You've swiped right. You've matched. And now you're staring at your phone, about to hop on a video call with someone you've never met. Your heart is racing. You want to look like the best version of yourself — but you also want to look like yourself. The camera is unforgiving. It washes out your features, flattens your face, and makes your eyes look small and tired.

I remember my first video date. I was so nervous. I did my makeup, put on a cute top, and positioned my phone at the perfect angle. But when the call connected, I looked like a ghost. My eyes disappeared. The lighting was terrible, and my lashes — well, they were invisible. I spent the entire call feeling self-conscious, and when we hung up, I knew it wasn't going to work out. It wasn't the conversation. It was the way I looked on screen.

I decided then that I needed to figure out how to look good on video.

THE PROBLEM WITH VIDEO CALLS AND YOUR EYES

Here's the technical issue: phone cameras and laptop cameras have a hard time capturing detail on your face. They compress the image, which means fine lines disappear, but so do subtle features. Your lashes, which might look perfect in person, simply don't show up on camera. You end up looking like you don't have any eyelashes at all.

There's also the lighting issue. Most of us take video calls in our living rooms or bedrooms, which have overhead lighting. That light casts shadows on your face, making your eyes look hollow. Strong lashes can help counteract that shadow and bring your eyes forward.

WHAT MAKES A LASH LOOK GOOD ON CAMERA

Not all lashes are created equal in front of a lens. I've done extensive testing — I've worn lashes on Zoom calls, FaceTime calls, and even recorded my own videos to see how they translate. Here's what I've learned:

• Length matters more than volume: On camera, you need length to define your eye shape. Volume just looks like a dark smudge.
• Wispy lashes are your best friend: The crisscross pattern of a wispy lash creates texture that the camera can pick up. It looks like you have beautiful, natural lashes, just enhanced.
• Avoid thick, heavy bands: They can look like you drew a line across your eye with a permanent marker. You want a thin band that disappears.
• Consider the curl: A gentle curl lifts your eye and opens it up. But a dramatic curl can look fake on camera. Stick with a natural C curl.

LASH STYLES FOR DIFFERENT VIDEO CALL VIBES

The beauty of dating apps is that you're going to have different types of conversations. A casual coffee chat, a late-night deep talk, a flirty happy hour. Different moods call for different lash looks. Here's my guide:

For the casual coffee date: You want to look effortless. Go for a natural lash with a subtle lift. Something that just barely enhances your eye shape. You want him or her to think, "She looks great" — not "Her lashes are great."

For the flirty evening call: This is where you can have a little more fun. A cat-eye lash shape elongates your eye and gives you that "come here" look. The outer corner lift is very flattering on camera.

For the "I'm just waking up" call: We've all done it. They call, you pretend you've been awake for hours, but really you just rolled out of bed. You need a lash that looks natural but still gives you definition. A wispy, light lash is perfect for this.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR LASHES PHOTOGRAPH WELL

Here's a tip that changed everything for me: take a selfie before your video call. Seriously. Set up your phone, take a picture in the same lighting you'll be using, and look at it. You'll immediately see if your lashes are reading well or if they're getting lost.

Another trick is to angle your face slightly. Straight-on camera angles make your eyes look smaller. A slight tilt — about 15 degrees — opens up your eye area and makes your lashes more visible.

Also, don't forget about your lower lashes. On camera, your lower lashes are often more visible than your upper lashes. A quick swipe of mascara on your lower lashes will help frame your eye and make your upper lashes pop.

THE CONFIDENCE BOOST OF KNOWING YOU LOOK GOOD

Here's what it all comes down to: when you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you're a better conversationalist. You're more engaging, more flirtatious, more yourself. On a video call, confidence is everything.

I remember the first video date I had after I figured out my lash game. I put on a pair of wispy lashes, set up my lighting, and angled my phone just right. When the call connected, I saw myself on the screen and thought, "Yes." I looked like me, but a better-lit, more put-together version of me. The conversation flowed. I laughed, I teased, I was charming. And at the end of the call, he asked me out again.

That's the power of feeling confident in your own skin. Or in this case, your own lashes.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR VIDEO-CALL LASHES

When you're shopping for lashes specifically for video calls, here's your checklist:

• Wispy, crisscross pattern: This texture picks up on camera.
• Medium length: Not too short (invisible) and not too long (overwhelming).
• Thin, flexible band: So it disappears into your lash line.
• Lightweight: You'll be talking for 30-60 minutes. You don't want to feel them weighing on your lids.
• Comfortable: If you're distracted by your lashes, you'll be distracted in the conversation.

Your dating profile is your introduction. But video calls are where the real connection happens. Don't let a lack of definition on camera sabotage your chance at a genuine connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do lashes look natural on video calls?

Yes, if you choose the right pair. Wispy lashes with a natural curl look like your own lashes, just enhanced. The camera actually softens the look, so they appear even more natural on screen than in person.

Should I wear more mascara on video calls?

No. Mascara alone often looks clumpy on camera. A pair of light strip lashes gives you more definition and structure than several coats of mascara.

Can I wear the same lashes for a video call and an in-person date?

Absolutely. If you choose a versatile wispy style, it will work for both. You'll look great on camera, and you'll look great when you finally meet in person.

Creating a profile is easy. Showing up to a video call looking like your best self is harder. I've found a brand that makes lashes specifically designed to photograph and video well. They understand the nuances of how light and lenses interact with your face. After testing dozens of brands, they're the ones I trust for my own dating app adventures. Get video-ready lashes at PHANSTA LASHES

📚 Browse our complete library of lash guides →

📚 Browse our complete library of lash guides →