How to Look Better in Any Picture

Looking good on screens and in photos is an essential life skill whether you’re an avid Facebook/Instagram poster or not. You can control your own selfies but often not those other people take of you and display online. Who needs their double chin, tummy bulge or under-eye circles revealed to all? As a beauty and style editor who has spent a lifetime on photo shoots, I know a few tips to make all the difference between “forget about it” and flattery without using filters or special apps:

(Left to right) Drew Barrymore, Tracee Ellis Ross and Sheryl Crow

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images; Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic; Photo by Kayla Oaddams/Getty Images)

1. Know your best facial angle

Few people have symmetrical faces — especially at 50, when age and gravity take over. One side or the other is going to be better. Consciously playing to your good side by facing off-center (even slightly) instead of straight on helps. Test this by taking a few three-quarter face selfies from the right and left angles and compare them. Unsure? Know that many people unconsciously part their hair on the stronger profile side and are already giving it priority. Let your nose, cheeks and jawline be a guide, but don’t start dialing cosmetic surgeons. Looking great in photos has nothing to do with actual physical perfection. The more natural and animated you look, the better. Just be sure to smile with your eyes and lips.

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(Left to right) Tom Cruise, Vanessa Williams and Cindy Crawford

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Photo by Don Arnold/WireImage; Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images; Photo by Gotham/WireImage)

2. Employ pro face-lift tricks

Models and celebs secretly chisel their faces and necks with every snap. “To define your jaw, elongate your neck and prevent a double chin, be sure the camera is above your eye level — not lower — but not too high up either,” says New York City portrait photographer Eric Wolfe. “Smile but keep your tongue flat against the roof of your mouth or behind your top teeth to tighten and slim the jaw and neck even further.” I’ll add two other DIY contouring tips: Imagine a string at the top of your head pulling it up and stretching your neck. Push your head slightly forward and chin slightly down — like a turtle or as if you’re holding an orange under your chin. Try it in a mirror! Subtly lift the corners of your mouth — this takes some practice but is actually easy to do (you’ll feel your ears lift slightly) and makes a difference. Last, say, “money,” not “cheese” for a more genuine smile without showing every tooth in your mouth (or any for that matter)!