Selfies can be a bit cringe, but here’s how to take a good one

14 hours ago 5

Like so many things in our speedy world, selfies have morphed over the years. While there’s no shame in a bit of filtering – Facetune, Perfect 365, FaceApp and Adobe Photoshop Fix are among my favourite apps – try to resist the urge to over-edit images; people still want to see the real you. That said, using a few tips from content creator Amy Starr will help you get the most out of your next shot.

First, Starr advises dropping your shoulders – mine are often around my ears – and “make a graceful long neck, like a ballerina, to eliminate a double chin. Then, sink your chest and round your shoulders ever so slightly forward. You want your collarbone to be more prominent as it gives more shape at the base of the neck.”

If all this posing makes you feel self-conscious, Starr suggests two things: “Push the top of your tongue onto the roof of your mouth and, if in doubt, just laugh.”

Selfies have become a necessary evil in our always-online world.

Now you have the pose right, lighting comes next. Always turn towards the natural light, whether it’s through a window or outside, and bear in mind that the ideal time for selfies is sunrise and sunset, when the light is at its most delicate.

Joy-filled photos are always winners. Practise making a happy, natural smile in front of a mirror, tilting your head in different directions to find your best angle. Don’t stare straight into the camera and remember to keep your chin down, holding the phone so the bottom of it is level with your eyes. If you begin to feel tense, take a break and start again.

Of course, the right make-up can also get better results and reduce the need for filters. Begin with a light-reflecting, hydrating primer such as Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer ($85). Follow this with a full-coverage satin foundation – we love Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup ($79). To finish the skin, choose a bolder blush and bronzer than you’d normally use but steer clear of glitter and shimmer.

For eyes, find a flesh-coloured eye pencil like the Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in “Boundless Bisque” ($37) to highlight the waterline and brighten the eye area. Next, apply a brow liner such as Dior Diorshow On Set Brow ($51) then place some concealer just under the brow line and blend well to add definition.

Finally, always remember to clean your lens and make sure your camera is focused. You can also take a video from which you can capture freeze frames of your favourite poses, which can produce a more natural-looking result. Keep your eyes closed until just before you take the photo and, most importantly, relax and let your true personality shine through – it’s called a selfie for a reason.

ASK STEPH

What is the best way to enhance one’s eyes?
I am obsessed with professional lash extensions – no caterpillar lashes for me – and have been seeing a therapist at Amy Jean every three weeks for as long as I can remember. The extensions cost $170 for a full set but you wake up each morning looking poised and ready to go.

Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling.

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