How to Take The Perfect Selfie

Happy National Social Media Day! We love Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram, how else do we keep up with funny things Miss Piggy said? In honour of social media, we’re sharing all the info you need to take the perfect selfie. No filter needed!

So you want to pull off your selfie like this?

So proud of @iamnaomicampbell on the launch of her new book! Looking at these collection of images is so inspiring! Thanks for signing a book for North! Love you!!!

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Apr 28, 2016 at 11:27pm PDT

Here’s what they didn’t tell you about selfies:

Avoid SPF

Forget about products with SPF unless you’re beachin’. SPF isn’t photo-friendly if you decide to use a flash because it’s associated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which reflect light (in the way they are designed to reflect sunlight). This leaves you with flashback: a ghostly white face. And it ain’t cute like Casper.

DO make sure you prep and prime. Use a lightweight moisturizer that plumps your skin. It will help your foundation sit better and prevent that cake-y makeup look. Next, apply a primer to ensure long-lasting coverage. We love the Elizabeth Arden Flawless Start Instant Perfecting Primer because it’s suitable for all skin types, balances skin and absorbs oil.

Smize

Tyra Banks already educated on this, but in truth how can you really smile with your eyes? Cheat and use white eyeliner. It will give you that doe-eyed 16 year-old Twiggy vibe. This Blinc eyeliner pencil will stay put, open your eyes and condition and treat your skin all at once.

Go Matte

Dewy foundations give you that girl-next-door look but in photos they can have you looking a little shiny. As long as you’ve moisturized, your skin will look fresh so don’t worry too much if you tend to have dry skin. Don’t forget to set your foundation with a transparent powder for a translucent finish. It will adheres to any sticky parts of your base and create a kind of seal, so your first selfie’s as good as your last. Try the Dermablend Loose Setting Powder in Original as it works on all skin tones.

Look up

Position your camera slightly above your face so your features look more streamlined and the light hits all your best angles. Don’t forget to actually smile too. Use the Supersmile Icy Mint Whitening toothpaste beforehand to remove all traces of tea, coffee and wine 😉

Up the Ante

How many layers of foundation do you usually go for? One? Two? If you want that Kim K and Naomi Campbell shot… Double it. It’s very rare that a camera can capture makeup and color in quite the vibrancy it really is, so amp it up. Wherever there’s color, whether on your eyes, your cheeks or your lips, add a little more to make sure it pops. And if you’re looking for a lipstick recommendation, by the way, go for something in the Lipstick Queen Cupid’s Bow range.

Throw Shade

Slim your face and add definition. A little shadowing will have you looking your best in selfies.

Use a contouring brush and a bronzer to shade areas you’d like to define or reshape: think nose, forehead, chin, and cheekbones. The bareMinerals Soft Curve Face and Cheek Brush is ergonomically designed to help you apply your makeup easily. The bareMinerals Ready Bronzer in High Dive is a flattering shade with a silky texture that promises at least eight hours’ wear.

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SkinStore Editors

Writer and expert

Our team of beauty experts cover everything from skincare to makeup, picking out the most effective products from the best brands and latest trends. Stay up to date on everything beauty with the SkinStore blog, and find all your essentials in one place.