Simple and Natural On-Camera Makeup
Have you ever had the experience of getting your photo taken, or seeing yourself on screen, and feeling like you look nothing like you? It fees like the camera erases all of the dimension from our faces and leaves only a flat shell behind. I used to work as an actor, and I noticed this effect every time I was filmed for a class or watched back an audition tape.
A few weeks ago one of my viewers asked to see how I do my makeup, and even though I am no makeup artist (or even that good with it, I’ll admit) I thought I should show you how I apply it when I will be appearing on video. It feels like we are all performing for cameras these days, whether we want to or not. Many of us are doing video calls or even video job interviews, teaching online or showing our faces on social media. This video will show you how you can apply your makeup so the camera catches what you wish to enhance.
I personally don’t love the feeling of makeup on my face. On a daily basis I prefer to keep it low key with just mascara and a bit of concealer. The camera, however, absorbs so much light that it tends to erase some of the features of my face making it difficult to see my eyelashes, any color on my skin, or even a difference between my lips and the rest of my face. Over time I’ve learned ways to apply makeup strategically so my features don’t get lost when the camera is turned on. It requires putting on a lot more makeup than I’m comfortable with on a daily basis and a lot more color than I normally like, but the end result appears natural and fresh on screen. When I see my face on screen later, I still feel like it looks like me - not too much makeup, but not sickly either.
In this video, I take you step-by-step through how I create this natural makeup look, and why I do the things I do. I use a lot of products (all linked below), but that doesn’t mean that you have to do the same when you appear on camera. I recommend looking at yourself on screen and taking the time to notice what looks different from what you see in the mirror, and figure out the best way to bring that back. For me, the eyes lack definition and my lips get lost - so a bit of eyeliner, mascara, and a colored lip balm, and I’m good to go.
Here is the list of products I used in the video below. I don’t love all of them, so make sure you watch the video before you buy!
FACE
L'Oreal Infallible Pro Matte-Lock Mattifying Face Primer
SmashBox Hydrating Under Eye Primer
Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer (I wear ‘Ivory’)
L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Multi-Use Concealer (I use ‘Fair’)
Revlon PhotoReady Concealer Stick (I use ‘Light’)
e.l.f. Cream Blush Palette in ‘Soft’
Milani Baked Blush in ‘Dolce Pink’
EYES
e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Sheer Tint Eyebrow Gel in ‘Clear’
Sonia Kashuk Eye On Neutral Matte Palette (Discontinued, I probably should get rid of it :S)
If you get nothing else from this video, remember the name of this mascara!
Lancome Auda[City] in Paris Eye Shadow Palette
L'Oréal Pencil Perfect Self-Advancing Eyeliner in ‘Espresso’
COVERGIRL So Lashy! blastPRO Waterproof Mascara
LIPS
Milani Color Statement Lipliner in ‘Haute Pink 05’
L'Oreal Colour Caresse Lipstick by Colour Riche in ‘Pink Cashmere’
I hope this video gives you some ideas of how to apply your makeup when appearing on-camera. If you have any recommendations for an all around good eyeshadow palette, please leave them in the comments below! I could really use a new one. Thanks for watching!
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