As we slowly transition out of complete lockdown, things won’t be the same. Conference calls will still be vital as most of the workforce will still be based at home.

Many of us will be entertaining video call dates with potential partners or our current beau.

With this came my Carrie Bradshaw “I couldn’t help but wonder” moment: How to definitively look good in a video call?

Makeup does help. But a good blush and your long lashes won’t be appreciated if the angle is wrong or the lighting isn’t good. We’ve learned that from the YouTube beauty vloggers and how they invest thousands on professional equipment.

There has got to be a way for us non-vlogger folk.

I ventured to ask Andrea Beldua. She does fashion, portraits, lifestyle, products, events, and art photography. Aside from taking a mean selfie or making the most of using herself for a test shot, she’s worked with different brands, print and digital publications, along with celebrities like Nadine Lustre, Catriona Gray, and Julia Barretto.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B36rip6ALTV/

Her tips are simple and can be done with what you’ve got in your home office.

On your equipment position

Place your laptop a foot away from you with the screen slightly tilted down. The webcam is placed on the top of the screen and this angle is more flattering.

For camera phones, remember that the lens is a wide-angle one. If it’s too close, it stretches your face. So use a tripod or something similar and level it to your face and not from an angle below.

On lighting

If you can, do it in front of a window so you can take advantage of natural sunlight. If this isn’t an option, make sure you’re in a well-lit room. Avoid being under an overhead light because that casts shadows on your face.

I prefer warm light, if possible, as it makes your skin look more alive. White light can make your face look pale and gray.

Hacks to know!

Utilizing a white table or placing a white bedsheet or tablecloth on your desk is best. The white surface can act as a reflector to better light your face.

If you have the magnifying beauty mirror that has a built-in light, you can use that as a ring light placed behind your laptop so that your eyes pop. I use this for selfies too. You can use a desk lamp if you don’t have a lighted beauty mirror.