Instagram is the second-most-downloaded free app and millions of photos and videos are uploaded in a single day. It’s an overflowing sea of content. While the average person couldn’t care less if anyone besides family and close friends see their pics, it’s a different story for social media influencers. If you factor in how much money influencers can earn from sponsored content, it makes sense that their content needs to stand out.
And one way influencers set themselves apart from the rest is by creating a cohesive or visually appealing feed that followers can connect with and automatically recognize. After the photos are snapped, but before they’re posted to the grid, the process of editing has to take place. And that’s where the real magic can happen. From the ease and consistency of presets to painstakingly editing out background images, three influencers share their process behind editing a pic that’s worthy of their Instagram grid.
With more than a decade of experience as a photographer and content creator, Phoenix-based influencer Denisse Myrick has her editing process down to a science. A quick one.
Denisse Myrick cuts down on the time it takes to edit her photos by using presets she designed specifically for people of color. Here, a before (left) and after (right) shot. (Photo: Courtesy of Denisse Myrick)
Though she photographs others, Myrick also steps in front of the camera for her 35,000-plus following on Instagram. She describes her vibe as “clean” with a love for earth tones. Her not-so-secret secret is presets, which are popular with a lot of influencers. A specific preset or filter can be applied to a variety of photos so they all have a cohesive look. But the added bonus is it’s a timesaver.
“Creating presets has cut down on my editing time by a bunch. My workflow is pretty quick. Where it would take me 4-5 minutes to edit a photo or find the right tones, it now takes me a minute per photo because I’ve created a preset for every one of my styles.” And she not only uses presets but she also sells them on her site, Chasing Denisse. They were specifically created for people of color so they can “have a cohesive look without compromising the integrity of their melanin on screen” and making them look “fake.”
For this particular photo, Myrick, who says she can edit some photos in as little as 40 seconds, had a pretty simple process. Her goal for the photo? “I wanted to make it look a little more like spring, even though it’s winter.” So she applied a warm preset and then tweaked the temperature to make the photo warmer and upped the contrast. Because Myrick describes her preset as “pretty spot on,” this photo required little work.
Myrick usually edits 90% of her photos on desktop using photo-editing software Adobe Lightroom, but for those quick edits on the go, she calls VSCO her “day one.”
Like Myrick, Annette Vartanian of A Vintage Splendor also uses presets for all of her photos, but her editing process is a bit more involved.
(Photo: Courtesy of Annette Vartanian)
From top left to bottom right, these are six different phases Annette Vartanian goes through while editing her photos. "“Most of the time was spent retouching the trash without compromising the quality of the photo.” (Photo: Courtesy of Annette Vartanian)
Her trio of go-to editing apps is Lightroom, VSCO and Retouch. Many of Vartanian’s photos have bold colors or patterns and she applies a bit of grain, which she says “adds just enough texture so the image has that vintage look without looking dated. It also helps for images taken in low light on the iPhone as it can hide slight blurriness.”
For this recent photo on her feed, snapped by her husband using the iPhone XS, the background proved a bit challenging. Presets can be a timesaver, but they don’t do all the work. Vartanian shared that this photo took about 15 minutes to edit from start to finish. “Most of the time was spent retouching the trash without compromising the quality of the photo.”
The first major step was using Retouch to clean up the sidewalk and remove trash. “I like to keep it real,” Vartanian said. “But no one needs to see a cute outfit with a side of trash.” Next was incorporating her presets in Lightroom, which are meant to adjust exposure, contrast, highlights and shadows.
“I then lowered the ‘blacks’ to make the image pop. I find this is important since I have dark hair and wear a lot of color and prints.”
The final steps for Vartanian’s photo included slightly lowering the saturation and increasing exposure so the color of the sweater and her skin look more natural. Keeping the vintage vibe going, she added a touch of grain and the final step was sharpening the image.
Alicia T. Chew joined Instagram in 2013 as a way to promote her travel and lifestyle blog, Alicia Tenise. She goes through about as many steps as Vartanian, but Chew enlists the help of others.
(Photo: Courtesy of Alicia T. Chew)
Alicia T. Chew outsources some of her photo editing to, in this case, "clean up the bush, the concrete of the building and to clean up the flooring on the lower right hand side of the photo.” (Photo: Courtesy of Alicia T. Chew)
The D.C.-area blogger’s past editing style included using the filters in VSCO and Afterlight, another photo-editing app, but they weren’t cutting it. “I noticed that the filters that came with the app didn’t really flatter my skin tone very well, so I decided to stop relying on mobile apps and started to teach myself the ins and outs of Adobe Lightroom.”
Her current process, which she started around 2017, looks a bit different. After shooting with her photographer, Chew makes her top 10-15 selections and then the photographer uses Lightroom to apply “global edits” where exposure and saturation are adjusted. If any further adjustments are needed, she outsources the job to an overseas retoucher for $16 an hour. Chew makes it clear the retoucher only edits the surrounding environment of the photo, not her hair, face or body.
For the photo shown above, global edits were applied. Next, the photo was cropped vertically and the perspective was adjusted to straighten the building. The rest of the work was completed by the retoucher, who Chew instructed to “clean up the bush, the concrete of the building and to clean up the flooring on the lower right hand side of the photo.”
In total, the time spent to edit this single photo was 3 hours and 2 minutes, with her photographer only needing two of those minutes and the crux of the work performed by the retoucher.
All of the women agree their edited photos don’t perform any differently than those that require minimal or heavier edits.
Ironically, Chew’s top performing photo of 2019 was snapped on an iPhone. “As much as people love heavily edited work, I think sometimes it’s good to inject a more ‘real’ photo here and there.”
This isn't your average matte lipstick. “Because of the larger end, you won't get crisp precision, but this is by far the best drugstore longwear lip pencil I've ever tried,” Christine Cho, a makeup artist based in Toronto, told HuffPost. Available in 12 different shades, the brand claims the lipsticks last for up to eight hours (spoiler alert: they do) and are smudge-resistant. “The high pigment and longevity is shocking,” Cho said. “They’re so good I’ve actually kept them all for myself rather than adding them to my kit.” <br><br> Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick, $9.49, Ulta
Supergoop! Shimmershade Eyeshadow with SPF 30
“Eyeshadow with SPF! It’s about time,” Jessica Berto, medical aesthetics trainer at Project Skin MD, told HuffPost. “Supergoop! is leading the pack [when it comes to SPF products]. Our eyes are delicate, so many people aren’t able to put sunscreen on them.” Until the release of Supergoop! Shimmershade Eyeshadow, that is. “Not only does this eyeshadow have a soft beautiful shimmer, it has a mineral SPF 30 in it for sun protection, plus rose and Roman chamomile for hydration and soothing [properties].” Available in four shades, they can be used on their own or as a base underneath your regular eyeshadow. <br><br> Supergoop! Shimmershade Eyeshadow with SPF 30, $24, Sephora
Gucci Mémoire d'une Odeur Eau de Parfum
Did the fact that this campaign was fronted by Harry Styles hurt? No. But it wasn’t the only reason Gucci Mémoire d'une Odeur Eau de Parfum was such a major launch this year. Released in summer 2019 at the helm of creative director Alessandro Michele, it was Gucci’s first genderless, ageless and totally universal fragrance. In fact, the brand created a whole new olfactive family that it dubbed “mineral aromatic,” referring to its mix of unexpected scents, like Roman chamomile, Indian coral jasmine, sandalwood, cedarwood and more. <br><br>Gucci Mémoire d'une Odeur Eau de Parfum, $120, Sephora
These are “a great and speedy way to replenish your hair’s moisture in between salon visits,” Kirsten Klontz, a hairstylist who has worked with Kristin Cavallari, Nicole Scherzinger and Brooke Lynn Hytes of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (among others), told HuffPost. “They’re formulated with strengthening lipids and natural glycerins that work to fill the gaps in the hair's cuticle to help prevent breakage and split ends.” Although they just launched in North America, they’ve actually been out in Brazil for years (since 2008) and are a longtime hair care favorite of Brazilian women. Need we say more? <br><br>Pantene Pro-V Intense Rescue Shots Ampoules Hair Treatment, $1.99, Target
Starface Hydro-Stars
Even though the brand just launched in September, you’ve definitely seen these adorable yellow stars all over Instagram. They’re made of hydrocolloid, which is “a substance commonly used in surgical dressings that has been proven to accelerate breakout healing,” Berto said. "Its properties have been proven to draw out infection and protect from bacteria.” Rather than drying out zits with harsh creams and gels, Starface Hydro-Stars gently coax pus and fluid out, while preventing picking and squeezing, too. “They’re safe [to use] for all skin types, as well as [during] pregnancy,” Berto said. “They’re hitting all the checkpoints: safety, cleanliness and efficacy — and not to mention, they’re super cute!” <br><br>Hydro-Stars, $22, Starface
Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum
At this point, you’re probably thinking, “What could be so innovative about yet another vitamin C serum?” But Summer Fridays, the brand that launched the ultra-popular Jet Lag Mask last year, has done it again with the CC Me Vitamin C Serum, thanks to the products inclusion of not one, but two different types of vitamin C, for peak skin-brightening. (Hence the “CC” in the name.) And while many vitamin C serums can be irritating, the serum is also formulated with squalane for soothing and hydrating benefits, making this a vitamin C serum everyone can use — no easy feat. <br><br>Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum, $64, Sephora
Then I Met You The Giving Essence
“There are a few really big-name ingredients” in this one, Berto said about this launch from Then I Met You, the new skin care brand founded by Charlotte Cho of Soko Glam. “One is polyglutamic acid, a water-soluble peptide that holds four times more moisture than hyaluronic acid. Then I Met You’s The Giving Essence also has ellagic acid, which helps filter the UV rays and prevents collagen breakdown.” Sign us up.<br><br> The Giving Essence, $50, Then I Met You
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation
Charlotte Tilbury’s latest addition to her already beloved foundation line is her most impressive yet. The full-coverage foundation comes in 44 shades and instantly blurs skin for a matte finish. So what sets it apart? The comfort level, thanks to patented AirCool technology, which actually cools skin down during wear. Just a tip: “This foundation oxidizes slightly,” Cho said. “So choose a shade lighter, as your skin will end up slightly darker than expected upon initial application.” <br><br>Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation, $44, Sephora
Function of Beauty Custom Hair Serum
Function of Beauty launched back in 2015, with a shampoo and conditioner system that offered people the ability to really customize a hair care routine, during a time when customization was beginning to take over the skin and makeup categories. The premise was simple (and successful): Take an online quiz to determine your hair’s main needs, then choose your color and scent and wait for your custom in-shower routine to arrive at your door. This year, the brand dove into the hair styling game, launching a custom serum. “It’s a mindful and modern brand that takes all the guesswork out [of hair care],” Klontz said. “Each serum is formulated to be lightweight and bring those dry ends back to life with your own unique formula.”<br><br>Custom Hair Serum, $19, Function of Beauty
Olive & June The Poppy
It’s not easy to update a bottle of nail polish. As far as beauty products go, it’s one category where there’s not a ton of room for improvement, which is why major, groundbreaking launches are not super common. But this past year, L.A.-based Instagram-famous brand Olive & June launched The Poppy, a patented nail polish topper that fits on top of any nail polish bottle handle and offers a better grip and way more ease when painting your own nails. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to spend less money on beauty treatments and spend more time DIYing things like manicures and pedicures, then you need The Poppy in your life. <br><br>The Poppy, $16, Olive and June
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
An instant makeup artist favorite, this Tatcha moisturizer — which was released in March and inspired by Kim Kardashian — is now used by pros as a primer underneath foundation. It gives an “instant effect of hydration and glow,” Cho said. But be warned that the “plumping and firming effect takes up to 10 minutes, so it’s good to put this on a little while before makeup. It's also great on its own for a no-makeup look when skin doesn't require too much coverage. Sometimes I mix a little into foundation for rapid luminosity and radiance on set, or for clients who have neglected skin care.” <Br><br>Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, $68, Sephora
Necessaire The Body Lotion
“Why would we use clean products on our face but not our body?” Berto asked. “Necessaire has created a thirst-quenching body lotion that will keep you hydrated. [It’s] fast-absorbing and full of multivitamins like A, E, and Omegas 6 and 9.” The recently launched brand was founded by Nick Axelrod (cofounder of Into the Gloss) and Randi Christiansen (previously of Estée Lauder). The best part? It doesn’t leave a greasy finish and is totally unscented. And we have to mention the super-minimal, ultra-chic packaging. <br><br>Necessaire The Body Lotion, $25, Nordstrom
ColourPop BFF Liquid Liner
In February, everyone’s favorite affordable makeup brand, ColourPop, released its first-ever liquid eyeliner pens in seven different, highly pigmented shades (ranging from classic black to graphic white, and bright shades like blue, pink and red). Launched only two weeks after the brand’s first foray into the world of mascara (also called BFF and available in seven shades), 2019 was a great year for ColourPop when it came to showing off its impressive, long-lasting formulas, wide shade ranges, and of course, can’t-be-beat prices. <br><br>ColourPop BFF Liquid Liner, $8, Ulta
Israel’s presumed counterstrike against Iran has proved Joe Biden and David Cameron wrong in their insistence that Israel should just “take the win”. Instead, it fought back – and yesterday Iran was trying to pretend that nothing had happened.
World leaders called for de-escalation in the Middle East after Iran's state media reported explosions in the central province of Isfahan on Friday and US media quoted officials saying Israel had carried out retaliatory strikes on its arch-rival. Iranian officials played down the incident and said the blasts caused no major damage. Israel had previously warned it would hit back after Iran fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel over the weekend. Read our blog to see how the day's events
Amid a leadership transition, Lawrence Wong hints at few changes to the cabinet lineup. Read on to find out what experts think about potential promotions.
Aston Villa booked their place in the Europa League semi-finals in dramatic fashion by winning a drama-filled penalty shootout, where goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez received his second yellow card but was not sent off.
Tensions between Israel and Iran have reached new heights as Tehran repeats its warnings that a response to its own missile attack could be lethal for the region
Jürgen Klopp said Liverpool squandered their Europa League chances at Anfield and insisted Mohamed Salah’s wastefulness was not the cause of their exit
![“Eyeshadow with SPF! It’s about time,” Jessica Berto, medical aesthetics trainer at <a href="https://projectskinmd.com/team/jessica-berto/">Project Skin MD</a>, told HuffPost. “Supergoop! is leading the pack [when it comes to SPF products]. Our eyes are delicate, so many people aren’t able to put sunscreen on them.” Until the release of Supergoop! Shimmershade Eyeshadow, that is. “Not only does this eyeshadow have a soft beautiful shimmer, it has a mineral SPF 30 in it for sun protection, plus rose and Roman chamomile for hydration and soothing [properties].” Available in four shades, they can be used on their own or as a base underneath your regular eyeshadow. <br><br> <a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/shimmer-shade-spf-30-P442701?icid2=products%20grid:p442701:product" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Supergoop! Shimmershade Eyeshadow with SPF 30, $24, </strong><strong>Sephora</strong></a>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/matMKco.HUznrPmLQFmWzQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MA--/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5df8fb6a250000290298e6a8.jpg)
![Even though the brand just launched in September, you’ve definitely seen these adorable yellow stars all over Instagram. They’re made of <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pimple-patches-acne-treatment_l_5cffc74fe4b0a39a4e957667" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">hydrocolloid</a>, which is “a substance commonly used in surgical dressings that has been proven to accelerate breakout healing,” Berto said. "Its properties have been proven to draw out infection and protect from bacteria.” Rather than drying out zits with harsh creams and gels, Starface Hydro-Stars gently coax pus and fluid out, while preventing picking and squeezing, too. “They’re safe [to use] for all skin types, as well as [during] pregnancy,” Berto said. “They’re hitting all the checkpoints: safety, cleanliness and efficacy — and not to mention, they’re super cute!” <br><br><a href="https://starface.world/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Hydro-Stars, $22, </strong><strong>Starface</strong></a>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mWp7_KXQ4TeY8X0F1__9.w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MA--/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5df8fb6b2500002c71d30752.jpg)
![Function of Beauty launched back in 2015, with a shampoo and conditioner system that offered people the ability to really customize a hair care routine, during a time when customization was beginning to take over the skin and makeup categories. The premise was simple (and successful): Take an online quiz to determine your hair’s main needs, then choose your color and scent and wait for your custom in-shower routine to arrive at your door. This year, the brand dove into the hair styling game, launching a custom serum. “It’s a mindful and modern brand that takes all the guesswork out [of hair care],” Klontz said. “Each serum is formulated to be lightweight and bring those dry ends back to life with your own unique formula.”<br><br><a href="https://www.functionofbeauty.com/product/hair-serum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Custom Hair Serum, $19, </strong><strong>Function of Beauty</strong></a>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AHQu6NYvRRl0fyYzesj2tA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MA--/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5df8fb69250000516ad30750.jpg)
![“Why would we use clean products on our face but not our body?” Berto asked. “Necessaire has created a thirst-quenching body lotion that will keep you hydrated. [It’s] fast-absorbing and full of multivitamins like A, E, and Omegas 6 and 9.” The recently launched brand was founded by Nick Axelrod (cofounder of Into the Gloss) and Randi Christiansen (previously of Estée Lauder). The best part? It doesn’t leave a greasy finish and is totally unscented. And we <i>have</i> to mention the super-minimal, ultra-chic packaging. <br><br><a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/necessaire-the-body-lotion/5247407/full?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FBrands%2FN%C3%A9cessaire&color=fragrance%20free" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Necessaire The Body Lotion, $25, </strong><strong>Nordstrom</strong></a>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/YdQ5uOu36VSr6ednm_SYjQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MA--/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5df8fc18240000d80c5a3910.jpg)
