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.