GET FREE SAMPLES

sign up for our newsletter to get free sample alerts

7 Simple Tricks to Look Prettier on Video

Whether you Viddy, Vine, Skype, or shoot home movies with a camcorder from the 90's (no judgments), here's what you need to know to do your hair and makeup for video
Photo 3/7
Wear Makeup -- But Not Too Much
The right makeup can look great on camera, but too much makeup -- even if it's good -- can look awful. "Avoid very dark or bright lipstick," warns Chapman. "Bold lips and overly smoky eyes will look heavily made-up and out of place." Stick with looks that are natural, yet defined. She also stresses the importance of blending; you don't want your blush to be streaky or your eyeliner to be too severe. She swears by the Real Techniques Travel Essentials Brushes, $17.99, to blend everything together.

Photo 4/7
Define Your Features
Unless you're doing hi-definition television, you don't need to go overboard on foundation and contouring. Instead, you want to define your brows, eyes, cheeks, and lips. "Your brows frame your eyes and face, so they're very important, but often overlooked," says Emmy Award-winning "Days of Our Lives" makeup artist Joleen Rizzo. She recommends brow powder for a look that's not too drawn-on.

Then, you'll want to apply a few coats of mascara. (Just make sure it isn't clumpy -- clumps can look heavy and be distracting on camera.) Rizzo likes CoverGirl Lash Blast Clump Crusher Mascara, $6.99. On your cheeks, use a pop of color to "bring the skin to life," she says. Finally, don't forget your lips. "Stains are a great way to keep your look natural," she says.

Photo 5/7
Don't Forget to Blot
If your T-zone is shiny, it's going to be exaggerated on camera. "Being shiny or greasy is not a good look -- ever!" says Rizzo. Light reflects off the shiny spots and they look even more obvious. Rizzo suggests using MAC Blot Film, $16, before dusting on a sheer translucent powder.

Photo 6/7
Style Your Hair
A great blowout will always look pretty on camera, but sometimes there just isn't time. If you're in a rush, Emmy Award-winning "Days of Our Lives" hairstylist David Hollman suggests a messy bun or side braid with texture. "Volume is especially important on camera," he says. If you opt for the bun, Hollman suggests pulling the hair around your face to give it a little lift. If you go for the side braid, rub it between your hands to create frizz and texture. "It can elongate your profile and slim your neckline," he says.

Photo 7/7
Clean Up the Background
If your unmade bed is behind you, nobody's going to pay attention to how pretty you look. "Make sure your background area is tidy, uncluttered, and minimal," says Chapman. She shoots in front of a plain white backdrop, and it really lets the makeup be the star.

The first time I had a Skype meeting for work (I live in New York City, and Total Beauty is based in Los Angeles), I was horrified by the way I looked. The lighting exaggerated the dark circles under my eyes, my lips were so washed out it was like I didn't have any lips, and the camera really did add 10 pounds -- to my face.

The next time I was prepared. I did my hair and makeup for video, I found a room with more flattering light, and I propped the computer up on a pile of magazines to get a better angle. The difference was huge -- and it kept me from being distracted by my own face during the meeting.

If you're thinking these tips will only benefit you if you Skype, consider how many forms of video communication are out there right now: Google Hangout, FaceTime, social media aps like Viddy and Vine, posting to YouTube, or even old fashioned home movies (mostly captured on your smartphone, of course). We have to be "camera ready" all the time. No pressure.

That's why I called YouTube makeup artist sensation Samantha Chapman (one half of the Pixiwoo sisters, who have more than 145 million views) to get her top tips on how to do makeup for video. And then I chatted with the hair and makeup team from "Days of Our Lives" -- they know a thing or two about prepping for video.

Follow these seven expert tricks, and I promise you'll look so much prettier in your first Skype meeting than I did in mine.
BY DAWN DAVIS | MAY 30, 2013 | SHARES
VIEW COMMENTS
Full Site | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
TotalBeauty is a property of Evolve Media Holdings, LLC. © 2024 All Rights Reserved. | Affiliate Disclosure: Evolve Media Holdings, LLC, and its owned and operated subsidiaries may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links.