Working from home certainly has its perks, but video calls can leave you feeling…blah. They say the camera adds 10 lbs, and when you add in poor lighting and camera angles, the wrong background and clothing attire, unwashed hair and zero makeup into the mix, online conference calls can make you pretty self-conscious. The good news is that it is possible to look good on camera on even your laziest, most disheveled days. If you want to know how to look better on Zoom and FaceTime, we’ve compiled our best beauty and fashion tips, along with everything you need to know to ensure your camera and lighting are working for you instead of against you.
How to Look Better on Zoom: 7 Beauty Tips
If you want to know how to look better on Zoom, make sure you’re not neglecting the basics. Wash your face and brush your hair, and then capture a couple of videos of yourself to help you pinpoint specific pain points you’d like to address.
- If the camera makes your face look rounder, a little bronzer and highlighter can go a long way in defining your cheekbones, jawline, and nose. It takes a little bit of practice, but with the right products and brushes, you can transform your face in a matter of minutes. Check out this post on contouring and highlighting for tips and tricks!
- If your face appears shiny, opt for a matte moisturizer and foundation, and finish your look by dusting some loose powder on problem areas.
- If the camera draws attention to under eye bags, blemishes, and other facial imperfections, cover them up with a concealer. Concealers with pink undertones help hide under eye circles and dark spots, while concealers with green undertones help hide pimples and redness.
- If you struggle with redness on your nose and/or cheeks, set your foundation with a yellow-tinted loose powder.
- If your hair looks greasy and limp, spray a little dry shampoo on your roots, rub it in, and brush it through to remove oil and add volume.
How to Look Better on Zoom: 4 Fashion Tips
While it can be tempting to hang out in your PJs all day long when you’re working from home, you still need to be mindful of your fashion choices if you’re participating in video conferences. If you want to know how to look better on Zoom, here are 4 fashion tips to consider.
- Opt for solid bright colors. Solid white tops will wash you out on camera, and while black is usually considered a slimming fashion choice, dark tops can be over-powering on video calls. Busy patterns can also be overwhelming and distracting, so it’s best to stick to solid, bright colors.
- Avoid turtlenecks. While they are comfy and cozy, turtlenecks cut off your neck, making your face look rounder and fuller than it actually is. Long, vertical necklines are much more flattering.
- Pay attention to the bottom half of your body. Before you pair a nice top with your comfiest pair of sweatpants, consider if you will need to stand up at all during your meeting. If there is a chance you’ll have to grab something from your printer, tend to your children, or participate in team building exercises, you may want to sport something a little more formal.
- Accessorize wisely. Long earrings can go a long way in making your face look thinner because they draw your eyes downward, and long necklaces can also make a difference as they make your neck look longer and slimmer.
How to Look Better on Zoom: 6 Camera and Lighting Tips
Looking your best on camera isn’t just about your hair, makeup, and fashion choices. If you want to know how to look better on Zoom, here are 6 tips and tricks to help you look more professional online.
- Step back from your camera. Remember that the closer you are to your computer or phone, the wider you will appear.
- Make sure your camera is pointed directly at your face. Many people position their camera slightly below their face and point it upwards, which gives a clear view directly up their nostrils!
- Turn your body slightly to one side. Staring directly at your camera will make your frame appear bigger, so be sure to angle your body slightly to the side, allowing you to display a thinner, more flattering profile of yourself.
- Pay attention to your posture. Sitting up straight with your shoulders back won’t just make you look more confident and professional, it will help elongate your neck and make your face look slimmer, too!
- Play around with your lighting. Natural lighting is best, so try to find a room in your home that allows for as much natural light as possible, or take your video calls outside. If you need to rely on artificial lighting, a selfie ring light is a great option as you can position it in front of your camera, avoiding all of the challenges that come with side- and backlighting.
- Consider your background. Keep your background as simple as possible, being careful to remove any unnecessary clutter in and around the area you intend to host your video conferences.
If you want to know how to look better on Zoom, I hope the ideas in this post help! While it can be tempting to skip your hair and makeup routine and spend the day in your pyjamas while working from home, it’s amazing what a little concealer, contour, and dry shampoo coupled with a bright top and dangly earrings can do to transform your look. Add in the right lighting, posture, and camera angle and you’re sure to look – and feel – your best!
