What is the aesthetic makeup of a digital camera? Enlist support from Khushi Kapoor and Sabrina Carpenter to create this look

Remember those old digital cameras that everyone used to take pictures, especially mirror selfies? In today’s age of extreme digitization—dominated by smartphones, unlimited storage, and advanced editing tools—nostalgia has fueled a revival of the digital camera aesthetic. Thanks to Gen Z, this early 2000s staple of photo albums and MySpace profiles is back in style. As you scroll through social media feeds filled with vintage pictures, have you ever wondered about the makeup tricks, editing tools, or camera settings behind those easy retro photos? Here’s your ultimate guide to creating the perfect makeup look for aesthetic digital camera photography.

Make your eyes and lips bright

When shooting on a digital camera, the unfinished makeup is clearly visible. Opting for soft, muted shades can help blend the look and make it easy to photograph. “For the eyes, choose a neutral matte base and line the lash line with a soft brown or black eyeliner. Adding shimmer to the inner corners or lids can brighten up your eyes along with mascara. Finally, for the lips, choose a cream or satin lipstick in shades such as red, berry or pink. Avoid too much lining; instead, use a lip brush for definition,” notes makeup artist Ruchika Das Sharma.

Color palettes should be remembered

Digital cameras tend to emphasize dark spots and bags under the eyes under the flash, and to combat this, always use a matte base. Moreover, playing with different textures, such as a glossy finish over a matte base, can enhance the final look of the photos clicked. Make-up artist Divya Arora says, “For a digital camera photo, certain color palettes complement each other beautifully. Shades like champagne, rose gold and bronze give the eyes an inviting glow,” adding, “If you want to experiment, tones like emerald green or rich purple on the eyes can also create a statement look without going overboard. Adding silver or gold shimmer to the lids is also an option to show off your look in photos.’

Quick Emulation Hacks

Transforming an everyday look into one that’s perfect for digital camera-inspired photos doesn’t require a complete overhaul—just a few strategic tweaks can do the trick. Make-up artist Mrinalini Sinha suggests: “Start by applying a small wing of eyeliner and smudge it lightly for a soft glam look. Another thing you can do is amp up the blush and apply a shimmery highlighter to the high points of the cheeks for a quick aesthetic.”