Blue, or HEV light penetrates our skin and eyes far deeper than UV light. Combine this with us not wearing SPF to sit at our laptops in January and it’s not great news for our complexion, unsurprisingly.
I was talking to my mate the other day, about the perils of video calls. It’s not just that hours of blue light each day is bad for our skin – although there is that.
But also, it looks pretty gopping on screen, doesn’t it? Especially now the days are so grey and dark.
“Every time I go onto a video call (so, all the time), I check my appearance in the mirror to make sure I look OK, but as soon as I turn on my camera and start the call, I look totally washed out and my face looks blue from the screen lighting,” my mate confessed. Don’t we all, darls.
Beyond protecting our face from blue light (here’s how), what can we do to shield our makeup from it?
Luckily for us, CHANEL Makeup Artist, Zoe Taylor, has some thoughts…
1. LAYER UP YOUR BRONZER
“The best way to counteract the look of blue light on your complexion is to add some warmth into your makeup with bronzer,” says Zoe, who recommends CHANEL Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream (£42). “Try sweeping it under your cheekbones for a bit of bronzed contour or scrape a little bit out and mix into your moisturiser for a quick and easy wash of all-over colour. ”
2. SIT FACING NATURAL LIGHT
“Position your computer screen with your natural light source facing you. If the natural lighting in the room is behind you, it will make any shadows that fall on your face even darker, which can make you look tired,” says Zoe.
3. GET TACTICAL WITH YOUR LIGHTING
“If possible, invest in a ring light. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive,” says Zoe, “but make sure that it has adjustable settings (i. e. cool, neutral, and warm). Always avoid the ‘cool’ setting and choose somewhere between neutral and warm. ” Amazon have plenty for under £20. “If you can’t get a ring light, find a lamp and try to position it above your eye-line and angled down 45 degrees. This is the most flattering angle for light. ”
4. APPLY YOUR MAKEUP ON YOUR WEBCAM
“For the best on-screen finish, apply your makeup in your on-screen light. Whether you’re using natural light or artificial light, your look will be most true to what you see on-screen. ”
5. FRESH, CREAMY FORMULAS WILL STOP THINGS LOOKING FLAT
“Use a fresh, creamy blush. It will seem natural on screen by picking up the light and creating a beautiful sheen, which really wakes up your face,” says Zoe. “Similarly, a light spritz of facial mist just before a call can really liven your complexion, whatever the lighting. ” The Body Shop’s new Drops Of Youth Bouncy Jelly Mist (£16) is perfect for this as it hydrates and protects against blue light.
6. BLUE-BASED RED LIPSTICKS WILL STAND OUT IN BLUE LIGHT
“Applying a blue-based red lipstick will instantly freshen up your look and make your skin look amazing. CHANEL Rouge Allure Ink Fusion in True Red (£31) is the perfect shade for everyone and doesn’t budge,” says Zoe.
