Description:
I’m on camera a lot for my remote job. How do people maintain a consistently professional appearance on video calls without dedicating an hour plus to hair and makeup every single day? Looking for smart, efficient tips for personal care and style that translate well on screen.
10 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.
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!
Maintaining a professional appearance on video calls without spending hours getting ready is definitely doable! One great tip is to stick to a signature lookβlike a go-to hairstyle or a couple of versatile outfits that you can rotate. For me, Iβve found that a simple, neat bun or ponytail works wonders; itβs quick and always looks put together.
Also, consider investing in some multipurpose products. A tinted moisturizer can give you that fresh glow without the fuss of foundation and primer. I once had a friend who swore by a color-correcting cream that brightened her face in a flash! And donβt forget about lightingβgood natural light can make a big difference in how polished you look, so try to set up your workspace near a window.
Oh, and if all else fails, a professional-looking top paired with pajama bottoms can bring that comfort without sacrificing style! It's funny how I once wore my fuzzy slippers during a video chat and no one was the wiser.
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.
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.
- Luis Lawrence: Agree that simplicity helps, but why do small accessories and tidy backgrounds shift perceived professionalism so quickly? Could subtle cues like color, lighting, and composition be doing more work than we realize?
- Anonymous: Love the simple jewelry idea and tidy background, but should I wear sunglasses on video calls instead?
- Alex Hall: Hey, glad you like the simple jewelry and tidy background tips! As for sunglasses, I'd actually avoid them on video calls. They can come off as unprofessional or make it hard for others to connect with you since they can't see your eyes. Stick to natural eye contactβit goes a long way for trust and engagement.
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.
Minimal routine works best. good lighting and a neutral top do most of the heavy lifting, keep dry shampoo and tinted moisturizer handy.
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