ONE in three Brits are ‘apprehensive’ about seeing more people face-to-face again – due to worries about their appearance.
A study of 2,000 adults found 32 per cent have become more self-conscious about how they look following 18 months of staring at themselves on screen.
The huge increase in video calls has also affected people’s confidence in photos, with a quarter (23 per cent) feeling less content with their smile and opting to pout in pictures instead.
And 68 per cent admit a confidence boost would make them more likely to socialise again as restrictions lift.
The findings emerged in a study by Colgate which is marking the launch of Max White Ultimate Renewal by inspiring the nation to smile with confidence when having photos taken.
To do this, the brand collaborated with photographer, Alexandra Cameron, model, Charli Howard, and make-up artist, Ruby Hammer for a project called ‘#PoutFree Portraits’.
The shoot featured 10 members of the public all of whom were treated to a confidence boosting ‘#PoutFree Portrait’ of their own.
This is after the research revealed 93 per cent of adults want to feel more confident about their smile – as they’ll be seeing more people in person with restrictions easing.
“It’s so important for the world to feel confident in themselves, especially after the tough year and a half that we’ve been through.”
Alexandra Cameron said: “Confidence shoots have always been a huge passion of mine.
“It’s so important for the world to feel confident in themselves, especially after the tough year and a half that we’ve been through.”
Body activist and model, Charli Howard, is fronting the series and she coached the participants on how to embrace unique smiles in their pictures – without a pout in sight.
This was after the study found 34 per cent of adults would love to get tips on how to smile confidently on camera.
She said: “The last 18 months have been extremely challenging, so I hope the series of #PoutFree Portraits encourages everyone to ditch the pout.”
Carried out through OnePoll, the study also found 22 per cent of adults avoid smiling because they worry their teeth aren’t white enough.
Make-up artist Ruby Hammer said: “For as long as I have been doing makeup, the best part of my job has been seeing people leave with a new-found confidence.
“Rather than covering up flaws, I use makeup to enhance someone’s best features – such as their beautiful smile.”
ALEXANDRA CAMERON’S TIPS TO FEELING CONFIDENT IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA:
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
It’s okay to be self-conscious. Posing for photographs can be daunting, especially when you’re feeling a little low.
Remind yourself that everyone has unique features which they often mistake as ‘flaws’. Lift yourself back up, give the camera your most natural smile, and I promise that you’ll look your most beautiful yet.
RELAX
It’s hard to do in front of the camera but try and remember to relax, particularly when it comes to your posture.
Once you let go and relax into yourself the images will reflect that.
Some of the best and most authentic images happen when the person is sitting naturally and feeling like themselves.
MOVE HOW YOU MOVE
When people feel nervous in front of the camera, they often don’t know what to do with their hands and I always advise people to play with their hair.
It’s a natural self-soothing technique that most people do, and it works really well in photos, helping to get a dynamic and natural capture.
CHARLI HOWARD’S TIPS TO FEELING CONFIDENT IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA:
PRACTICE SELF-CARE
You can build your own self-confidence by giving yourself some well needed TLC, such as a relaxing facial or socialising with friends.
These simple steps will eliminate the negative energy around you and bring out your confidence when in front of the camera.
Just sit back and watch your most vibrant smile shine through.
BE YOURSELF
Confidence comes from within and owning who you are.
Make sure to embrace your individuality, and not take yourself too seriously. Everyone looks their best when they just let go and have fun.
PRACTICE YOUR POSE
Practice smiling in front of the camera when you’re alone. Think of a moment in life that made you your happiest.
Take 10 seconds to embrace that feeling again, letting your smile build naturally across your face.
Once you’re feeling confident in your smile, then try practicing different angles.
The more you feel at ease in your pose, the less likely you’re to naturally opt for the pout over a smile.
RUBY HAMMER’S TIPS TO FEELING CONFIDENT IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA:
A SPLASH OF RED
Wearing a red lipstick can do wonders for your smile and adds a pop of colour in a photo.
The strong pigment makes teeth look even brighter, enhances your features and suits all skin tones. It’s a make-up must-have!
ENHANCE YOUR POSITIVES
Everyone has perceptions about their best and worst features, and they often spend a lot of time trying to correct their perceived flaws.
I’d love people to enhance their positives rather than focus on the negatives. Write a list of all your perceived flaws in one column, and your assets in another.
Then try downplaying the faults and boosting the assets – you'll feel an instant uplift in your confidence.
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