While selfies might sometimes feel a bit cringeworthy, they've become an unavoidable part of our digital lives. The good news is that with the right techniques and preparation, anyone can take a great selfie that captures their best features without relying heavily on filters or editing apps.
According to content creator Amy Starr, proper posture is the foundation of a good selfie. She recommends starting by dropping your shoulders away from your ears and creating an elegant, elongated neck like a ballerina to eliminate any double chin effect. Next, slightly sink your chest and round your shoulders forward just a touch, which makes your collarbone more prominent and creates better definition at the base of your neck.
For those who feel self-conscious while posing, Starr offers two simple tricks: press the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, and when in doubt, just laugh naturally. These techniques help create a more relaxed and authentic appearance in photos.
Lighting plays a crucial role in selfie success. Always position yourself facing natural light, whether that's near a window indoors or outside. The optimal times for taking selfies are during sunrise and sunset when the light is at its most flattering and delicate. This soft, natural lighting eliminates harsh shadows and creates a more even, appealing illumination.
When it comes to facial expressions, joy-filled photos consistently perform well. Practice creating a genuine, happy smile in front of a mirror while tilting your head in different directions to discover your most flattering angle. Avoid staring directly into the camera lens, and remember to keep your chin slightly downward. Hold your phone so that the bottom edge is level with your eyes for the most flattering perspective.
The right makeup can significantly improve selfie results and reduce the need for heavy filtering. Start with a light-reflecting, hydrating primer such as Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer, which costs around $85. Follow this with a full-coverage satin foundation like Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup, priced at approximately $79. For the finishing touches on your complexion, choose bolder blush and bronzer than you would typically wear, but avoid products with glitter or shimmer that can look unnatural in photos.
Eye makeup requires special attention for selfies. Use a flesh-colored eye pencil, such as the Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in Boundless Bisque (around $37), to highlight your waterline and brighten the entire eye area. Apply a quality brow liner like Dior Diorshow On Set Brow ($51) to define your eyebrows, then place some concealer just under the brow line and blend it well to add extra definition and lift to your eyes.
Technical aspects are equally important for achieving professional-looking results. Always clean your camera lens before shooting, and ensure your camera is properly focused. Consider taking a video instead of still photos, as you can capture freeze frames of your favorite poses from the footage, often resulting in more natural-looking expressions. Keep your eyes closed until just before taking the photo to avoid that deer-in-headlights look.
The most important advice is to relax and let your authentic personality shine through – after all, it's called a selfie for a reason. While photo editing apps like Facetune, Perfect 365, FaceApp, and Adobe Photoshop Fix can be helpful tools, resist the urge to over-edit your images. People still want to see the real you, and excessive filtering can make photos look artificial and disconnected from reality.
For those looking to enhance their eyes further, professional lash extensions offer a long-term solution. Quality extensions from reputable salons can cost around $170 for a full set and typically need refreshing every three weeks, but they provide the benefit of waking up each morning looking polished and camera-ready without any additional effort.
