Tips for Looking Your Best on Video and Zoom: Makeup and Lighting

Some current day on camera scenarios: You are teaching a online workshop or giving a presentation and want to look professional. You have a virtual meeting and want to look put together and at your best. You want to start using Facebook, Instagram or Zoom for regular broadcasts but are nervous about how you will look. I totally understand, there are enough other things to think about with your online presence without worrying about your makeup and hair. So here are just a few tips to step up your game, and all things you can do with minimal product and time commitment.

A after and before picture of me, including proper lighting

1. Prep your skin to moisturizer it so it has an underlaying glow and hydration. Same goes for your lips, make sure they are exfoliated and moisturized. See my post about B3 products here.

2. A little foundation goes a long way. I like to start with a little concealer on the red and/or dark area, usually around the nose, right above the brows, on your eyelids and where you have any other discoloration, redness or blemishes. Then take some of that concealer and mix it with a little moisturizer to make a tinted moisturizer. Buff this into your skin with a foundation blending brush, I like a domed or scallop shaped brush made of a synthetic fiber. The buffing it into your skin gives a natural even glowing looks. I also recommend if you are going to invest on one great makeup brush go for a foundation brush.

3. Add a little blush or matte bronzer. Place on blush on apples of cheeks. And the matte bronzer on your temples at the hairline and a bit right below the apples of your cheeks close to the hairline (suck them in to find that spot). Blend well.

4. Brush your brows upwards and add a little colored pencil or powder and some colored or clear gel. So easy. And frames your face. I'm loving the ESUM Brow Pencils.

5. Curl your lashes and add some mascara. The mascara acts at hairspray of sorts for you lashes. Try my ESUM Mascara.

6. Add some lip balm or tinted lip color, my favorite everyday go to color is:
ESUM Blush Lip Pencil mixed with lip balm.

7. Add a translucent powder to anyplace on your face that has shine or gets shinny.

8. Keep the neckline of your outfit simple but interesting, and choose a flattering color or one that identifies with your brand colors. 



And now for a few camera and lighting tips:

1. If you are using your phone for video get a tripod or table top tripod to hold your camera. I also recommend a PopSocket on the back of your phone. I often put it in the pulled position and prop it on the edge of the top of my computer, then it basically hangs there steady and at a good angle.

2. Angle the camera from above, not below. I have a little shelf riser I put my computer on, or in a pinch use some big books.

3. Consider getting a webcam if you are doing lots of live video. 

4. Have a clean and non distracting background behind you. If need be hang a curtain as a backdrop. 

5. Lighting should be in front of you, or even better if you have diffused natural light from all angles. But whatever you do don't have the light coming from behind, and try to avoid light directly from above too. If there is a window behind you that you cannot avoid hang something over it that blocks the light, I put a dark fabric behind the curtains so it the brightness doesn't come through. You can also purchase a small ring light so that you can light yourself from the front, I got this one from Amazon for only $25, and it has a built in phone holder.

6. A lighted makeup mirror both helps you put on makeup so you can see what you are doing and can double as a light source in front of you on video. Plus ones like the one below (which I own and adore) even have an attachment for a phone and a separate magnifying mirror attachment. 

A great list of gear I found from the girls at https://www.facebook.com/groups/perigirls/

Riki Skinny Mirror

Want to gain more skills to step up your video look? Consider scheduling a personalized makeup lesson, hair lesson, skincare consultation or personal shopping session? I am offering all these virtual beauty services and more via Zoom. I also offer online group lessons and spa parties.

Images from a recent virtual lesson

Recent client feedback:

"Such a great lesson! Super helpful. Even with my limited makeup pallet Shana was able to help me up my teaching from home zoom game."

“This is the video i shot yesterday using all the things i learned at our lesson. Much better look! I have glasses on so you cant see my eyes that well but i put on foundation, blush, the works! Thanks for such a great lesson!”

“The best thing I did for myself during quarantine! It was so much fun Shana. What a cool way to work with you from a distance!”

“I felt so amazing after my Fox & Doll video call makeup sesh with Shana that I immediately went and filmed two of my best YouTube videos to date! The craziest part is that I was wearing less makeup than ever. And it was all makeup I already owned but didn't know how to use like a professional. Totally recommend this new opportunity Shana has available to anyone looking to freshen up their look!”

Want a personalized lesson? Check out the virtual beauty options on my site.

And watch for a follow up post with some hair tips. xo - Shana, Fox & Doll

Glass Straws from Surfside Sips

I discovered these fabulous glass straws from Surfside Sips out of southern California. They are the perfect complement to my starburst swizzles and to any tiki bar. Available in so many colors, sizes and some extra fun shapes like bones and bamboo!

Available in my shop

OR

Order through my link and use the discount code FOXANDDOLL for 20% off your first order.

Soon to be styled in a tasty beverage with my Fox & Doll cocktail swizzles and hairsticks to match.

Pics from Surfside Sips website and instagram

Fox & Doll Recommended

search #foxanddollrecommended on instagram for more beloved products.

Disclaimer: I certify that I personally use these products and love them.

Fixing Rusted Wires on Masks

You may have noticed some rust spots on your masks. I have.

Here I will share a easy method for removal of the rust and how to replace the wire. 

For the first few batches of the masks I made the mistake of using pipe cleaners, as I think many did. Turns out these rust. So here is how to remove them and replace them.

-First I cut a little slit in the back of the mask and pull the old wire out. This is usually pretty easy to do, but sometimes you struggle with fishing it out.  

-Then I use a combination of lemon juice and salt, I spot treated with a Q-tip, bonus if you can put it in the sun. You may need to do this step a few times till you see the rust disappear, then give the whole mask a hand wash and dry. I also recommend pressing with an iron to flatten everything out (see added care instructions in post here.)

-Then I replace the wire with one that I cut from a roll of what’s called “artistic wire”. It’s 20 gauge, basically nylon coated wire. I also bend the ends before inserting it so it isn't sharp and can't poke through. (see below bonus directions on how to make the wires or how to purchase from me).

-If you want to close up the hole grab a needle and thread and just make a few stitches, it doesn't need to look pretty, it's the back so no one will see it, but do cut those threads close, as they will bug you if they tickle your face.

Added instructions of how to bend the ends of the wires:

I bought “artistic wire” from a place called Rio Grande online, but you can also do a general search, some of the craft stores will sell it too. You want 20 gauge. And you will need wire cutters and two pairs of flat nose pliers. 

-Straighten wire between fingertips.

-Cut a 5" wire.

-Bend ends in using flat pliers.

-Take each end of wire in each pair of pliers and give a tug and a little twist back and fourth to straighten it all out and align the ends.

-Now you have a straight wire without sharp ends to reinsert into the nose wire slot.

I also sell some replacement wires if you would rather not do this last step of making them on your own. Sold in packs of 5 for $6 (includes mailing) at shop.foxanddoll.com. Free for any previous of masks from my site.