It’s the morning before I start my work. I am making an espresso, and while I’m waiting for the coffee maker to squeeze a thick foam of my delightful wake-upper, I browse social media half absently. 

I am looking for images my friend posted last night while we were at the girls’ night out we traditionally have every fortnight. And there they are, hell no! Look at me! OMG… I am calling her already and telling her to take them down!

How many times have I heard this and similar stories from so many of my clients?! And in all honesty, I tell these stories, too, whenever my photo is either caught on the spur of the moment or I forget I should pose to look good when someone else is taking my photo. 

It seems to me that we are embodying so many perfect “imperfections”. All of them truly reveal our unique beauty which somehow, we don’t see in our eye’s mind.

Indeed, it would give me a great pleasure to continue explaining to you why we see ourselves the way we do, but this story is not covering that aspect of our body - just the physical one that we can see only when we see ourselves in our photos, but rarely ever when we look at our reflection in the mirror.

Among others, the most complaints are related to a double chin and dark circles around eyes or soggy eyes. Double chin makes us look as if we are overweight, while soggy eyes or dark circles give the impression of a tired face. 

The following steps work for me every time I prepare myself for the camera snap or selfie.* You may choose to follow them when you are taking selfies as well as when you have your photos taken. 

• Camera angle and tilt: Hold your camera slightly above your eye level and tilt towards your face,  with a chin down ever so slightly. This will help to elongate your neck and prevent the appearance of a double chin. If someone else is taking your image, position yourself in a manner explained above. 

• Light intensity: Make sure you're in a well-lit room or use natural light. Shadows can accentuate puffiness and create unflattering shadows, especially under your eyes.

• Relax your face: Take a few deep breaths and relax your face before taking a selfie. Relax your forehead, relax your brows. Relax your cheeks and your jaw. This can help to reduce puffiness around your eyes and create a more natural look. And you will definitely feel better.

• Try face yoga: Practice face yoga to tone the muscles in your face and reduce the appearance of a double chin. Exercises such as chin lifts and neck rolls can be effective. There are some excellent apps that lead you through exercises.

• Use makeup strategically: Use makeup to highlight your best features and minimize any areas of concern. For example, apply a highlighter on your cheekbones to make them pop and use a darker shade of foundation to contour your jawline. Use a concealer for dark circles to reduce puffiness.

Hope this helps. Have more tricks up your sleeve? Please share and comment.

I am adding more topics to the blog. Let me know if there is a specific one you would like me to cover. 

*Please note that I am here not talking about a photoshoot with a professional photographers who pose their clients in accordance with client’s wishes and their body type.