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The Coronavirus pandemic has transformed our lives in so many ways. Without a doubt, the pandemic has changed how many of us work, socialize, interview, worship, and even date. Zoom Calls and videoconferencing have become the norm. While our situation is not ideal, it is best to learn how to confidently embrace it until things improve. Here are some tips and tricks on how to look good on Zoom.
1. Check Your Background
Your background can make a big difference in how you appear on Zoom. If you are frequently on Zoom calls, you should find yourself a consistent space to conduct Zoom calls in. This should be an area where you feel comfortable (but not too comfortable).
Your background environment should be clean and not distracting. Take time to clean your environment and adjust items that you would prefer to not be visible. While your cat may be adorable, I highly doubt your viewers want to see your cat tending to her kitty litter business right behind you.
If you know that you may be interrupted during a call, let other people in your house know when the Zoom call starts. Also, feel free to remove any pets that may cause a disturbance. While I enjoy my dog being by my side during Zoom calls, sometimes it’s best to remove her in case she decides to start barking at the mailman walking by.
If you don’t feel comfortable with your current environment, you can set your background to a custom setting in Zoom or Microsoft Teams. The custom backgrounds can be cheesy, but they are quite fun to play around with!
2. Lighting
Positioning
Lighting has a great impact on how we appear on Zoom calls. It is important to figure out the areas of your house that are the most flattering for Zoom calls. Proper lighting allows participants to see your face clearly.
It is best to position your lighting behind your camera. This includes natural light from windows and indoor lighting from lamps. If you sit with your back to the window or place a lamp behind you, you will end up looking backlit and your participants will not be able to see you very well. The key for the most flattering lighting is to allow light, especially natural light, to illuminate and hit your face.
Ring Light
One of my favorite discoveries during the pandemic was the ring light. Prior to the pandemic, I thought that ring lights were reserved for medical professionals, professional photographers, and Instagram influencers. Not the case at all! You can use ring lights to enhance your overall presentation and appearance on Zoom calls.
A ring light is a hoop of light that is usually lit by LED or fluorescent lights. They can come in various sizes and allow you to put your camera or iPhone in the center of the light. Ring lights help eliminate shadows and provide a source of even, continuous light.
Amazon provides a good variety of ring lights at reasonable prices. I have been enjoying this ring light on Amazon for Zoom meetings and photography. This ring light features 3 adjustable color lighting modes and Bluetooth remote capabilities. I also like that it is USB-powered so that you have the flexibility to either connect to your computer, portable USB charger, or power bank.
Here’s a clip-on Ring Light that is great for those always on the go! Also great for the selfie lovers out there!
3. Adjust Your Camera
When preparing for your Zoom call, you should position the camera at eye level or slightly above eye level. If your camera is positioned too low, your participants may end up getting a little too close and personal with your nose. I highly doubt you want them to see that! Positioning the camera at eye level or slightly above eye level can result in a flattering, slimming effect. You can use large books or a laptop stand to prop up the laptop or camera to eye level. This laptop stand on Amazon is great because it is adjustable, offers heat ventilation, and relieves stiffness in your back and neck.
During your Zoom call, it is also important to look straight at the camera when talking. When looking elsewhere or checking yourself out in the small viewer, you may appear distant and less confident to the Zoom participants. Looking straight at the camera also minimizes the awkwardness that comes along with videoconferencing.
4. Check Your Sound
The way you sound can also affect your overall presentation on Zoom calls. If you find that the microphone built-in your computer or webcam isn’t giving you and Zoom participants clarity, you may need to consider using earbuds or investing in a microphone. The headphones that I have been using to conduct Zoom calls can be found on Amazon here.
A USB condenser Microphone is also a great way to sound more clear on Zoom. Condenser microphones are some of the best microphones for Zoom calls because they are sensitive and can easily capture your voice at your desk. Also, using a USB microphone is easy to set up because you can just plug in and play! Check out this USB microphone to enhance your Zoom sound experience.
It is also important to test and adjust your Zoom volume settings prior to the Zoom call. In the Zoom app, click the Settings icon and then select Audio. There, you can make sure the right microphone is selected and test the volume.
In terms of positioning, it is best to be within two feet of your computer’s microphone. Too close or too far away can make the sound unstable.
5. Zoom Beauty Features
Zoom has many built-in features to enhance your video and picture quality. In the Zoom app, click the Settings icon and then select Video. There, you can select which camera you prefer, enable HD, select mirror image, touch up your appearance, and adjust for low light.
4. Skincare/Prep
Moisturize
Moisturizer serves as the foundation for any look, whether you are at home or not. You should take time to go through your usual morning skincare routine. If you are interested in achieving beautiful, glowing skin at home, check out my Korean Skincare routine!
Now that we are deep into winter, it is important to use a hydrating moisturizer that seals in moisture and repairs the skin’s moisture barrier.
Apply Eye Drops
As someone who suffers from chronic dry eyes, I find applying eye drops in the morning to be very helpful in alleviating dryness and making my eyes look brighter on Zoom. Check out these eye drops if you feel like your eyes could use a little boost!
5. Makeup
While wearing makeup is definitely a personal choice, a little bit of makeup can go a long way in making you look more polished on Zoom. For professional calls, I usually stick to a very basic makeup look that includes a light layer of foundation, concealer, bronzer/blush, mascara, and lip gloss. If you only have 10 minutes to spare before a Zoom call, this is what I recommend that you do:
Apply Foundation, CC, or BB Cream:
During the pandemic, I have been focusing more on skincare than foundation. However, for Zoom calls, I apply a light layer of foundation to the areas of my face that I feel need the most coverage. The goal here is to create a smooth, polished even canvas.
Concealer:
Unfortunately, Zoom calls can make us appear more tired than we actually are. Whether you decide to apply foundation or not, it is important to apply a bit of concealer under your eyes. By applying concealer, you can brighten up your under eyes to achieve a more awake appearance. For a highlighted effect, you should apply concealer 1-2 shades lighter than your foundation shade.
For Zoom Calls, I have been really enjoying this concealer by Maybelline. This stuff covers my deepest, darkest secrets!
Powder:
Apply a bit of powder to set your foundation and concealer. Applying powder is important to reduce shine that may be highlighted on camera.
Bronzer/Blush:
When preparing for Zoom calls, I find applying bronzer or blush to be one of the most important steps. Because Zoom calls can make your face look washed out, it is beneficial to add some depth with bronzer or blush. You don’t want to go overboard with blush or bronzer, but you should apply enough for the definition to be emphasized on camera.
Lately, I have been using this blush palette by Elf. This blush palette offers four gorgeous colors, is highly pigmented, and caters to a variety of skin tones. I recommend the light palette for light skin tones and the dark palette for dark skin tones.
Gorgeous Elf Blush Palette in Dark
Eyes:
For professional Zoom calls, it is best to stick to a neutral or minimal eye makeup look. To add a bit of depth to your eyes, add a layer or two of the dark palette.
Lips:
For Zoom calls, you don’t have to go for a dramatic lip. However, it is good to apply a bit of lip gloss or lip balm to add dimension to your lips. I have been really enjoying this lip gloss in Ginger Snap. It’s a great nude lip color for dark skin! Nyx’s lip glosses are highly pigmented and offer a variety of colors for you to choose from!
6. Hair
Aim for Clean
Regardless of your hair type, hair length, or however you choose to style your hair, make sure that it is clean! You don’t have to do the most, but you should take some time to make your hair look neat. If your hair is greasy and you don’t have time to wash it, try making do with dry shampoo.
If you are having a bad hair day, try styling it in a cute bun, add an accessory, or experiment with a wig!
7. Clothing
The most important article of clothing for Zoom calls is your top. Because only your top is seen, it is great to wear a pretty top that attractively highlights your neck and shoulders. The top shouldn’t be too revealing (unless that is the look you are going for). Aim for tops that flatter your skin tone and can be captured well on camera. You probably shouldn’t worry too much about bottom attire, unless you plan on getting up a lot.
Check out this gorgeous puff sleeve lace top I have been eyeing lately:
This blouse also comes in many other pretty colors!
8. Jewelry
Without a doubt, jewelry can add a simple, yet impactful touch to any outfit. The right jewelry can be very flattering on Zoom calls. For professional Zoom calls, I usually stick to simple gold jewelry because bright or gaudy jewelry can be rather distracting.
These twisted hoops from Amazon have been my go-to’s for Zoom Calls:
These earrings would pair beautifully with the lace top above!
I hope that these tips help you to look your best on your next Zoom call. Let me know in the comments how you plan to step up your Zoom call game!
Love,
Miracle With Grace