Putting on your Best Zoom Face
Words: Pattie Pegler Image: Stock
During one of many lockdown Zoom calls, I realised I was peering down at my phone looking bedraggled and washed out and I was also wearing my pyjama trousers. Yep, I was guilty of treating work-related Zoom meetings the same as a Skype call with my mum. So, I hit up some professionals for a few tips on putting my best Zoom face on.
Even sticking to the ‘absolute basics’ will present a better image says Christchurch-based make-up-artist, Lucy Harvey. Pop on some foundation or BB cream, lighten under the eyes with a bit of concealer and highlight cheeks with a little blusher or bronzer.
“Eyebrows are one of the basics, they really do frame your face” says Lucy. Use an eyebrow pencil or powder to neaten them up and give them some definition.
So, lighten under the eyes, tidy up the eyebrows, put on some mascara and you’re ready to go with a natural look. If you like playing around with make-up and want to add in lipstick and eyeliner, go for it.
With hair - some styles just don’t work as well when you’re peering into your laptop camera. Lucy advises against pulling hair back too tightly, it can look unflatteringly severe. So if you tie hair back do it loosely and leave some out around the face.
When it comes to clothing – it’s really all about tops. Personal stylist Abby Button, from Christchurch, recommends avoiding both shiny fabrics and colours that are too neutral. Stark whites and blacks can also be unflattering on camera she says.
Opt for colours instead and this doesn’t mean you need to suddenly reinvent yourself and start dressing head to toe in fuschia pink. Subtle colours work well – warm tones that don’t make you look washed out whilst natural fabrics like cottons and linens tend to be less reflective and more flattering. As for patterns – well some, often bigger ones, can work well, others not so much says Abby. If in doubt, opt for solid colours.
Accessorising with jewellery can give a full professional look just avoid earrings that will clunk or jangle and don’t wear multiple bracelets that can chime together. Finally, if you can, sit near a natural light source – it’s more flattering. But make sure you’re not sitting with a window right behind you – all people will see is a silhouette.