Take The Most Stunning Selfies With These Simple Suggestions

It is expected that the average millennial will take 25,700 selfies in their life time. So if we are estimated to take that many photos surely we should have a fool proof guide to hand to make sure we can capture the best version of ourselves time and time again. 

Makeup
Although it is important to champion the bare faced selfie, some individuals prefer to add a touch of makeup to enhance their natural features.  Begin by using a primer to create a smooth silky base, ready for the application of product. A subtle quantity of highlight is perfect to heighten cheek bones and add a gentle shimmer but use too much and you’ll end up impersonating the Tin Man. Using excessive amounts of highlighter draws attention to large pores and uneven skin texture. Try mixing your foundation with a small amount of illuminator to create a fresh dewy look.  Most importantly, avoid foundations that contain an SPF to prevent the dreaded and catastrophic flash back. Instead use light layers of a light formula make up to create natural flawless skin. Contour and sculpt the face with subtle bronzers and colour popping blushers to avoid looking washed out and emphasise the curves and features of your face. To finish, dust a light translucent powder over your look to absorb excess oil, leaving your skin prepped, shine free and photo ready. 

Background
The background to your selfie should be either completely plain and simple or creative, busy and colourful. Try and avoid backgrounds that incorporate both of these styles as the selfie will look overwhelming and disjointed. Especially ensure that before you take the photo you have a quick glance around to ensure the area is tidy. There is nothing worse than a messy bedroom selfie!
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Lighting
Obtaining the perfect lighting is the key to taking any selfie. Natural light is always softer than artificial light, making under eye darkness disappear and skin look smoother. Avoid enhancing under the eye shadows by snapping your pics at either sunrise or sunset, when the light is more subtle. If you are ever unsure of where the best lighting is, spin round on the spot holding the camera to judge where the perfect composition of light is.

Angles
It’s always been all about the angles. Lining up the bottom of your phone with the bottom of your chin is the best place to start. Perhaps incorporate a slight head tilt or a slight tease of a side profile, few people look good in a head on shot. Extend your head away from your neck to extenuate and define your jawline or raise your eyebrows slightly to open up your eyes.

​Expression
The more natural the smile the more flawless the photo. Micro expressions are small but noticeable differences that show when an emotion being expressed is genuine or not. The natural expression of emotion provides a warmer more genuine angle to a selfie. So try and take a selfie when you are doing something you love or are passionate about.
 
Be confident
Research suggests social media platforms can have an increasingly negative impact on self-esteem with 2/3 of women feeling prettier online than in real life. Try and create a positive and healthy relationship with social media, don’t worry about how many likes your picture receives. Don’t let social media be your source of validation. Relax be comfortable, confident and snap savvy.