These are the things I go over with people in our first meeting. 

1. Make sure your skin and hair look clean and healthy.  I highly recommend people do some kind of mud mask to deep clean the skin and tighten the pores.  We will be shooting very tight and the film picks up everything (including the sand in your eyes).  Test any new products a week or so before to see how your skin reacts, or use products you know.  You do not want to have a reaction before coming into the shoot.  Noxzema is a great product for cleaning and gives the skin a smooth healthy glow.  Do not over moisturize; we do not want the skin too glossy.  You know your skin best and how it reacts to skin products.  Do what is necessary to look your best.  I will be doing some make-up and powder to adjust for lighting.
2. If you do your own makeup, stay away from oil-based products.  They make your face too shiny or slick looking.  The cheapest and best way to deal with makeup is go to a department store makeup counter and let them do it for you.  I recommend my friend Rus at the Estee Lauder counter at Macy's in downtown Missoula.  Explain to them what your doing and they will work with you.  They have been trained in this and love to have people to work on.  Stay away from anything with glitter.
3. I highly recommend people get a haircut or have their hair done prior to the shoot.  Make sure the hair is dry by the time you arrive at your photoshoot.  Try not to use products that give the hair too much sheen; it makes the hair look wet and like you just stepped out of a rainstorm.  If you can add body to your hair, it catches the light and frames your face well.
4. I always recommend that people who have not had a headshot before sit in front of a mirror and study their face and features.  Find out what you really like about your face and features.  It doesn’t hurt to practice and become comfortable with presenting yourself.  It will pay off and you will become more comfortable under the studio lights.  Headshots are about presenting yourself the best way you can. 
5.  Bring several changes of clothes so we have different options.  When choosing clothes, think about how they frame your face.  (Shirts with a shallow v or scooped neck will often help draw the focus drectly into your eyes.)  It works best when the clothing is darker than the face.  In a photograph we are always drawn to the lightest part, and you want it to be your face.  Remember this is all about your face and we only get a hint of clothing.  Clothing with texture always works well, such as corduroy, denim, and fabrics that play with the light.  Do not choose clothing with a lot of pattern because it could distract from your face.  Just keep it simple. Most of all, make sure it’s something you are totally comfortable in.  Avoid things that collect too much lint or animal hair.  Think of it this way:  we are telling the story of you and fabric adds texture to the image.  Think about what kind of statement this makes about who you are.
6. Bring a CD of music that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.
7. Do not be intimidated by this list.  These are merely guidelines and not hard-set rules.  Do what you can.  You want to come in and just have a blast.  You do not want to worry about anything but how great you look and feel.  We have plenty of time, there is no rush.