Video Call Makeup

If you need to record a remote video, have an important remote presentation, or video-based interview - and you want to go the extra mile to look good on camera - we've got you.

In this b(v)log, we will go over seven makeup steps that we specifically built for webcam based recordings or video-calls. We partnered with makeup artist and beauty educator, Birkti Haile Berhe, to develop a flattering, simple makeup look that will translate well through your computer camera.

Step 1 - Moisturizer: Moisturizing your face is not only important for hydration, but it can also act as a base or prepare your skin for makeup application. You can apply it with a brush or simply using your fingers. Any makeup look will be enhanced by starting with moisturizer.

Step 2 - Foundation: The purpose of foundation is to provide a general coverage that will even your skin's complexion and cover imperfections. It also provides an even base for the rest of your makeup look. This can be applied with a beauty sponge or foundation brush. If you go into a makeup store, the representatives there can assist you in picking a skin tone match. Sometimes a webcam or harsh lighting can worsen the appearance of uneven skin tone and foundation is the answer for that.

Step 3 - Concealer: Have you ever joined a remote call and see yourself in the tiny box and think: "Man, look at those dark circles under my eyes... " or "Shoot, I can really still see that pimple coming in..."? Concealer is the solution you're looking for. Concealers are different than foundation because its formula is thicker, and it also serves a different function. It helps brighten dark spots and provides further coverage of blemishes that foundation wasn't able to cover. Typically, it is recommended to pick a concealer that is a few shades lighter than your skin tone. Check out the video below to learn more about application.

Step 4 - Blush: The purpose of blush or bronzer is to add color and dimension for your face. It will help you not look washed out on camera. Some of the top locations to apply blush is to the upper cheeks -- and blend it into your hairline. An in-depth explanation of how to apply blush is below. Shiny or glimmery blush is not recommended for a webcam based look because it doesn't always translate well under certain lighting or via the camera as it might in person. It may distract from your message at hand.

Step 5 - Eyes (brows, eyeliner, and mascara): In the video below, Birkti reviews how to apply brow makeup, eyeliner, and mascara. The right brow look helps enhance and define the structure of your face. Eyeliner and mascara will brighten and widen your eyes. You may have done this type of eye makeup before, but in this clip we will go into specifically webcam-based application tips and the most flattering methods for a video-based interaction.

Step 6 - Setting Powder: As a rule of thumb, a non-shiny makeup look is best on camera. Sometimes too dewey of a look will, again, distract with its shine or translate as oily over the camera. Setting powder helps mattify your makeup and "sets" your makeup -- in other words, make it not smudge as much and last longer. Use a large brush to apply the powder.

Step 7 - Lips: Like blush, adding a lipstick color will help against making you look washed out over camera. Lipstick not only helps define your lip line, but it also pulls the whole look together. See for yourself in the next clip.

For other ways to enhance your webcam content, check out the rest of our blog page.

For a full video on the webcam makeup look, click here.

(Photo by Carlos Martinez on Unsplash)