You may have date-night makeup down to a science, but if your big night out happens to be in front of the computer screen every once in a while, it’s a whole new ball game. While your guy may prefer the no makeup-makeup look, a bit more product is required to show up on camera. “For Skype date nights, I recommend going for a minimal, but semi-glam look,†says Jessica Scantlin, the head makeup artist at Blushington Makeup and Beauty Lounge in West Hollywood. Here’s how to do your entire face so it looks great during a sexy Skype date.
RELATED: The Best Hair-Removal Method for Your Sex Life
Face
“Dewy makeup makes you look like you’re glowing from seeing him,†says Scantlin. Use an illuminator, such as Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in White Pearl ($41, beccacosmetics.com), to brighten. You’ll also want to apply a cream brush, such as Jouer Tint in Peony ($22, jouercosmetics.com), to add a natural-looking flush. Even if you don’t normally wear blush, Scantlin swears by it if you’re going to be getting sexy with a guy via your laptop since the color will pop on screen. “You should always amp up the cheek color to make your cheeks appear flushed,†she says.Â
Eyes
“To glam up the eyes, add some shimmer and eyeliner in your waterline,†says Scantlin. Instead of black liner, she recommends a reddish brown like Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Lionfish ($20, stilacosmetics.com). “It honestly is a more sultry approach, and if it starts to run, instead of a raccoon you look more like a Victoria’s Secret model,†she says. Since mascara doesn’t read well on screen, says Scantlin, add natural-looking faux lashes instead if you want to amp up your eyes. Sephora Collection Individual False Lashes ($10, sephora.com) are a great pick.
RELATED: The Most Flattering Eyeliner Look for Your Eye Shape
Lips
Go softer with a nude lip, or heat things up with a deep magenta like Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick in Palomino ($24, sephora.com). And you can never go wrong with a glossy lip. “I like to add some peppermint oil,†says Scantlin. “This way it looks very glossy but also helps plump your lips so you appear to have been kissing him—even though you haven’t.â€
RELATED: Why Are So Many Women Obsessed with Getting Plumper Lips?
The Final Step: Find the Right Setup
Choose a spot in the house with natural light. “If you’re Skyping at night, try to make it as bright as possible with the light coming toward you,†says Scantlin. “Never sit with the lighting behind you.†Scantlin explains that positioning the light in front of you (shining on your face) will brighten your face and highlight your features so your date can see you better. If the light is behind you (shining at the back of your head), your face will appear dark. “The light doesn’t have to be a spotlight, but by positioning it so it points toward your face, you will allow your features—and perfect makeup—to shine,†she says.