The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly impacted and transformed workplaces, as many companies have shifted to the work-from-home setup. The good thing is, for most of the workday, we are off the hook appearance-wise. Because who cares, the only thing we’ll be facing for the rest of the day is our laptop.
There are those occasional meetings, though, where we need to look put together, and navigating the waters of web conferencing can be tricky. But that’s the least of your problems. Here, we uncover some makeup hacks for a 10-minute Zoom-ready get-up.
1. Flushed look
Webcams tend to render a washed-out effect on the face. Applying blush can help avoid the flat, pale look. Since the camera picks up red and pink tones, adding some vibrant pop to your cheeks will make you look like you have more life. Colors with yellow or golden undertones, such as coral or peach, are a great pick. Go for a gel or cream formula, which will look more vibrant than a powder that tends to mattify.
Here’s how to do it: Apply blush, sweeping it along your cheekbone, and then into your cheeks. To finish, swipe your blush across your eyelids and into your temples to create an all-over flush.
2. Luminous glow
To achieve that luminous glow look, start with moisturizer, as it adds glow to the skin. Celebrity makeup artists suggest hydrating your face with moisturizer after a quick cleanse.
Next, dab on a foundation to further add glow to the skin and even the tone, but remember to apply just a little. To ace that perfect base, consider using minimal foundation and blending it thoroughly, as it creates a glowing base that gives skin a natural look. Also, to keep the glow on your cheekbones and avoid unwanted shine, press on some powder to cover any oiliness.
Then go for a soft contour to prevent looking flat on camera. Start with a little, and then you can blend it away to make sure you don’t add too much.
3. Natural look
The barely-there makeup is timeless. This three-step look only requires the basics.
First, wash your face with soap, then apply a pea-sized amount of foundation. Blend the foundation around your face. Next, apply concealer sparingly where applicable. For dark circles, swipe the brush under your eyes, then pat with a finger to blend. Dust all over with powder that matches your skin tone.
Now, as to the eyes, curling the eyelashes is enough.
Finish the look with your lips through exfoliation, as it is an easy way to get a natural-looking lip color without putting on any lipstick at all. Follow through with your favorite lip balm, and voilà, you’re Zoom-ready.
Essential tips for a presentable virtual look
Make your eyes pop
There’s something about video calls that makes everyone look tired. Using an eyelash curler will minimize that effect and will give your eyes some boost, making them appear awake. Mascara also adds definition to the eyes and will render them brighter on camera.
Brows make the difference
Brows can make all the difference. Since eyebrows frame the face, grooming and filling them in with a light-colored pencil adds definition to your facial structure.
Hair
In virtual meetings, hair is just as important as makeup. Here’s a quick fix: Use your laptop’s camera to see how your hair looks on screen. How your hair appears in real life doesn’t necessarily translate exactly on screen. So you can afford to show only the “fixed” angle, that is, that part of your hair that’s been primed. Just remember to keep it neat-looking.
Light
As in other visual mediums, the right lighting matters in video call setups. Adequate lighting brightens up your face as it registers on the camera. Since working from home allows you more access to natural light, you may opt to take your calls by a window. If natural light is not possible, you may use a lamp and place it across your laptop to allow its light to illuminate your face during the call. With this, you can counter the unflattering shadowy effect rendered by the webcam.
Own your individuality
Makeup hacks differ from one person to person, with everyone having their preference and makeup routine. The thing is, go with the look you’re most comfortable with and which highlights your best features. Throw on that which gives you confidence. Best of all, have fun sparing ten minutes of your time to indulge in some self-care routine.
