Beauty tips: Mask-friendly makeup and how to groom for Zoom

Zoom meetings, wearing masks, living a virtual life online and more: The pandemic has had a strong impact on how we live. A fair amount of daily activities once done physically are now done in a very different way.

We are probably all guilty of video-conferencing dressed from the waist up but, instead of pretending, we can embrace that!

Here are a few ideas on how to style your hair, makeup and accessories for virtual interactions. 

HAIR 

When you style your hair before a virtual interaction on screen like Zoom you are typically looking for something quick and easy. You want minimal effort to be camera ready.

• Short hair: Straightening it is a classic and you cannot go wrong.
• Longer hair: Try simple beach waves by tying your hair up and then curling your hair from the ponytail. When you open up the pony tail you have loose beach curls.

A half-up, half-down style using a grip is also a good idea.

If all else fails, the bun can save you! You could do a traditional bun or a messy bun. 

MAKEUP

Looking good makes you feel good and may boost your productivity. You can try different looks every day and really play around. Full glam may be a little extra when working from home but simple glam and soft glam are the perfect go-to looks for Zoom. 

SIMPLE GLAM 

For a simple glam look, neutral colours are key. You want to use eyebrow products, foundation and concealer, a neutral coloured eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner, nude lips and highlighter. Something like this: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCAeh9kJuiX/

SOFT GLAM 

To create a soft glam look you can use your primer, concealer, foundation, warm or neutral coloured eyeshadow, eyebrow products, mascara, eyeliner and highlighter and your favourite lipstick, like this:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAid8Dzp83n/

ACCESSORIES 

Chains are your best friend when dressing for Zoom meetings as your face and neck are more visible than other parts of your body.

You can use this to your advantage. If you’re wearing a formal collared shirt a statement necklace or earrings also always turns up the outfit.

For tops that already have patterns that catch your attention you can opt for a plainer pendant necklace and discreet stud earrings.

When it comes to chokers stay away from the material or lace type because they may not look as professional. 

MAKEUP FOR MASKS

However, not everything is online … yet.  In South Africa, we have to wear a face mask every  time we leave home. Although a face mask blocks more than half of your face you can still pull off a good makeup look.

So we’ve a few makeup tips for when you make a grocery or other essentials runs while wearing a mask. 

MOISTURISE

Apply a little more of your everyday moisturiser than usual when wearing  a face mask because the restricted air flow may cause drier skin and skin irritation. 

EYEBROWS

Wax, thread or tweeze your eyebrows as often as you need to maintain the shape. You can also fill in your eyebrows if you usually do. 

FOUNDATION

Foundation is quite messy so skipping this step is actually a good option, especially if your face mask is white. Instead use a concealer around your eye area and any other specific spots.

If you really must use foundation, apply a setting spray afterwards to avoid leaving foundation marks on your face mask.

EYE MAKEUP 

Your eyes are your key feature especially when wearing a mask, so do the most! You could do basic, soft glam as above or go full glam.

False lashes are absolutely beautiful and there is really no better time to try these out. However, if you are not  a fan, use an eyelash curler and go heavier on the mascara. 

LIPSTICK

Last but not least there is lipstick, which can just as bad as foundation when it comes to staining your mask. And, as disappointing as this may be to lippy enthusiasts, no one is really going to see it so opt for a moisturising lip balm instead of a lipstick.