As more people work from home and attend virtual meetings, the importance of looking polished on video calls has grown. However, perfecting your makeup for video calls is different from applying makeup for in-person events. The lighting, camera quality, and angles can all impact how your makeup appears, which is why it’s essential to adjust your routine to ensure you look your best on screen. Whether you’re in a formal business meeting or catching up with friends, here’s a guide to help you achieve the perfect makeup look for video calls and online meetings.

1. Start with Skincare for a Smooth Canvas

Before applying any makeup, it’s important to prep your skin for a flawless look. Well-moisturised and smooth skin creates the perfect base for makeup, ensuring it lasts longer and looks natural on camera.

• Cleanse and Hydrate: Start by cleansing your face to remove any dirt or oil. Follow up with a hydrating moisturiser that suits your skin type. Hydration is essential to prevent dryness or cakey makeup, especially with long video calls.
• Prime Your Skin: Use a primer to create a smooth surface. A mattifying primer helps control shine, while a hydrating primer is ideal for dry skin. A pore-minimizing primer can also help create a flawless appearance, especially if you’re concerned about texture on camera.

2. Choose the Right Foundation for Your Skin Tone

Foundation is a key element in creating an even skin tone, but the lighting in video calls can make some foundations look too heavy or unnatural. To avoid this, choose a lightweight, buildable foundation that provides medium coverage.

• Foundation Formula: Opt for a foundation that is long-lasting and has a natural finish (not too dewy or matte). A satin or velvet finish works well for most skin types and provides a fresh look without looking greasy on camera.
• Application: Blend the foundation well into your skin using a makeup sponge or brush. Be sure to blend it into your neck and jawline to avoid any harsh lines that can be noticeable on camera.

3. Conceal Imperfections and Brighten the Eyes

When you’re on a video call, dark circles or blemishes can be more noticeable due to the camera’s close-up nature. Use a concealer to brighten and cover imperfections.

• Under-Eye Concealer: Choose a concealer that’s one or two shades lighter than your skin tone to brighten the under-eye area. Apply it in a triangle shape under the eyes, which helps lift the face and create a more awake look.
• Spot Concealing: Use a full-coverage concealer to cover any blemishes, redness, or uneven spots. Gently tap the product into the skin to avoid a cakey finish.

4. Set Your Makeup for a Flawless Finish

Setting your makeup is crucial for ensuring it stays in place during long video calls. Use a lightweight setting powder or spray to lock in your makeup and prevent it from moving throughout the day.

• Setting Powder: Lightly dust a translucent setting powder on areas prone to oiliness, like the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). This will help control shine without making your makeup look matte or flat on screen.
• Setting Spray: To set your makeup for a long-lasting finish, use a setting spray. Choose one with a dewy finish if you want to maintain a healthy glow or a mattifying spray if you want to control oil.

5. Add a Touch of Colour to the Face

While your makeup should appear natural on screen, adding a touch of colour can help bring life to your face and ensure you don’t look washed out under the camera’s lighting.

• Blush: Choose a soft blush in a natural tone that complements your skin. Cream blushes work well for video calls because they blend seamlessly and give a fresh, dewy finish. Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards.
• Bronzer/Contour: Lightly apply bronzer or contour to the areas of your face where the sun would naturally hit (cheeks, forehead, and jawline) to add dimension. Avoid overdoing it, as a subtle contour works best on camera.

6. Define Your Eyes

Your eyes are the focal point during a video call, so it’s important to make them pop without going overboard. Here are a few tips for defining your eyes in a way that translates well on camera.

• Eyebrows: Well-groomed eyebrows frame the face and help define your look. Use a brow pencil or powder to fill in sparse areas and create a natural shape. Avoid overly dark brows, as they can look harsh on camera.
• Eyeshadow: Stick to neutral shades like taupe, brown, or soft pinks. Matte eyeshadows generally work better on camera than shimmery shades, which can create unwanted reflections under lighting. A soft, matte eyeshadow can add dimension without being distracting.
• Eyeliner: A thin line of eyeliner along your upper lash line can define your eyes and make them appear larger. Avoid heavy or dramatic eyeliner on the lower lash line, as it can make the eyes appear smaller on camera. A thin line of brown eyeliner is a softer, more natural option for video calls.
• Mascara: Mascara is key for opening up the eyes. Apply one or two coats of mascara to both the upper and lower lashes. If you have the time, curling your lashes first will help make your eyes appear more awake and bright.

7. Finish with a Natural Lip Colour

For a polished, professional look, choose a lip colour that enhances your natural lip tone without being too bold. Go for a neutral or soft pink shade, or a lip gloss that adds subtle shine.

• Lipstick or Lip Balm: If you prefer lipstick, choose a long-lasting formula in a nude, pink, or peach shade. Matte or satin finishes tend to look better on camera, as they are less reflective than glossy formulas.
• Lip Gloss: If you want to add a little shine, opt for a clear or nude lip gloss. A bit of gloss can create a fresh and youthful look, but avoid anything too glossy, as it can appear shiny on camera.

8. Don’t Forget the Lighting

Even the best makeup won’t look its best if the lighting is wrong. Proper lighting can make a huge difference in how your makeup appears on camera.

• Soft, Natural Light: Position yourself near a window or use soft, warm lighting to avoid harsh shadows or an overexposed look. Avoid sitting directly under bright overhead lights, as this can create unflattering shadows on your face.
• Ring Light: For a more professional setup, consider investing in a ring light, which provides even, flattering light and reduces shadows. Ring lights are particularly useful for video calls, as they help illuminate your face evenly.

Conclusion

Perfecting your makeup for video calls and online meetings is all about looking polished and professional while maintaining a natural appearance. By focusing on creating a smooth base, defining your eyes, and adding a touch of colour, you can achieve a glowing, fresh look that translates well on camera. Remember, lighting plays a huge role in how your makeup appears, so be mindful of your environment. With these tips, you’ll be ready to look your best for any virtual meeting, interview, or catch-up with friends!