How to Look your Best on a Zoom Call

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It looks like video calls aren’t going anywhere, so find the best tripods, lighting, and practice these few makeup tips to look your best!

Tripods and Lighting

I’ve used tripods for taking photos for years, but more than ever I find myself utilizing my smaller iPhone tripods for quick phone use instead of my larger one for my DSLR camera.

This tripod is great if you need one with a lot of height. It also has a wide base so it’s nice and sturdy.

The small ring light at the top of this tripod is very helpful for lighting your face on video calls. It’s also great for seeing well when you’re doing your makeup, but we’re here to talk about video call gear!

A box light like this is great for adding a lot of light. If you’re working in a dark area, one or two of these would go a long way in providing a full amount of lightness, instead of a spotlight on your face. I have two of these and will set them up in front of me but a little off to the side, aimed at my shoulders, to provide nice fill light! You can see how I light for my videos on this post.

The most sturdy iPhone holder I’ve used so far is this one. It’s not a tripod, it looks more like a paper towel holder. It extends a bit but is certainly not the tallest tripod/iPhone holder that I’ve used. It has a heavy, round base and it never slowly slides down or tips over like some cheaper tripods can sometimes do.

Makeup Tips

When it comes to makeup, there are two products that shouldn’t be skipped: under eye concealer and lip color. Whether you’re a full face of makeup kind of gal, or you like to keep it minimal, faux lighting can be really harsh, so brightening up your under-eye area and giving your lips a wash of color helps your whole face look more awake and rested.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away concealer is one of my favorites for brightening the under-eye area! And if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option try the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind.

I shared a round-up of my favorite pink lipsticks on this post and would recommend any of these formulations, but if you are looking for a more subtle wash of color, try the fresh Sugar Lip Treatments (specifically Rose!)

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Angela says · 09.02.20

I look terrible in video so I need to try all these tips!
https://blushandpearls.com

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JB says · 09.02.20

Can you link the smaller lights shown in main picture – the desk clamp version.

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Kate says · 09.02.20

The smaller clamp one isn’t very good. I wouldn’t recommend it.

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Bridget S says · 09.02.20

I’ve been meaning to go back and add a comment on the pink lipstick post. I bought two different ones on your recommendation specifically for Zoom and you are so right! One is more pink than I would normally wear, but it has become my go-to for video. They look great on video meetings – they look better than natural. Also, I second the brightener and concealer recommendation. I bought Urban Decays’s brightener and pair with my usual concealer and the camera difference is perfect.

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Kate says · 09.02.20

I’m so glad to hear that!!

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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says · 09.02.20

I love your tips! This was such a great post to read – super relevant! 🙂

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com

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Dawn says · 09.02.20

I feel like my foundation color is much lighter on virtual calls/meetings. I know it’s the right color for me, it photographs lovely. Is there a possibility I need to change my foundation? No one has said anything but that’s how it looks to me.

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Holly says · 09.02.20

Love these tips! Where are your glasses from? Anything special there for blocking blue light?

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Rosy says · 09.02.20

In your photo here, I like the iphone holder. What are the 2 things next to it clipped to the desk? Circle light?

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Millie says · 09.03.20

Need to pick up one of the phone tripods!! Great tips! xx

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Kaelen says · 09.03.20

Ooh, I’m totally going to get one of those standing ring lights. I always look like I’m in some dingy hole when I’m on zoom.

xoKaelen | Darling Marcelle

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Kate says · 09.04.20

Thanks for sharing! Never thought this would be a post I needed, but you shared some great tips!!

-Kate
https://daysofkate.com/

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Anna says · 09.28.20

I think that kind ring light is exaclty what I need. Light in my setup comes from behind which is not great. Thank you!

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Camilla Bailey says · 03.22.21

Oh, you are 100% prepared.
I definitely need some of that. I spend more than 3-4 hours a day at Zoom, and I had to move my desk to the opposite wall to get my background better, but the lighting isn’t perfect. A ring light might be something I need.

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LA Photo Party says · 12.03.21

Really This goes far beyond the commenting! It wrote his thoughts while reading the article amazingly

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