Whether you’re working remotely or touching base with a distant client, video conference calls are a part of modern business. 

While we all strive to look professional in the workplace, how does that translate to a video call? How do you balance looking polished with being comfortable when you work from home? Here are some tips that can help you master the video call for work.

How to look professional on video calls

Even when you wouldn't want the neighbor to see you run to the mailbox, you can still pull it together with a few tips that will get you conference call ready fast enough for that impromptu meeting.

Focus on your hair

You don’t need to do a whole shower and shampoo routine, followed by hours of primping to have great hair. Sleek and healthy-looking hair is good enough, and that’s easy to do with a couple spritzes of Hair La Vie’s N°77 Leave-In Conditioner. Then comb through to get a healthy and even shine. 

If you’re working with hair that feels a little dull and maybe thin, then you’ll want to try Hair La Vie’s Renewing Growth Treatment. Your hair will instantly have the volume you’re looking for. In a matter of weeks, you’ll notice your hair fuller, stronger, and better hydrated. Healthier hair will be easier to style for on the go or for WFH.

If neither of those solutions is right for you, remember your accessories. A wide and brightly-colored headband covers a lot of hair issues while giving you a trendy look that’s completely cute. A loose pony or half-up-half-down topknot are also good go-to hairstyles that have a pulled-together appearance but are easy to accomplish.

Turn to your skin

If people know you’re working from home, they don’t expect you to be wearing a full face of makeup. But you can easily refresh your look to appear healthy and vibrant. 

Sticking to your skincare regimen is important, even if no one is going to see you. Having healthy skin is an incremental process, and good habits build on each other over time to give you that glow that gets noticed. If you’re on top of it, a quick touch up is all that’s necessary.

People with dry skin can benefit from a drop or two of oil to moisturize their skin and add shine. Using oils infused with great, all-natural ingredients adds to your skin’s health, so you’re doing double duty. A light touch of liquid foundation and your skin looks refreshed and ready.

If you have oily skin, a quick spot check and a little dabbing with blotting paper will help. A little translucent powder can also do the job and give you a more polished appearance, and your skin is camera ready.

And if you’re looking for something to add to your morning beauty and health regimen, try a scoop of Hair La Vie’s Foundation Beauty Elixir. The combination of collagen, keratin, and prebiotics will provide you with a complete formula of beauty and wellness from the inside out. Not only will you be luminous for your video conferences, but you’ll be glowing for a long time after.

A little makeup helps

There’s no need to wear a lot of makeup, but a touch of mascara can make your eyes look “open,” and it helps you appear awake, which is important on video calls because you don’t want to look like you were just napping. A lipstick that’s just slightly darker than your natural lip color helps your teeth look whiter, and it adds polish to your overall look. 

Finally, if you’ve been indoors more than outdoors, then a touch of blush on your cheeks can revive your look.

What are you wearing

If you’re still wearing pajama bottoms, that’s probably okay, but you’ll want to put on a nice shirt. A solid color in a hue that flatters your hair and skin tone is all you need. Busy prints are distracting, and bright or bold colors can be overpowering. 

For most people, a pastel button-down, sweater, or blouse will do the trick.

Check your background

Now that you’re ready to go, make sure your location is equally ready. 

Try to find a background that reads professional or neutral. Not everyone has a home office, but you want people to think you have a space dedicated to work. If you have a wall that’s a flattering color for you–all the better!

Think about lighting

Lighting is key when doing a photo shoot, and it can be very important in video calls. But don’t worry, you don’t have to go buy a fancy LED light ring. Instead, use natural light if possible or a table lamp. Avoid fluorescent lights and overhead lighting because they cast unflattering shadows and create strange skin tone colors.

Where is everybody else

If you don’t live alone, make sure you inform everyone that you’re going to be on a call, and they need to be silent and not seen. Nothing looks more unprofessional than a house full of people running around and screaming in the background.

Final thoughts

Video calls are an important way to connect with family, friends, and business associates. Phone calls work, but the video teleconference is really where it’s at and will be something we use even more in the future. 

You can master the at-home professional look with a few quick tips and by focusing on having healthy-looking skin and hair. Then turn your attention to your conference area and what’s happening around you, and you’ll be ready to go.