Selfie Styling Tips: 6 Beauty Tips For No Filter Success by Dakota Murphey
Since the boom of the selfie there have been no signs of this cultural phenomenon slowing down. And, in a world where 92 million selfies are taken every day, it is important to be on top of your game to create lasting images amongst the waves of photos vying for attention.
But what are the secrets to selfie success? People are. We are the stars of the selfie, whether we are perched on the edge of a mountain or sitting at our desks, the main focus is the face at the centre of the image.
Sure, backgrounds matter but ultimately it is how we are represented on screen that is the difference between a winning selfie and not. Here are some styling tips to help you become the selfie queen (or king) that you’ve always wanted to be.
1. Healthy skin that glows
There is no substitute for healthy skin and the way that it appears on camera, on-screen and in real life. Of course, having beautiful skin is easier said than done but focusing on a skincare routine that cleans, exfoliates and hydrates is essential.
Furthermore, some of our lifestyle choices can also impact how well our skin looks. Protecting against the sun, even in winter, is essential for healthy skin, as is getting enough sleep and water.
We must also consider our nutrition and consume plenty of foods with vitamins and minerals to boost our skin’s natural glow. Makeup is great at enhancing our features but neglecting to let our skin breathe can contribute to unhealthy skin so we must give our pores a chance to clear and clean themselves.
2. Showing off your eyes
They say that our eyes are the windows to the soul and when it comes to selfies it is important to show them off as best as possible. Not only can our eyes tell a story but they can grab people’s attention and ensure that your selfies captivate and stop the scroll on social media.
You can achieve a showstopping selfie by applying mascara to enhance your lashes and make your eyes bigger. Couple this with the right lighting and your eyes will be the stars of the selfie show.
Even if you are squinting in your picture slightly, your eyes will still be visible while conveying the emotion you wish to get across. Applying multiple layers of mascara magnifies its effect but if you are heavy-handed then you risk clumping or adding shadows where they are not needed.
3. Embrace natural light
There are certainly plenty of tricks that social media influencers use to make sure they look their best, from filters and photo editing tools to finding the perfect and most flattering angle, not all that you see can be believed. However, one selfie essential that helps us all to look our best on camera is natural light.
As opposed to bright white lights that highlight any flaws we may have on our skin, natural light is softer and creates a more authentic image. In photography there are two perfect times of the day for using natural light, known as the ‘Golden Hour’.
These are the first hour of light after the sun rises and the last hour before it sets. As the sun is at a lower angle, the light is less intense and can turn what may be an average photo into a visually stunning one.
4. The right foundation is essential
Our phones shoot in such high definition these days that it becomes clear whether you have applied too much foundation or not at a glance. This is something we can see in everyday life but also in old movies that have been rereleased in ultra high-definition where makeup was heavily applied for the low-definition screens of the time.
Applying foundation sparingly is important to avoid clogging your pores or creating a ‘cakey’ look. Using a two-in-one foundation and concealer helps to create an airbrushed look without the need for filtering your images. The shade is important too, too light and you can look washed out, especially if you are using a flash, but too dark and it quickly becomes noticeable that it’s not your natural skin tone.
The best way to find the right shade of foundation for your complexion is to take three or four different options that appear close to your tone. Apply them all in a parallel line on your jawline and the one that blends seamlessly into both areas of your skin above and below the line is the perfect shade.
5. Personalise with accessories
There is only so much you can sneak into a selfie but one aspect that never goes amiss is to include your accessories to reflect your style, or to show that you’re celebrating something special. Whether you slip in your one-of-a-kind engagement ring to subtly make your announcement or you’re rocking a tiara for your birthday, a little bit of glitz and glamour can go a long way.
Of course, there doesn’t need to be a special occasion to include some accessories that can complement your look. For example, large earrings can draw attention to your face rather than what’s going on in the background, while bracelets and rings and some sparkle and hats can transform a simple look into a high-end fashion shoot.
6. Find a lipstick that tells your story
Lipstick trends come and go and whether you’re trying to stay in vogue with nudes and darks, or you’re sticking to your trusty bold red, it’s important to let your lips do the talking. Whether that is showcasing your sustainable makeup choices, expressing how great you are feeling or aiming to inspire others, your lipstick can say a lot.
What is worth considering is the shade of your lipstick to help keep your teeth looking bright and as white as possible. Bright and bold colours are particularly effective at making your teeth appear white, while warmer colours like orange, gold and yellow can make them look dull.
