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-Armani Sheela G

Now in the virtual world that we are…… point out one persona that isn’t interested in clicking, uploading and sharing pictures?!!

Adopt these adroit postures and easy make-up techniques and the camera will lie when you want it to!

Next time you have to face your public, try some of these tricks picked up from the stars and the photographers.

• Look lively: some professional portrait photographers insist the best pictures are always taken when the subject is looking animated and chipper. That way the subject’s personality is captured. You can still engineer your ‘best side’ in front of the camera.
• Try standing with one foot slightly in front of the other and gently pivot on your feet so that your body, including your shoulders, is at a slight angle to look slimmer. Putting your hands on your hips can make your waist look smaller. If you’re sitting down, lean forward and rest your elbows on your knees to disguise wobbly thighs and look slimmer.

Here’s an idea for you….

Maximize your lips. To pout beautifully, turn to the camera and say ‘Wogan’. Bizarre, I know, but glamour models swear by it.

• Practice in front of the mirror like you’re bound to have done as a teenager. Perfect a pose you’re happy with so you can strike it the moment the camera comes out.
• Get the photographer to take more than one photo! The more you have taken the more likely it is you’ll be captured from a flattering angle.
• Brighten up: black can drain the colour from the face so choose brighter colours for your top half to bring out the best in your skin tone. However, beware of brightly patterned clothes, which can swamp you and detract from your face.
• Dark circles or bags under your eyes? Try lifting your chin to avoid shadows falling on your face.
• Everyone looks more attractive when they’re looking happy and a lovely smile really does take the focus away from the bits you’re less happy with.
• Putting your hair up can soften your features and draw attention to your smile.
• Be subtle with make-up. Over do the slap and you‘ll look like a waxwork or, worse, a cross-dresser. Apply a light foundation only where necessary, such as to the sides of your nose or over spots. To avoid a shiny face, stick to matt-formula make-up for your blemishes and only use creamy, reflective concealers for your eyes. Don’t forget the golden rule of make-up though: never overplay both eyes and lips.
• Flatter your best features. Apply blush over the apple part of your cheeks, sneak a couple of extra false lashes on your eyelids and slick on some glossy lipstick.
• Ask for a minute or two before the camera clicks so you can touch up and dab a bit powder over any shiny bits.

Defining ideas

‘With charm you’ve got to get up close to see it; style slaps you in the face.’

John Cooper Clarke, poet and comedian