing more often.

1. Did it in one take! The director said Oh you are so professional...Huzzah!
   
2. Thanks a million, all - really, thanks - it went brilliantly and now I feel rather swanky.
   
3. More thanks from the director and crew as they had enough time left over to go for a fry-up before the next job.