How to look good on Zoom calls, according to Priyanka Chopra and Kim Kardashian West's makeup artist

While participating in video calls may have been a key part of our work lives even pre-lockdown, they've become the only place to conduct business now that we're all confined to our homes. And it's not just that—we're having reunions, first dates, catchups, cocktails, dance parties and family game nights while on video, so looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on camera has become that much more important. Still, a full-face might not always feel appropriate if you're lounging at home in sweats, so we spoke to Mary Phillips, who works with Priyanka Chopra, Kim Kardashian West and Hailey Bieber, for her tricks to look camera-ready with the least amount of effort. 

Focus on skincare

A bright, supple dewy face is that much easier to work on, especially if you're trimming down your routine to just the basics. “Now that we all have a little more time on our hands I think it is important to focus more on nourishing skincare than glam makeup,” says Phillips. Good products to have on hand? A moisturiser, eye cream and something to massage with—a gua sha, face roller, or even ice works to soothe inflammation, contour the skin and revitalise a puffy face. 

The pre-makeup routine she uses on her clients? “My favourite way to freshen up the skin in the morning is with a cleansing micellar water. I apply it on a clean cotton round and swipe it across. Next I apply La Mer Revitalising Hydrating Serum, the Eye Concentrate, Creme Da La Mer, Neck and Décolletage Concentrate and the Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid,” she says. 

Choose a light coverage

Since there won't be any high-definition photos, you can use a light hand to apply just enough coverage to blur the skin and cover redness or discolouration. “The easiest way to apply is to dispense a pea sized amount of product into hands and warmup up then apply directly to the face,” says Phillips of her favourite skincare-makeup hybrid, The La Mer Reparative Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 30. 

Brighten it all up with blush and concealer

Bright eyes are the best way to fake looking awake, well-rested and ready to start the day, especially if you're faced with a morning chock-full of conference video calls. Most makeup artists like using redness-relieving eye drops, which can make the whites of the eye looking whiter. 

Even just a simple mask and enhance routine can help. “You can cover and highlight areas of the skin with concealer and contour and add colour to the skin with blush. When only using blush and concealer I like to stick with cream products because they will harmoniously blend with one another. Make sure to use colours that will compliment your skin tone,” says Phillips. “Swipe a brush into a concealer stick, and then apply to skin on areas that need coverage or brightness, such as any blemishes, under eyes, around nostrils, centre of nose, chin and forehead. My personal favourite cream blush is Nudestix Nudies Bronze in Sunkissed, it is a matte deep terracotta bronze shade that adds warmth and dimension. I like to warm up the product on back of my hand then blend onto my face with a brush. I apply it to the contour areas, apples of the cheeks, across then eyelids and then dab some from the stick onto the lips,” she says.

Work your lashes

Making a cat eye work when you're bleary from a late night binging Netflix isn't the best plan. Instead, Phillips suggests just amping up the eye area by curling the lashes and adding mascara. “Giving your lashes a good curl is the first step to really opening up and widening the eye. Look for one that fits your eye shape (like the Tweezerman Lash Logic series,) and gently place and press the curler at the base of your lash line and hold for five seconds,” she says.

To reduce the chance of smudging—especially if you tend to rub your eyes through the day, a primer will extend the wear. “Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer is a dual ended mascara and primer. The primer has a silky texture and adds volume, length, lift and hydration to the lashes,” she says. “Then apply a mascara—like the Armani Eyes to Kill. Wipe off any excess product off the tip of the mascara wand and wiggle it at the root of the lash for extra volume. Then swipe mascara along the rest of the upper and lower lashes,” says Phillips. 

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