A Beautiful Life: How to Look Pretty on Television

We are sharing the tips, tricks and all the best there is to know about living your life beautifully. In this edition of the series, Brit Morin of the Beauty Squad shares her expertise on getting pretty in HD.

HD cameras have completely changed the game for YouTubers, TV personalities and makeup artists alike. I’ve recently been lucky enough to appear on the Today show and Katie (Katie Couric’s new daytime talk show). I have been genuinely surprised at how different makeup application is for the small screen.

While the goal used to be to layer (and layer and layer) makeup to achieve a flawless look on television, nowadays it is the exact opposite. In fact, less is more. Makeup for video is all about blending and using softer, more muted colors because, trust me, the cameras are picking up everything!

Here are some tips to get you started on a pore-perfect journey to HD.

Do:

• Use a primer, like Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer, before foundation to prevent makeup from settling into the lines on your face.
• Use a concealer that is illuminating and one shade lighter than your skin tone. I like both Stila Cosmetics Illuminating Concealer and Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer.
• Use a foundation that provides sheer coverage while reducing the appearance of redness and shine. Try Maybelline Fit Me Foundation, which offers 18 shades to suit individual skin tones, or Lancôme Teint Miracle. Apply it with a synthetic brush for a more natural finish.
• Use a translucent powder, like L'Oréal True Match Naturale Soft Focus Mineral Finish in Translucent, that is talc-free. Why? Talc reflects light, giving a chalky finish.

Don't:

• Use too much shimmer on your brow bones. Too much shine can make them look bigger than normal.
• Use anything with a waxy finish on your brows. Use a brow powder, like Anastasia Brow Powder Duo, focusing the shading throughout the center of your brows.
• Use too much powder on your face. Only powder parts of your face that may get shiny, and powder those areas sparingly.
• Over contour or over highlight. Blend all colors for a subtle and natural look, as each color will be enhanced through an HD camera.

If you’re looking to splurge on an item, you’ve GOT to try using an airbrush applicator, like Temptu Air. My stylist used this on my last Today appearance and I absolutely loved the results!

What are your secrets for looking great on camera? I’d love to hear them! Talk to me in the comments below or find me on Twitter.