Simple Tricks to Look Prettier on Video

 Do you Viddy? Vine? Chat with friends in a Google Hangout? FaceTime with your sister (or your sister's Yorkie Terrier)?

From YouTube to Skype, video is taking over the universe, and unless you want to be caught on film with bedhead hair and dark circles, you have to be "camera ready" all the time.

"A bad angle can make your jaw look wider, create a double chin, or give viewers an up-the-nose shot," says Samantha Chapman, YouTube makeup artist sensation and one half of the Pixiwoo sisters. (Their channel has more than 145 million views.) Not only is Chapman an expert on angles and lighting, obviously she knows a thing or two about makeup for video. She always looks amazing -- even before she does a how-to. The good news? She's spilling her secrets.

So, whether you need to look good for a Skype interview or you just don't want to scare your sister's Yorkie, try these seven tricks.

Set up Good Lighting

Ever wonder why romantic restaurants are candlelit? It's because everyone looks so much better in flattering light, and great dates are good for restaurants. (Hello, repeat customers!) Good lighting is just as important for Skype dates -- or any type of video, for that matter.

"Daylight works really well," says Chapman. "But make sure you are facing the light." So, set your computer up in front of a window -- you should be looking out. If you try to Skype with the window at your back, you'll look like a dark blob. Avoid overhead light because it creates dark shadows -- especially underneath your eyes -- and all the concealer in the world won't help fix that.

Find the Best Angle

Upward angles are not pretty. Period. End of story. Even a 6-foot, size zero model can look like she has a double chin from a bad angle. Chapman suggests positioning your computer or camera slightly above eye level and looking directly into it. Use a stack of books to prop it up, or place it on a higher table.

Wear Makeup -- But Not Too Much

The right makeup can look great on camera, but too much makeup -- even if it's good -- can look awful. "Avoid very dark or bright lipstick," warns Chapman. "Bold lips and overly smoky eyes will look heavily made-up and out of place." Stick with looks that are natural, yet defined. She also stresses the importance of blending; you don't want your blush to be streaky or your eyeliner to be too severe. She swears by the Real Techniques Travel Essentials Brushes, £20.99, to blend everything together.

Define Your Features

Unless you're doing hi-definition television, you don't need to go overboard on foundation and contouring. Instead, you want to define your brows, eyes, cheeks, and lips. "Your brows frame your eyes and face, so they're very important, but often overlooked," says Emmy Award-winning "Days of Our Lives" makeup artist Joleen Rizzo. She recommends brow powder for a look that's not too drawn-on.

Then, you'll want to apply a few coats of mascara. (Just make sure it isn't clumpy -- clumps can look heavy and be distracting on camera.) For my American Readers I recommend CoverGirl Lash Blast Clump Crusher Mascara, $6.99. For my UK readers I recommend Maybelline Rocket Volum' Express Mascara, £5.99.  On your cheeks, use a pop of color to "bring the skin to life," she says. Finally, don't forget your lips. "Stains are a great way to keep your look natural," she says.

Don't Forget to Blot

If your T-zone is shiny, it's going to be exaggerated on camera. "Being shiny or greasy is not a good look -- ever!" says Rizzo. Light reflects off the shiny spots and they look even more obvious. Rizzo suggests using MAC Blot Film, £10.50, before dusting on a sheer translucent powder. Or even create your own blotting sheets with tissue paper.

Style Your Hair

A great blowout will always look pretty on camera, but sometimes there just isn't time. If you're in a rush, Emmy Award-winning "Days of Our Lives" hairstylist Matthew Hollman suggests a messy bun or side braid with texture. "Volume is especially important on camera," he says. If you opt for the bun, Hollman suggests pulling the hair around your face to give it a little lift. If you go for the side braid, rub it between your hands to create frizz and texture. "It can elongate your profile and slim your neckline," he says.

Clean Up the Background

If your unmade bed is behind you, nobody's going to pay attention to how pretty you look. "Make sure your background area is tidy, uncluttered, and minimal," says Chapman. She shoots in front of a plain white backdrop, and it really lets the makeup be the star.















So hopefully the next time you appear on video, whether that means filming your next You Tube video or just appearing on camera to your mom, you'll look spectacular!

Stay sweet,