We all want to take that tap-worthy, great selfie that captures our best features and gets the most “likes.” And there are ways to take selfies and look good on them without resorting to too much filter that we can no longer recognize our face.
Natural lighting is best
Using natural light doesn’t mean exposing yourself to harsh sunlight. Position yourself near an open window or door with nice, soft natural light streaming in and avoid overly bright fluorescents. When outdoors, don’t face directly into the sun, as it will cause you to squint your eyes and create shadows that enhance undereye circles and blemishes.
Further, don’t position yourself turning away from the sun. With the sun at your back, the photo will be backlit and result in an unflattering silhouette. Instead, keep your camera or phone between you and the source of light. It is best to shoot during the golden hours: during sunrise and sunset when the lighting is at its most flattering.
Take the photo from an upward angle
The basic rule is to keep your chin down (but avoid the double chin!) and the camera up. Try raising your phone until the bottom is at level with your eyes. Or use a selfie stick which holds your phone higher and farther away from you so you naturally extend your head away from your neck, giving you a longer neck and sharper jawline. This also allows you to fit more of the background inside the frame.
Smile
A genuine smile always makes for a striking photo. To avoid looking like your smile is forced, try closing your eyes then open them and smile the moment you click on the camera. Your smile will look fresh and more relaxed. If you choose not to show teeth, smile with your eyes or “smize” by thinking happy thoughts while you take your selfie.
Practice, practice, practice
The advice of celebrities and models? Take lots and lots of selfies. There’s bound to be at least one or two that you like. As you click away, try tilting your head in different directions and changing the angles slightly so your selfies don’t look exactly the same. Find out which angle or side of your face looks best when photographed.
Style it right
Make sure your photo stands out on social media by styling yourself correctly. Wear a stunning outfit and use accessories strategically so that they will add more depth to your look. If you’re taking a selfie on the beach, add a stylish cover-up or beach hat to up your look. If you’re heading somewhere cold, a stylish jacket will make you look chic.
Edit, but don’t overdo it
Once you’ve taken the perfect shot, take advantage of the many filters and photo editing options available on apps and camera phone settings nowadays. However, make sure not to over-edit to the point that it doesn’t look like you anymore. Go for minor touch-ups such as adjusting the contrast, brightness, and saturation to improve the image, while keeping it looking natural.
Start with selfie-ready skin
It’s possible to take #nofilter shots as long as you have beautifully glowing skin. Keep your skin feeling fresh even after spending time under the hot summer sun with the cooling effect of Jergens Soothing Aloe Lotion. It comes in a travel-friendly size that unlocks skin’s optimal combination of tone, texture, and luminosity for visibly more refreshed skin wherever you go. Its unique, fast-absorbing formula contains an illuminating Hydralucence blend as well as eucalyptus, cucumber extract, and aloe vera ingredients to help soothe, heal, relieve, and revive the skin’s natural moisture factor.