Love and romance never die! Not even in times of COVID-19, where staying at home is the new normal and where social distancing is the name of the game when leaving your house. As for meeting Mr Right in person has become tricky, now more than ever single hearts are turning to online dating portals. Casual dating websites and apps are especially trending. So, instead of meeting in a café, a bar or some other place, your first date will most probably be a digital experience via WhatsApp, FaceTime & Co.

When it comes to finding the perfect makeup for your virtual get-together, there are some things you need to consider. Some makeup tips for your first date stay the same as if you were meeting in person. However, there are some other details which you need to finesse.

Food for thought: New makeup is not always the right makeup!

When it comes to meeting a new Mr Charming for the first time, we all tend to get carried away. Which is natural, as we all want to make a great impression and show him just how lucky he is. So, we decide to go for a new hairstyle, put on some new makeup and buy a new dress. But to be honest, as fun as it might be, reinventing your style for a first online date is not necessary at all. He got to know you beforehand and is already mesmerized, and he already thinks that you are beautiful. If he has not seen you in person due to the current circumstances, he has certainly seen some pictures of you and was smitten right there and then.

Really: Not every new makeup and/or hairstyle turns out as we have imagined them. Some truly backfire! And that is not what you’re looking for when going on your first date, right? So, instead of trying out some new styles for your first online date, stick to the ones you’re familiar and comfortable with.

Makeup tips for your first online date

When it comes to meeting someone via video-call for the first time, the dating ground rules are a bit trickier. First and foremost: the visuals change. You usually only see the face and the upper body of your new date. And vice versa. Thus, flirting techniques like using your body language, showing affection by slightly touching his arm etc., do not work. Your skin, your eyes and your facial expressions are the only centre of his attention.

Natural-looking skin – even through a camera lens

We have all seen ourselves and our besties up close through the lens of a smartphone camera. And honestly – if the lighting and/or the foundation is off, we brush it aside because we know none of us can look perfectly peachy all the time.

So, instead of using a traditional makeup brush, use a sponge instead. Applying the foundation with a special makeup sponge avoids the awful ‘cakey’ look. Using a sponge also guarantees a good, even coverage. Once this is done, sweep your fluffy brush across your preferred translucent powder which you then dust evenly over your face. Next in line, sweep a powder bronzer along all the facial parts, which you want to define; the hollow of your cheeks and your forehead close to the hairline. As a final touch, apply some highlighting powder above your eyebrows and to your cheekbones.

Let your eyes do the flirting

1. The eyebrows

When doing your eyebrows, see that the natural arches of the brows are highlighted. Keep in mind that your eyebrows are two of the main actors when it comes to expressing emotions without saying a word. The eye powder should match your hair colour. Apply it with a fine brush and use a spoolie for the final blending.

2. The eyeliner

The eyeliner defines your eyes. For both a confident and elegant look, create a subtle wing effect. Just slowly highlight the upper lash-line from inside out with your favoured eyeliner. When reaching the outer corner, slightly wing it up and out.

3. The eyelashes

For your eyes to look flirty and open, false eyelashes are great. But don’t go overboard! Natural-looking “falsies” will do the trick just fine.

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And finally, let him follow your every word

Your lips are last in line when it comes to putting on your makeup for your first online date. What you should avoid are bold, flashy colours like bright red. Although they are undoubtedly sexy, bold lipsticks and/or lip gloss tend to appear slightly overbearing on a first date. Tip: If you feel like giving him a virtual kiss on your screen after a wonderful time, consider putting on a lip tint instead, as it’s far less messy.