Apparently, I have got myself quite the reputation at being good at Selfies (you know, photos you take of yourself that you then post to Facebook/Twitter/Instagram, delete as applicable).
It’s not something I’m particularly proud of, but when your boss tells you that you must write a guide to taking a good selfie, you can’t exactly say ‘no’ (thanks Sophie).
It’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, yes, but if you follow my tips (plus some extras from the team) you’ll be just ten small steps from Selfie perfection...
There should always be a reason for taking a selfie. As our Commercial Editor Patricia Campbell says, ‘don’t selfie without a cause: there must always be a valid reason to warrant such vanity.
'Here I am showing off the impressive Henna tattoo a local Zanzibari woman painted on me during “Swahili night” at our honeymoon resort’.
Reasons may include – new hairstyle, birthday night out, new earrings, impressive view in background.
Spend a good amount of time applying your make-up, and apply a little more than you usually would (even if you're going for the 'no make-up, make-up' look).
Unless you’re Gisele (pictured) your iPhone will have no time for subtle make-up, in fact it will get quite annoyed and make you look rubbish, on purpose.
Tip five
I tend to use my ‘mirror face’. This has taken years to perfect and is something I do on auto-pilot whenever I come face-to-face with my reflection.
Suck in your cheeks, put your tongue on the roof of your mouth and pout (not too much, you’re not a fish).
You want to sort of stare into the distance, as if there is a really hot guy/girl on the horizon. The aim here is that you want to look like you’re mildly happy/intrigued, rather than gormless and vacant (it’s a fine line).
Then smize (smile with your eyes). This takes tons of practice, but once you perfect it you know Tyra Banks would be proud.
Tilt your head slightly to one side; imagine when you say ‘walkies’ to a pup.
Remember your chin is not your friend, especially when its friends come to the party.
Beauty Assistant Joely Walker recommends that you always hold your iPhone at arm’s length a little above you. Tilt the phone slightly downwards at the same time tilting your chin down slightly but looking back up at the camera.
Yes, I'm confused too, but it's worth the practice...
Obviously everyone will be marvelling at your face in the picture, but make sure the background looks neat and tidy (you don’t want anything stealing your thunder), especially if you’re taking a full length selfie through a mirror.
News Editor Leisa Barnett also recommends you check said mirror is ‘clean’. If you’re serious about taking really top notch selfies, may be worth always carrying wet wipes for mirror cleaning in your handbag…
If you want to be taken seriously in the Selfie world you need the right kit. Invest in what ELLE’s Beauty Assitant Joely Walker and the PA to the Editor-in-Chief Gillian Brett call a ‘Selfie Stick’ (otherwise known as a Camera Extender, £19.90 at amazon.co.uk).
The tool allows you to take proper good selfies from a distance and you can include a nice background (plus, you’re guaranteed your face won’t look too big - bonus).
Blue Make-Up Is Having A Revival
ELLE Edit: 15 Matte Lipsticks That Won’t Flake
ELLE Edit: 11 Of The Best Contour Products
ELLE Edit: The Best Make-Up Mirrors With Lights