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We all wish we could turn our camera off on Zoom meetings sometimes, but unfortunately that’s not always an option. In lieu of hiding behind the little black box, boost your confidence by looking your best on a Zoom call. Zoom meetings are some of the only social interaction we’re getting these days, so you might as well dress up for the occasion. Here are six top tips for how to look good on Zoom calls.

How to look good on Zoom: 6 tips and tricks

Use these tips and tricks to look fabulous on your next Zoom meeting or chat with friends.

1. Prioritize poise over PJs

Zoom conference calls are the new in-person meetings, which is just one reason you should get ready every day as though you are going in to the office. Take a shower, get dressed, and do whatever else you would normally do before a workday.

When you pick out your clothes, think about what colors look good on a screen. Bright, solid colors tend to pop the most, whereas patterns can be distracting and pastels or neutral shades can wash you out.

If you’re putting on makeup, consider checking it in your laptop camera in addition to your mirror. Although your makeup might look great in person, it could look different on a screen. By using the camera your colleagues and clients will see you through, you can better predict how to look good on Zoom.

Unfortunately, the unforgiving built-in laptop camera and harsh screen lighting can magnify any blemishes or glares from shiny skin. If you’re worried about either, take some time to blot your face and apply tinted moisturizer or foundation. This will help even out your skin tone in preparation for tinted or unflattering lighting.

2. Use the “touch up my appearance” setting

Zoom also offers a “touch up my appearance” button in the settings that will smooth any blemishes and brighten up your features. This is an easy, automatic way to look good on Zoom with little to no effort on your part.

how to look good on zoom

3. Stick to natural lighting

Lighting is everything when it comes to looking good on Zoom. The most important thing is to sit with your light source in front of you, facing your way. If the light is behind you, you will be backlit and will appear as a silhouette. Side lighting will also emphasize shadows and glares.

Natural light from a window tends to be the most flattering. It brightens up shadows, reduces shine, and spreads evenly across your face.

If you don’t have access to natural lighting, or are meeting at night or early in the morning, you can buy an affordable clip-on light or ring light (see our top recommendations below).

4. Don’t forget about your background

Your face isn’t the only thing people see during Zoom meetings. They’ll also likely get a glimpse into your home office or personal space.

A designated office space will provide greater comfort and control over how to look good on Zoom. Alongside natural lighting, the background should enhance, not detract, from what you’re saying.

A clean, neutral background will make sure all the focus remains on you. Simple props like plants or small pieces of art can also work well. As long as both the sound and space are quiet, you will look and feel more professional and focused.

5. Angle your laptop just right

Laptop cameras are generally wide angle, which can distort your features if you stand too close. A good rule of thumb is to keep an arm’s length between you and the screen.

Aim to have your face centered in the screen so that all of your features are visible. Put the camera at eye level or slightly above to avoid creating a double chin effect or straight shot of your forehead.

Make sure you have a flat, clear surface, such as a desk or table, to set your laptop on to avoid any shaking, tilting, or sliding of the camera.

6. Use a ring light or webcam

If you want to look really good on Zoom, you can up the ante with a ring light or external webcam. These products will give you a studio quality image and lighting for a low price.

Here are our top picks:

LED Desktop Selfie Ring Light

Price: $21.96

how to look good on zoom

  Buy on Amazon

This ring light comes with three different color modes to meet every lighting situation and has 10 different brightness settings for each color. The adjustable tripod makes this the perfect option for Zoom meetings or even as a reading light. You have complete customization with 360-degree rotation and remote operation to find what works to make you look good on Zoom.

1080P USB Webcam

Price: $29.99

how to look good on zoom

 

  Buy on Amazon

This camera plugs into your USB for instant use, and it comes with a built-in microphone and filter for clearing background noise. 1080P definition provides higher resolution for better camera quality that automatically adjusts to low or tinted lighting conditions.

By investing in some professional lighting and a webcam, along with using these tricks for how to look good on Zoom, you can show up looking your best and hopefully boost your confidence on your next Zoom meeting.

Did you know that Zoom isn’t the only way to stay in touch with your team? Here are some other communication tools that make it easier to work together when everyone’s remote.