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7 Answers
Good lighting is 80% of the battle! Invest in a decent ring light or a small LED panel light that you can position in front of you. It smooths out your complexion and makes you look much more alert and polished, even with minimal makeup. Seriously, game changer.
Focus on what's visible on camera: your face, hair (from the front), and shoulders-up attire. Have a few 'Zoom shirts' β nice blouses, collared shirts, or smart sweaters β that are comfortable but look professional. Below the camera? PJ pants are fine lol. For makeup, a bit of concealer, mascara, and a tinted lip balm can do wonders in 5 minutes.
Keep a 'video call emergency kit' at your desk: concealer, lip balm, powder for shine, a comb, and maybe some eye drops. That way you can do a quick touch-up in the 2 minutes before a surprise call. Works for me!
A simple, tidy hairstyle goes a long way. A neat ponytail, a sleek bun, or just ensuring your hair is brushed and out of your face. Dry shampoo is your best friend for refreshing hair quickly. Also, find a good webcam angle β slightly above eye level is usually most flattering.
Skincare over makeup! If your skin looks healthy and hydrated, you need less makeup. A consistent simple skincare routine (cleanse, moisturize, SPF even indoors if near a window) makes a difference. A hydrating facial mist before calls can also make you look more refreshed.
Accessorize simply. A pair of classic stud earrings or a simple necklace can elevate your look quickly. Avoid anything too dangly or noisy. And make sure your background is tidy and uncluttered β a messy background can make *you* look less put-together, no matter how good your hair is.
Many webcams and video conferencing apps have 'touch up my appearance' or background blur features. Use them judiciously! A subtle smoothing filter can be fine, but overdoing it looks unnatural. Background blur is great for hiding a less-than-perfect WFH space.
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