pullover - chaser, necklace - brinker & eliza

There was a time when virtual meetings seemed like a novelty. You mean we’re adding video to this call? How do I activate my camera? Really, I can wear my PJs to this meeting, and no one will be any the wiser?! Today though, chatting by Zoom or Skype or Teams is the norm and slumming it in our jammies may no longer be cutting it. So how do we up our video game now we’re spending so much time on screen? One answer: look to those who make their living on camera. Back in my TV days, l learned lots of pro tips that are now relevant to all of us. Here are five faves.

1. Look your loveliest on screen in solid, bright colors

top - natoin ltd, wall sconces - west elm

If you want to make a videographer happy, wear a bright, well-tailored top. Want to do the opposite? Herringbone, plaid and houndstooth all do the trick. It’s the same with our computer screens. Busy little patterns may moiré (dance) on camera - and while we want to appear animated, it’s best our clothes don’t! A bright solid, on the other hand, will flatter your face, illuminate your skin and add a cheery pop to the frame. To get the sharpness of a blazer without the structure or dry-cleaning bills, try a tee with interesting details. It’s amazing how much difference a puff shoulder, tie waist or balloon sleeve can make.

2. Apply makeup that stays all day

No one would ever suggest we wear TV makeup in real life. My husband-to-be used to recoil at the sheer amount of it if he saw me after a show! But all those years of hiding dark circles, making your eyes pop and trying to look refreshed at 3 a.m. do provide helpful training.

I’ve never found a tinted moisturizer, for example, that stays better while looking fresher than Laura Mercier. These days, base is a rarity, but for me, concealer is a must (too little sleep between the kids, the job and this blog!) Uoma’s Stay Woke has lovely hues for women of all colors; IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye is nourishing and non-caking for all. In a hurry? Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer in Sin covers and highlights in a single swipe. Bobby Brown’s shadow sticks are similarly speedy – and long-lasting; ditto Stilla’s Stay All Day liquid eyeliner and Blinc tubing mascara. For lips, I’ve found Uoma’s Badass Icon and Danessa Myricks Colorfix can get you through a cup of tea – or four.

3. Get your room camera-ready too

jeans - edwin, shoes - tamara mellon, framed print - schoolhouse

Unlike most workplaces, your home space is a bit like a set – you can dress it however you want. So why not make it an extension of you? Whether it’s vibrant wall color, well-stocked bookshelves or personal pieces of art, your Zoom backdrop can allow you to ‘bring your whole self to work’ (or to your chat with your doctor, kids’ teacher or family and friends). Think about interviews you see on TV. The subject is always in front of something – even if it’s just a hotel plant! When choosing your own pieces, consider your coloring and what you like to wear. It’s nice to have a spot of color somewhere, so if it’s not typically in your outfit, maybe it can be on your walls.

4. Light up your zoom look with natural or artificial sources

When you’re shooting a news story, the quickest and easiest way to help your subject look nice is often with natural light. If your workspace lets the sunshine in, you may be sitting pretty just by facing that light source. If not, you can always fake a natural glow.

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With the rise of the selfie, there are endless easy lighting options. I use a ring light purchased for shooting pix for the blog. Mounted just behind and above the camera, it gives a bit of luminosity and is forgiving of any not-so-lovely bits (not that any of us have any of those 😉).

5. Upgrade from your computer camera with an external webcam

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Even when camcorders had shown their mettle for most of us, TV crews still used big, fancy cameras. Why? Because they give the quality of image we expect to see on our screens. It’s the same with computer cameras. We can certainly hobble along with our computer’s built-in option. But why offer an OK image when you can present a lovely one? Webcams allow you more freedom in terms of where you place the camera (at or slightly above eyeline is best) and have higher resolution so you – and everything around you – looks better. And who doesn’t want that?

I hope these tips have been helpful. Do let us know our own tips for looking lovely on screen with a comment – and stay safe and lovely!