Expert's View

Preparing to Look and Feel Your Best for Virtual Meetings

How one woman’s routine helps her make the most of her at-home setting.

I think I speak for all of us when I say that I have never had so many virtual meetings (via all the latest versions of the technology like Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meets and Microsoft Team) as I have since March 13, 2020. It’s a whole new world. For those of us who are fortunate enough to continue to be working, we have new ways to meet with our team members, our clients, our families. These meetings are often combined with the perils of distance learning, childcare needs, pet emergencies and the fact that our days are not the routine that we once knew them to be.

It’s human nature for us to look for ways to ease all of this intensity and change. Some of us (well, let’s be honest, most of us) have opted for a more casual wardrobe at home. Yes, there are some days I have been guilty of changing my “night” pjs for my day “pjs.” I’ll own that. Those are the days that I use the “still photo” option on Zoom to identify myself vs. show my face. But as we all know, that is an option we can get away with occasionally (think of it is as calling into a meeting vs. showing up in person). We should present ourselves as best we can for virtual meetings — just as we would in person. But let’s be honest, there have been times where I put my makeup on, did my hair and got on a video conference only to be shocked and dismayed at the image I see of myself on the screen. WHY IS THAT?

We have never had to look at ourselves as much as we do now. Prior to Covid, video meetings may have been part of our lives occasionally, but certainly not multiple times a DAY, as they are now. And just like we tend to appear differently in photos when we wear our everyday makeup, we appear differently on video. Video may not showcase us in our best light – it can make us look washed out, older, tired, etc. Who has time to think of all of that and manage a pandemic work/life balance?

Here are some of my tips based on a lot of trial and error.

Makeup

Because we are on camera, makeup is really important. You don’t want to look heavily made up or conversely, even though you have invested time and effort, like you don’t have any on at all (ugh). Make sure your skin is prepped as you would for your normal routine (clean, moisturized, etc.).

If you are younger (in your 20’s through mid 30’s) and you normally use a matte foundation, do your normal routine. If you’re 35 and up, you should go for a dewy look so you don’t showcase fine lines with matte foundation. I recommend Jane Iredale’s Glow Time Full Coverage BB Cream. A little of this product goes a long way and it makes your skin looking fresh and youthful.

For under eye dark circles (regardless of age), here’s a tip to neutralize the dark circles on fair skin; use a shade of pink peachy lipstick (I use a cheap mass brand) and apply under the eyes and blend in. If your skin is medium to dark, use a shade of red (yes, red) lipstick instead. Put your favorite concealer – I use Nars Radiant Cream Concealer but I have also used (and loved) NYX HD Photogenic Concealer.

For eyeshadow, I strongly recommend a natural look. I use the Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eyeshadow Palette. There are so many YouTube tutorials on how to apply the palette – invest a little time and find the right application for your eye shape and color. Use liner on your top lid (this is a must). If you’re 35 plus go LIGHTLY with liner on your lower lash line. Use your favorite mascara (mine is L’Oréal Lash Pro). Again, if you’re 35 plus, go LIGHTLY on your bottom lashes.

Brows are a must. Make sure you shape them and fill them in if you need to! Any Anastasia Brow product is great – it just depends on what you’re comfortable with (powder, pencil, gel, etc.).

For cheeks, I like to use a little L’Oréal Lumi liquid highlighter on my upper cheekbones (but far enough away from my crow’s feet) and Bobbi Brown cream blush on the apples of my cheeks.

I then finish up with a very light dusting of Laura Mercier powder on my nose and chin to set my look.

There are days I like a nude lip and I will use Buxom Lip Gloss in Dolly. Other days I want to pop more so I will use Rimmel’s Stay Glossy in Savoy Plum.

Hair

Don’t overlook it. Style it like you were going to THE OFFICE. Having a ponytail for every meeting when you usually don’t – well, it says you’re really comfortable (and perhaps, too comfortable, in an at home mindset).

Clothing

Wear a nice work blouse. Color is more important when you are on video. Don’t wear colors that will scream, but conversely, don’t wear anything that will make you look anemic either.

Lighting

Do NOT underestimate the light you are video conferencing in. It’s best to use natural ambient light when possible. So, sit facing a window (not directly in the sun. If it’s a cloudy day or you don’t have access, try to find soft lighting (not fluorescent). Never sit with your back to the light. People will only see your outline – you will appear as a shadow on the screen. If you have a ring light for your TikTok video creations (yes, I know some of you do), use that as a light source.

Background

A neutral, uncluttered background is best to keep the attention on you, rather than what’s hanging on your walls or piling up on your desk. But we don’t always have a lot of choice in the matter with working from home. I Zoom from my bedroom because it’s the only door that has a lock in my house (true story). And sit up against my grey fabric headboard. Do what works for you.

Finally, I know all of the above seems like it will take an hour. It literally takes me 15 minutes to do my makeup and 5 minutes to do my hair. I’ve actually figured out how to be more efficient with my time because of Covid and all the juggling I’ve had to do while working from home. Most importantly, remember to BE KIND TO YOURSELF. Do the best you can. We all are doing our best throughout this difficult time. If all you can manage is a little bit of lip gloss, mascara and brushing your hair, then give yourself a break.

ED NOTE: Neither Elle nor Snapdragon have any relationships with the cosmetic companies/brands that she notes in this column.