Ace that Zoom look

Dressing from the waistup has become something of an art form now thanks to the many months of video calls wersquove all been subjected to And now as the threat of a third wave looms close we asked a makeup artist and a stylist to share their hacks on how to ace your onscreen looks no matter the occasionThe virtual dress codeldquoVirtual meetings still call for professional attire dressing in business meetingappropriate clothing is good virtual meeting etiquetterdquo advises fashion stylist Mitali AmbekarMitali AmbekarGo the extra mileEven though the camera does not capture your lower half Ambekar recommends dressing from head to toe mdash wearing shoes for instance can make you feel more put together and confident ldquoA good rule of thumb is to take things down a level from what you would typically wear to the office And so a business suit might seem a tad overdone in a home environment even if the video call is formal Instead opt for a crisp shirt and accessorise with a tie or a scarfrdquo she suggests Dress for the cameraStrong silhouettes such as highshoulder tops and blouses with collar details or shoulder pads are stylish on trend and look incredible on camera They create a presence on screen that is understated but powerful she says ldquoAn Aline skirt paired with a professional top or an Aline dress lends a businessready look without compromising on allday comfort You can add some visual interest to an otherwise bland outfit by accessorising with pearls or layered chains Adding jewellery and a watch can make you look more polished However choose dainty accessories instead of statement pieces that may be distracting A pop of vibrant blush can elevate your onscreen look Representation picsColour correctionWhile solid colours are easier on the eye make sure to choose solid tones that contrast the background In terms of colour saturation opt for midtone colours as very light or very dark colours can wash you out Ambekar adds ldquoWhile choosing prints refrain from busy patterns Mid to smallsized prints are ideal Some patterns including checks houndstooth and narrow stripes can sometimes make a camera moireacute If the garment is creating this strange effect when you are on camera trade it for a bigger print or a solid colourrdquo she advises Finally wear formfitting tops as loose blousy pieces can look untidy messy or bulkyMakeup mantrasA good base With the natural look gaining popularity makeup artist Natasha Nyss advises laying off the pancake and focusing on a good skincare routine ldquoMake sure your base is moisturised and clear You could use a tinted moisturiser or a BB cream for light coverage Use a concealer under and on the inner corners of your eyes and on the bridge of your noserdquo she suggestsNatasha NyssPops of colour Curl your lashes and use a few coats of mascara for that wideawake look For professional video calls skip the eyeliner while for social calls use bright pops of colour near your eyes for a brightening effect says Nyss Since screens can make you look washed out and tired she recommends using a more vibrant blush than yoursquod usually wear ldquoUsing a pointed brush apply the colour in an oval shape across your cheeks and then extend it outwardsrdquo she addsKeep it simple For your lips Nyss recommends sticking to tinted lip balms or nude shades for work ldquoFor informal meetings you can play up the lips with bright pinks or reds while going easy on the eye makeuprdquo she concludes