Have you been on countless online meetings and friendly hangouts? If the image that goes through the webcam is something that you care about, then stick with us. Web cameras are forgiving: it’s like it knows you don’t have a professional makeup artist doing your glam as television hosts do. So, the “rules”—that can hardly be called that—for makeup for video calls are a little bit different than real life. Even though it may seem complicated and something new to learn about, it is way simpler than it sounds! To break it down for you, we’ve created a 6-step routine for 5 minutes. Looking great was never so easy!
The makeup and skin prep routine for video calls
We’re starting with skincare and moving on to makeup for video calls, featuring easy-to-use products that can work along with any product that you already have in your routine. Using makeup doesn’t always require plenty of available time: five minutes may be enough. You just need to focus on what a camera can read! Let’s move step by step through your simplified routine and make your skin glow in every screen:
1. Depuff the face and eyes
La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Contour Care
A tired face and puffy eyes may be what is silently weighing down your looks. In order to have an energized and depuffed face in the morning, your day should start with a refreshing splash of cold water and a quick massage with your facial cleanser (try the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Normal to Dry Skin or the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Normal to Oily Skin, depending on your skin type). Then, apply a depuffing eye cream like La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Contour Care and find your overall appearance energized for the day. Finish with a moisturizer, like the Pestle & Mortar Hydrate Moisturizer, and you’re ready to go!
2. Conceal the shadows on the face
Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser Concealer
Now that your face looks lively and ready to work, let’s conceal the shadows that still can make you look tired on camera—even if you’re not. And to conceal, we are surprisingly using a… concealer! You can try one like the Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser Concealer. The trick is to apply the concealer on your undereye circles, on the smile lines and around the nose. You can also apply it to an unwanted visitor like a blemish or also onto dark spots if that’s the case. Even without foundation, your complexion looks evened out. That’s how easy it is to work your complexion makeup for video calls! Tip: use a lightweight and luminous concealer that is both easy to apply and radiant, especially if you’re skipping foundation.
3. Enhance the definition of the eyes
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara 01 Very Black
It’s probably no surprise for you if we say that the eyes communicate as much as the words we speak! If you want to avoid the eyes to inform everyone that you are out of energy, then you may like this tip. After concealing dark circles, you can also apply a bold liner—using an eye pencil such as L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip 36H Gel Automatic Eyeliner or a liquid liner like Catrice Liquid Liner
. knowing that video calls do not always deliver images with the best resolution, makeup for video calls doesn’t have to be high definition! You were never so safe to experiment with liners—even with a bump or two, pixelization got your back! Last but not least, you can and should go heavy-handed with mascara to create a talkative gaze. It’s time to go bold with no pressure for perfection! Speaking of going bold…
4. Go bold with the blush
Makeup Revolution Fast Base Blush Stick
Most cameras used for video calls are not exactly near 4K resolutions. If you apply the same amount and color of blush that you usually do, your cheeks will look as colorless as they did before applying it! Now it’s the time to use that bright blush that you’ve been afraid of, or just load it up with your everyday blush. You can use a powder or a cream blush, or even a bright lipstick will do the job. Along with the concealer that you already have on, this is the only complexion makeup you’ll need to look fresh and lively.
5. Don’t forget your lips
We don’t want to define a star color on makeup for video calls, because it’s up to your preferences! Just don’t forget the lips: that’s the precious tip here. Even though you should choose the color you like, we would suggest staying away from dark brown colors, particularly if you don’t have good lighting. The web cameras tend to wash out the face, and brown lipstick won’t do much for your overall look. If we were to give a suggestion, we’d say that a clear gloss like the Filorga Nutri-Filler Lips Nutri-Plumping Lip Balm or a tinted lip balm such as the Clinique Chubby Stick Lip Balm would be a flattering solution for every skin tone!
6. Dress up your nails
If you want to go one step further, taking care of the nails is a great bet! Your hands move casually as you speak and an impeccable manicure just pops up… it really keeps the look together. As it happens with makeup, you have to play it boldly. Bright colors are your best ally! This way, no one will ever suspect you’re still wearing those comfy pajama bottoms. This may take more than a minute, but it’s an investment of time that should be diluted in the week.
Extra tip: Wear earings! Think how much life it would add to your outfit, especially if you’re using some old shirts that don’t look pretty but are irresistibly comfortable. You may keep a pair over your desk just in case of an emergency call!
