As many workers continue to work from home during statewide lockdowns, video conference calls have quickly become the new norm to replace in-person meetings. Video calls are also a great way to communicate with family and friends face-to-face amid social distancing. Because video calling is new to so many people, however, it’s easy for bad lighting, awkward angles, and other mistakes to distract from the conversation. Whether you’re chatting with your best friend or your boss, here are 6 tips on how to look your best during video calls.

1. Choose the best lighting

The most important aspect of video calls is the ability to see everyone’s face, so it’s important to ensure your face is well-lit with attractive lighting. As a general rule, your primary light source should be behind the camera so your face is illuminated. Natural lighting from windows is best, but if you’re calling at night, place a lamp behind the camera and avoid overhead lighting, which can create dark shadows under your eyes.

2. Avoid low angles

Most people use their built-in computer camera for video calls, but the positioning of the camera makes a huge difference in how you look. The camera should be aligned with your eyes and angled to capture your face and part of your upper body. You might have to adjust the height of your computer to achieve the right angle—such as stacking books underneath—and if you’re using a desktop monitor, you can adjust your seating position accordingly. The best way to get the perfect angle is using an external webcam on a tripod, which gives you much more control than a built-in camera.

3. Ensure your background is neutral 

Finding the right place in your home to make a video call is hard enough when you have to consider lighting, but having a neutral background is just as important. Everyone else on the video call will be able to see everything behind you, so make sure your background is clean and uncluttered. A blank wall is best, and if there is a window, close the blinds or curtains so the additional light doesn’t drown out your face. And while it might be tempting to choose a wall filled with artwork or your impressive bookshelf, it can distract viewers from what’s most important—what you have to say. 

4. Wear a simple outfit

Professional video calls require you to dress professionally, but whether you’re in an important meeting or catching up with friends, you should avoid distracting clothing choices. Try to avoid patterns, stripes, or plaids, and choose solid, bold colors instead of whites or other pale colors, which can make your face look washed out. It’s also important to dress for the temperature so you’re not sweating and removing or adding layers during the call. Finally, while only your top half will be visible, you should still make sure your bottom half is presentable just in case you need to get up during the call.

5. Tend to your skin

Even if you have the best lighting, angle, background and outfit, your on-camera appearance can be ruined by shiny, blotchy, or uneven skin. Webcams are not the most forgiving, and computer screens can highlight excessive oil and pigmentation issues. To look your best, blot excess oil from your skin before video calling, and use lip balm on your lips if they look dry or chapped. 

If you want your skin tone to appear even without putting on a full face of makeup, start regularly using a pigment correcting serum like SkinMedica’s Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum, which evens out your complexion and fixes skin discoloration issues. You can also choose moisturizers that don’t leave your face looking oily. SkinMedica’s HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator hydrates the skin while also improving its texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

6. Don’t forget the details

While ensuring you look your best for video calling, don’t forget about other details that are easy to let slip in a work-from-home environment. Sit up in front of the camera with good posture and avoid slouching in your chair. Be sure to make eye contact with the camera as much as possible, especially when you’re talking. It’s also a good idea to set your phone or tablet aside so you’re not tempted to answer texts or scroll through social media during the call. And if you can, use headphones with a built-in microphone instead of relying on your computer’s audio system, which can sometimes lead to feedback during the video call.

Look your best and feel your best with Siti Med Spa

During these trying times, it’s the little things that count—and Siti Med Spa wants to ensure you look and feel your best as you adjust to a technology-based work environment. We offer a full line of SkinMedica products to ensure your skin is smooth, clear, and radiant during virtual calls and meetings. For more information about products and other skincare treatments currently available, give us a call at (619) 717-8484.