Like it or not, Zoom has become an important part of many of our everyday lives. Whether attending a virtual meeting, a job interview, or a call with old friends, you want to look your best. However, achieving a polished, camera-ready look can sometimes be challenging. Here are our top makeup tips for Zoom calls to help you put your best face forward.
Face
To ensure even coverage, start with a good primer, like Benefit Cosmetics Porefessional Pore Minimizing Primer ($34, shop here), which minimizes pores and provides a natural, smooth finish. E.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer ($10, shop here) is a gel-based primer that moisturizes while improving your makeup’s staying power.
Look for a light-to-medium coverage foundation with a dewy finish or a tinted moisturizer. Heavier matte foundation tends to look dull and cakey on camera. NARS Sheer Glow Foundation ($47, shop here) offers medium coverage and a natural finish. Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation ($6.89, shop here) is a less expensive option that offers lightweight, buildable coverage and minimizes pores.
Eyebrows
For a more polished and put-together appearance, groom and shape your eyebrows. A well-groomed brow helps frame your face and make your eyes pop. After plucking or waxing, add definition using a brow pencil, pen, powder, or gel. NYX Lift & Snatch Brow Pen ($12, shop here) changes from thin to thick lines by increasing or decreasing pressure on the pen tip. For unruly brows, turn to a long-lasting clear brow gel like Maybelline Express Brow Fast Sculpt ($8.99, shop here).
All About the Eyes
Lighting can cast shadows on your face and enhance under-eye circles. This is where a light-reflecting concealer comes in. It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer ($29, shop here) and Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser ($10.99, shop here) provide good coverage and are crease-resistant and hydrating.
With a bright under-eye area, the focus goes to the eyelashes. A volumizing mascara like e.l.f. Cosmetics Big Mood Mascara ($8, shop here) or an uplifting mascara like L’Oreal Telescopic Original Mascara ($11.99, shop here) are both great options.
Keep the eye area bright by choosing a matte eyeshadow and shimmer shade in neutral tones. Urban Decay Naked2 Eyeshadow Palette ($33, shop here) has matte shades that flatter most skin tones. Too Faced Born This Way The Natural Nudes Eyeshadow Palette ($52, shop here) has beautiful matte shades and complementary shimmers.
If you need extra help brightening the eye area, Tarte Fake Awake Highlighter ($22, shop here) glides smoothly along the inner lash line.
Lips
Before applying lip color, exfoliate to prevent cracked or flakey lips. Use Burt’s Bees Conditioning Lip Scrub ($9.99, shop here) daily to keep lips hydrated and smooth. For a deeper exfoliation, Stila Buff & Blur Enzyme Exfoliator ($28, shop here) is another good option.
For lip color, you want a moisturizing shade with blue undertones to make your teeth look whiter. Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Balm ($21, shop here) is a great choice because it enhances your natural lip color. For more hydration, Honest Tinted Lip Balm ($8.99, shop here) comes in several shades.
Cheeks
Give your cheeks a healthy flush with Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick ($24, shop here) – it’s a cream formula that blends effortlessly. The finish is sheer and more satin than matte. Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush ($23, shop here) is another option that comes in both matte and satin finishes.
Depending on the lighting situation, you could place the blush across the bridge of your nose and the apples of your cheeks to give a rosy glow or along your cheekbones and under your jawline for a more contoured look.