5 Ways to Feel More Confident During Your Next Zoom Meeting

Eleven months into theCOVID-19 pandemic, many people are stillworking remotely. And with a remote job often comesZoom meetings(or Google Hangouts or Skypes). While we’re certainly more used to the ‘only seeing our coworkers through a computer screen’ thing, the whole situation can still feel a little awkward.我的脸看起来完全洗掉吗?你看我李ke the Hunchback of Notre Dame hunching over this MacBook Pro?From the best lipstick to wear to make your face light up to anelevated computer standthat will make you look and feel better, here are five simple tips for feeling more confident on your next Zoom call.

Sure, you can use a fake Zoom background, but we’ve really enjoyed upping our ownhome office décor game. (And by home office, we mean the one free corner of our bedroom.) To maximize your video call setup, try to find a quiet and clutter-free place in your home with minimal distractions. Keep in mind that, because you might not be used to showing off your interior design style to your colleagues, you’re going to want to make sure you’re cool with what they’re seeing. As Myka Meier, author ofBusiness Etiquette Made Easy, tells us, “Ask yourself, ‘What are the titles of the books behind you on the bookshelf?’ ‘What is the small print on the poster hanging on your wall?’ You may be used to your background and forget there may be less than appropriate material in your shot,” says Meier. Want more tips? Check outhow one PureWow staffer built the most productive WFH office不到140美元。

This one is twofold: First, an elevated computer stand makes for a more flattering view of your face on Zoom calls (we’re a little vein sometimes, OK?). Second, hunching over your computer—in addition to making you look like Quasimodo—is awful for your back and posture. Dr. Kellen Scantlebury ofFit Club Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Centernotes it’s important to keep your eyes focused directly in front of you to avoid bending your neck and scrunching your shoulders too much throughout the day—it can cause long-term back pain and posture problems. If you’re constantly hunching over your laptop, it’s time to invest in an elevated laptop stand, likethis one from Soundance.

Not one but two celebrity makeup artists gave us this tip. Says Millie Morales, “A small trick that will help you look pulled together in seconds before those video calls is to apply a red lipstick. The trick is to go for a morecoral-toned red, which will brighten up your teeth, make your skin glow and fill out your features without having to put on a full face of makeup.” Adds Jenna Kristina, “The easiest way to look like you spent time doing your makeup for a Zoom call (even if you didn’t) is by putting on a bright and cheerful lipstick like Maybelline New York Color Sensational Made for All Lipstick in “Red for Me” or “FuchsiaforMe.” Both shades look flattering on every skin tone, I swear. Once you’ve applied your lip color, quickly swipe on a few coats of mascara and you’re good to go

Ever wonder why celebrities and YouTubers looks so fab in their videos (most of the time, anyway)? It often comes down to lighting. And while you might not want to invest in a heavy duty ring light,this mini versionfrom a brand called Meifigno is a gamechanger. Technically made for phone cameras, it's a really small ring light that clamps over your computer's (or phone's) camera. It has a little silicone tab, so it won't scratch your screen. Basically, it just blasts your face with light, so you look way more alive on video calls—even if you aren't wearing makeup and you'd rather quit your job than turn your camera on. At just $13, it's sure to become one of your mostsuccessful Amazon purchase大调的ing these very weird COVID times.

Business on top,partypajamas on the bottom. Even if you’re wearing your comfiest leggings and warmest slippers, stick to tops that you would’ve worn to the office. Not only does it look professional, but changing out of your decades-old sorority recruitment T-shirts will make you feel more confident. (Dress for the job you want, ya know?). Just be absolutely sure only your upper half is on camera so you can avoid an尴尬的变焦失礼. In terms of colors, we like this advice from Vicki Salemi, career expert forMonster.com: “Aim for solid colors rather than prints because stripes and other patterns could look distracting on camera.”