Zoom is making you look bad? Three ways makeup can help – and yes, even for men

Blusher is your best friend before a long Zoom meeting. Just make sure you have the right brush technique. Photo: dpa

Your laptop’s camera is merciless. It acts like a magnifying glass to the tiniest of blemishes and tired eyes.

If you’re working remotely or seeking work during the pandemic, cosmetics experts have a few tricks to help you show your best side in Zoom meetings.

Shiny Skin

"Blotchy, shiny skin is all the more noticeable on video calls," says make-up artist Jasmin Reuter. ”If you have to go on an important call, such as one that’s being recorded, I would advise men to use some no-pigment foundation to counteract the shine."

If you want to do it professionally, then buy a ring light, Reuter says, which will eliminate shadows on your face and give you a softer complexion.

Tired eyes

Although dark under-eye circles are even cool in some TikTok circles, most of us won’t be applying brown lipstick under our eyes before Zoom meetings.

After all, your camera’s low position will often make under-eye circles appear even darker on their own.

Generally you’re better off avoiding filming yourself from a low camera angle, which won’t be as flattering (and can also make you look like you’re looking down on others).

Beyond raising your camera, some concealer will help tone down those rings under your eyes. If you find your eyes still look tired, mascara is your friend. This “opens up your eyes and makes you look more alert," says Reuter.

Avoid filming yourself from a low camera angle, which won’t be as flattering. Photo: Filepic

A dead look

Video chat rarely gets your complexion right. If you wear make-up anyway, Reuter advises using some blusher on video calls, which will make your face look fresher – but only if it is applied in the right place.

”You should always start at the bottom of the ear, otherwise you risk giving yourself a stain of colour on your cheek, ” says cosmetics expert Nathalie Fischer. “Then brush towards the tip of your nose and stop at the centre of your pupil.”

Here’s the tricky part: While your hand carries the brush inwards towards your nose, the brush itself should be sweeping away from the nose, towards your ear.

”This way the blusher will blend with your skin and any hairs won’t stand up.” – dpa

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