Look Good on Video: Makeup Tips for Women

Makeup makes a big difference.

Are you appearing on an upcoming “Conversations in Public Relations” video?  Great!  Did you know that the right makeup, especially in today’s HD environment, can help establish you as a trustworthy and credible subject expert?  It’s true.  Here are some important makeup tips for your big day.   Be sure to apply your cosmetics before you arrive, but bring them along, so that we can touch up or refine your look.

Why Makeup is Important for Video
To begin, understand the purpose of makeup for video.  Makeup, in this case, is not to make you more attractive than you are, but to correct the distortion caused by video and lights.  The camera deepens contours beyond their actual depth, ages your face, magnifies flaws, affects color, and layers on ten pounds!  Careful makeup application is critical because it actually helps correct what the camera “mistakes.”  Many men also need a bit of powder to look their best on television or video.

Looking Your Best on Video Day

Foundation for Video
Today’s high definition digital video shows every crease and imperfection in your face and neck.  Light makeup with even — but not heavy — coverage is essential.

Chances are, your everyday foundation isn’t right for video.  Foundations with SPF or light reflective properties can make your skin look pasty under the lights.

Instead of using your conventional foundation, consider investing in a bottle of new foundation or skin colored powder and cosmetics that are specially designed for high definition video (you may not want to wear this everyday). Prices range from $30 to $75, and there are some “try me” sets that are a good value.  You can purchase this makeup at Sephora or through the “Resources” section on the Fletcher Prince website (just click on our online store).  Some to try:

* Cargo Blu_Ray collection
* Make Up For Ever primer and foundation.
* Smash Box Photo Finish.

Apply the foundation with a disposable foam sponge.

In addition to foundation, you will need concealer and a powder that matches your skin.  The powder will set the makeup on your face and will also provide coverage to exposed skin, such as your throat and ears.  Use a synthetic brush to apply concealer.
Consider purchasing a second bottle of foundation in a deeper toned foundation to contour under your chin.

Bringing Out Your Eyes
In the “Conversations” videos, we use tight shots on your face because the eyes and mouth impart so much information.  However, under bright lights, your eyes may appear diminished.  In addition to liner and mascara, take the time to fill in your brows with an eyebrow pencil, matched to the color of your brows, not your hair.

If you have your brows professionally shaped or waxed, don’t schedule that appointment immediately before your video, because your skin may break out in a rash or blemishes.   A quick tweeze on video day is fine.

Select matte eye shadow in light, neutral shades.  Bright lights reflect sparkles in frost formulas.

Defining Your Mouth
Lipstick is essential, but choose the right reds.  A red lipstick with too cool an undertone can look purple on television or film.  The best choice is a natural lip color in a creamy or matte formula (avoid frosts).  Match your lip liner to the inside of your lip.  I like Almay all day lip color.  It is gentle, and it lasts.

Most experts say avoid lip gloss for video.  However, I think a light application of clear gloss or Vaseline catches the light and bring attention to the mouth.  It also helps one speak well and helps prevent mouth noises.  So, I usually ask everyone to apply a little bit.  Men may apply Burt’s Bees lip balm.

More Tips to Look Your Best
Makeup is part of looking your best, but getting a good night’s sleep is just as important.  There are several other dos and don’ts for looking your best.

• DO drink plenty of water, not just on film day, but also for the couple of days before filming, to hydrate your skin.  Being well-hydrated will also help prevent you from making involuntary mouth and lip-smacking noises.
• DON’T drink alcohol the night before.  Even one glass of wine will make you look older the next day.
• DO sleep with your head slightly elevated, if it is comfortable for you.  This will help reduce undereye puffiness.
• DON’T get a facial or a brow wax the day before, as these procedures can make your skin break out.  A recent dermatological study found no benefit to facials.
• DO moisturize your skin and lightly buff or exfoliate  to remove dead skin cells, achieve a healthy glow, and create a good base for foundation.

• If you are older think, “lift.” You are fighting gravity after age 40.  So, avoid long, pendant necklaces, low necklines, and long hair by the sides of the face, and especially centered hair parts. Pull your hair back from your face, or try soft waves or curls.  After 40, long hair is hard to pull off.  Try an up-do, instead.  As someone with frizzy and curly hair, I can tell you that polished hair looks appear better on video, because they are easier to focus on for the camera.