I'm not the biggest fan of FaceTime, but when I haven't had a chance to catch-up with my bestie IRL, I can't deny that it's a bit of a lifesaver.
Because every scandalous story demands animated facial expressions and hand gestures, delivered in impeccable comedic timing, of course.
The issue? Sometimes the face part of FaceTime isn't exactly ideal. It seems that every time I've wiped my make-up away and tossed my hair up into a messy, and I mean shambolic, bun, lo and behold I get FaceTimed by the BFF.
Don't get me wrong, for the most part I'm completely comfortable with accepting a video-call from my best mate, no matter where I am or what I look like. That's what BFF's are for, right? But if my phone vibrates and it's an incoming FaceTime call from bae, that hasn't been scheduled or pre-planned, well, let's just say we haven't quite reached the make-up-free level of intimacy yet.
Unlike taking the perfect selfie, you can't freeze-frame a FaceTime video-call on your most angular side profile or constantly hold your phone above your head to get the perfect jawline. It kind of defeats the purpose of the whole video thing.
So, in the spirit of not being a total killjoy, we've tried and tested some of the best non-make-up beauty buys that promise instant results.
Your next make-up free FaceTime? Flawless.
Your SO? More convinced that you're an actual goddess than ever.
1. Antonia Burrell Bright + Light Eye Cream, £44
It's no secret that dark under-eye circles one of the most common beauty concerns. Whether the pigmentation is caused by genetics, stress, or lack of sleep, the appearance of dark circles can be exaggerated when you get up-close-and-personal with your camera phone.
Celebrity facialist Antonia Burrell's Bright + Light Eye Cream banishes the look of dark circles with just one refreshing roller-ball glide. Made with 100% natural ingredients including illuminating White Bird of Paradise flower extract, this hard-working wonder instantly reduces puffiness, leaving you with a smoother, hydrated and more radiant look in minutes.
2. Bardou Booster Brow, £25
Filling-in your brows with a pencil or powder to get that perfectly graduated arch takes way too long. Instead, try semi-permanent brow make-up that's sweat and water proof. The hair like fibres leave a natural finish that lasts up to four days, which means your brows will always be on fleek IRL and on FaceTime.
3. Clinique Turnaround Revitalizing Treatment Oil, £34
If your skin feels dull and dehydrated after a busy day at work, then it might be time to add a deep-moisturising treatment into your evening skincare routine.
Cue Clinique's Turnaround Revitalizing Treatment Oil, a lightweight formula that polishes away dead-skin cells, plumps and moistures for a rapidly more radiant look. Gently massage-in a few drops of this miracle-worker with your fingertips, and you'll be ready for your digital date in no time.
4. REN Flash Rinse 1-Minute Facial, £32
If you can't find the time in your busy diary to schedule a facial, then why not skip the spa and go DIY instead?
REN Flash Rinse 1-minute facial does exactly what it says on the tin, promising a luxurious, Vitamin C packed skin treatment that takes just one minute to complete. The experts over at REN claim that, 'luminosity increases by 24% and skin looks smoother by 15% with only one application.' Surely, your FaceTime buddy can hold on for just one minute while you get your glow-game up?
5. MAC Tendertalk Lip-balm in Candy Wrapped, £16.50
Is there anything worse than having chapped lips when you're trying to seductively work your FaceTime angles? Ok, yes, but it's not exactly ideal.
Opt for a sheer lip-balm that moisturises and smoothes fine lines. MAC's Tendertalk Lip-Balm in Candy Wrapped leaves you with a personalised tint - based on your body's chemistry - that lingers on lips with the utmost comfort.
6: Alchemy Oils Grapefruit Hair Remedy, £24
If your hair is looking a little more lack lustre than usual, and you're looking for a quick way to restore its natural shine, then Alchemy Oils Grapefruit Hair Remedy is the one.
Made with a deep-conditioning blend of 5 super oils - including Coconut, Avocado, Almond and Castor oil - the Grapefruit remedy strengthens strands and promotes healthy hair growth over time.
'You can use the Grapefruit Remedy to quickly smooth any fly-aways and make your hair glossy just in time for that FaceTime appointment,' says Amandeep Panglin, Founder of Alchemy Oils.
7. Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35, £29.50
OK, this one might a bit of a cheat, but if you don't feel confident going completely make-up-free on the small screen, then why not try a tinted moisturiser - it'll look just as effortless and flawless.
Bobbi Brown's BB Cream SPF 35, instantly balances out an uneven skin-tone and blurs imperfections. What's more, this staple beauty buy comes in ten stunning shades and is suitable for all skin-tones.
