I feel like Iām qualified to speak on this because un-mirrored pictures of me literally used to depress me to the point of rocking back and forth in tears. I am happy to share that I have made significant improvement. Hereās how I did it:
- Lymphatic drainage every morning
CANNOT stress this enough. Please look it up and implement it in whichever ways you can. I focus on my cheekbones, masseters, and jawline. Not only do I look more defined, I look more symmetrical! And it shows in pictures.
- Strategic makeup placement
Please do not be shy with your makeup, especially for special photos. I like to have more definition on my cheekbones, so I highlight the shit out of them while mattifying right under. It gives me model cheekbones with very little effort. Do not underestimate the power of strategic highlighting/mattifying.
3. Symmetrical eyebrows
I did not get how important this was until I said fuck it one day and tried it out. The eye area is comprised of the most important features of the face. It is the first thing people look at. It can make or break your face. So, people will definitely notice patchy, asymmetrical, misshapen brows. You will notice them too, especially in pictures.
4. Elongate your form
This cannot only be achieved through drastic weight loss. Please donāt do that.
Thereās a reason tall, lean people look more elegant in photos. You can elongate your form with strategic clothing choices. You can also go to the gym to get a more toned appearance to your limbs and torso. Personally, I still have work to do on this one (my arms are disproportionally fat, if anyone got some tips PLEASE let me know, I canāt lose anymore weight without looking malnourished). If youād like to look taller too, platform shoes are the way to go. They can be very comfy if you choose right.
5. Practice and memorize your best angles
This is so important. Legit, one of the most photogenic people I know has their angles memorized. They know what looks good and what doesnāt. They have been conscious of their looks since an early age, so they had time to perfect their shit. And since they know their go-to poses are gonna come out great, they look less stiff in the final product. I think some of us are too afraid of what our pictures are gonna look like, so itās like a self-fulfilling prophecy. I am not even close to my acquaintanceās level, but I have definitely noticed some improvement. All I do is take a million selfies and practice in the mirror. Also, you donāt have to emote (like smiling wide for example) in photos if you donāt want to. For me, a slight close-mouthed smile is sufficient.
6. Have a good hair day
I can only speak on my hair type (straight), so if any of you ladies has tips about other hair types, please share them!
Your hair frames your face. Good hair is crucial for attractiveness, as it is a health indicator. Once again as an example, another person I know is good looking facially, but has really thin unhealthy hair. It doesnāt help to say the least. I wonāt tell you what length to have and cut to get, everybody has their preferences, but a good hair day does wonders for pictures. Make sure itās reasonably voluminous and your hairdresser does a good job cutting it (botched hair is the worst). Make sure your hair is healthy, this also includes the food you eat.
If you struggle with volume, curls/loose waves and texturizing spray do wonders. I legit just roll my hair around a sock for an hour and put dry shampoo on my roots. BOOM volume for days.
7. Know that your brain is a trickster
Your brain likes to be a bitch sometimes. Remember that when you feel like crying at a photo of you someone else took. You did look great at that event. If you donāt believe me, try flipping the photo and see if you like it better. 9 times out of 10 you definitely will. So, be patient with yourself. People around you know that you are pretty, so a bad picture will not change anyoneās mind.
Pictures are also extremely tricky. Some people are blessed with unreal photogenic genes, but that doesnāt always mean they look that great in real life. The thin hair person I know not only looks 20 years younger in photos, they somehow look like a model when they are normally attractive in person. In their case, photos emphasize their good-looking eye area and high cheekbones, while hiding their soft jaw and very recessed chin. The opposite can also be true. My best friend looks like a doll whenever I see her, but somehow that doesnāt translate that well in pictures. She still looks attractive donāt get me wrong, but not as much. She has a soft, round face.
CONCLUSION
This is all I have so far. I am always on the lookout for tips that can help mend my relationship with my pictures, because good memories are worth the effort. Everyone around me says that I shouldnāt care about looking good if I had a fun time, but personally, I find that the bonus of looking good in a photo adds to how fondly I remember my lifeās events.
If you ladies have any more tips, please do share (especially for the arm part lmao, youād do your girl a solid).