How To Actually Look Good On Zoom – 16 Hacks That Will Save You Time And Make You Look Good On Your Next Zoom Call
STYLE & FASHION
One of the first things we discovered when working from home was that we could cheat the dress code, and our colleagues would be none the wiser. Our outfit could be as casual as we wanted, but we could still maintain professionalism thanks to a quick wardrobe change and the strategic placement of the camera. But having a blazer on hand for last-minute Zoom calls is only the beginning…
We’ve picked up a lot of tricks over these past few months. From tips to looking good on camera every single time, to low-effort hair and beauty hacks, and so much more; we’re sharing some of our favourites below…
Work From Home Fashion Tips
1. Got something important to say? Instead of raising your voice, let your clothes do the talking! Opt for a loud blouse or a white shirt with a vibrant sweater (or blazer if you’re being very professional) on top, to make sure you stand out among a sea of duller hues.
2. Ironing is so 2019! Only iron the front of your clothes, and only the parts that will be seen on camera.
Time-Saving Hair And Beauty Zoom Tips
3. Only straighten the front of your hair – anythingthat can’t be seen doesn’t need to be styled. This not only saves time, but it also saves your hair from heat damage. Many women have praised lockdown as their hair has thrived due to the lack of heat styling.
4. If your hair is looking flat and lifeless, and is also in need of a good wash, don’t panic. Dry shampoo will not only get the oil out, but it will also give the hair some much needed body and volume, making you look like you’ve just stepped out of the salon.
5. Zoom actually has a beautify setting!Go to Video Settings and click ‘touch up my appearance’ and use the slider to adjust the effect. Don’t go crazy, but it’s great for evening out your skin tone and touching up the lighting. In other words, it can’t hurt!
6. Use eyeshadow sparingly, but cleverly! Eyeshadow can create dimension to stop your eyes looking tired and sunken on camera. Apply a light shimmery shade to your lids, and a darker colour in your crease, and blend the two together with a blending brush to avoid harsh lines. Add some highlighter in the inner corners to instantly open and brighten them up, making you look like you got your full 8 hours.
7. Just a subtle pop of blush can instantly add some colour to your face, making you look healthier and even more youthful.
8. No need to spend time carefully applying lip liner and lipstick, as tinted lip balm will give your lips just the perfect amount of colour so you don’t look washed out.
9. Face roll and chill. Literally. Put your trusty face roller in the fridge and use it just before your next Zoom call, as it will de-puff your face almost instantly.
10. Don’t forget to clean your glasses – the light will pick up on even the smallest of smudges, so give them a quick wipe before every Zoom call.
What’s The Best Background To Have On Zoom?
11. Set up your desk in an area that won’t need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Avoid positioning the camera where things like the sofa or a big table are behind you, as there will always be potential for clutter in the background. If possible, choose a space with a plain wall in the background.
12. Change your background to a digital background, so you don’t have to obsess over everything in shot every single day. Certain brands such as Behr and West Elm even have super-realistic living rooms and kitchens, for example, which offer very professional and low-effort background choices.
13. Get the light right. Natural light is great – face a natural light source, but make sure the light is coming from behind the camera.
14. Lamps are also great, especially now the days are getting shorter and can’t rely on natural light for the whole working day. A great trick which will light your face flawlessly without relying on overhead or background light is to position the lamp just behind and to the side of your laptop. And don’t forget to position it on your “good side”.
Where To Position The Camera On Zoom
15. Choose your distance carefully. From the décolletage up is a good rule of thumb – not too close so you’re intimidating or so that your Zoom colleagues can see every single fine line, but not too far so that your yoga trousers are on display.
16. Use books or magazines. Many people carefully position books on their bookshelfto appear smarter (true story) but there’s another way books can help you. Use them to rest your laptop on so that your camera is the perfect height for Zoom calls. Ideally, the camera should be at eye level, so that you can maintain eye contact with your colleagues (and also to stop them seeing up your nose). Everyone’s a winner!
Have you used any of these? Do you have any tips and tricks that we haven’t mentioned that you would love to share? We’re always on the lookout for more tips, so let us know!
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Have a great day!
