Top Tips: Five Steps To Taking The Perfect Selfie

According to recent research, the average British women devotes a mind-numbing 753 hours a year to taking, editing and posting selfies to her social networks. That’s more than two hours every day! Although it may seem a little extreme, there's no doubt that we're all a little selfie obsessed and embrace the fun that involves taking twenty photos and picking the perfect shot. Unlike photos others take of us in situ, selfies allow us to construct an image that portrays our features in the best light possible; it's more often than not unrealistic compared to what we look like without the filter or perfectly angled chin, but if makes us feel good then where's the harm? Celebrities may have started the trend (with Kim Kardashian taking a selfie at every given opportunity,) but we're all embracing it and ensuring the art of the selfie isn't going anywhere fast. In light of our obsession, here are my top tips for taking a perfect selfie every time.

Compact Check: Before you even pull out the smartphone, pull out a compact mirror and have a quick check of your makeup. Ensure your eyeliner is symmetrical, your lipgloss is just so and that every hair is exactly where you need it to be - it's so much easier to take an awesome photo if you're looking your best, and much harder to edit smudged mascara out.

Face Angle: Taking a photo straight-on often makes our face look rounder than it is, as well as causing our skin to look incredibly flat. Turning your head to a slight angle and pushing out your chin subtly will help to create definition, shadows in the right places and even create awesome cheekbones that you never knew were there! Playing around with the way in which you angle your face will ensure a perfect result.

On High: Photos taken from beneath eye level will give the impression of a fuller face, add a few pounds or even create a double-chin from out of thin air. However, lifting the camera just above eye level will help create more definition and face that appears slimmer. Holding your smartphone a little higher will also help with lighting, providing a natural 'bleached' effect to images that makes everyone look better.

Crop N Chop: The benefit of Instagram is that you can crop photos, chop off bad bits and zoom in on the best elements of a picture. Make the most of this function and think outside of the box; sometimes an unusual, off-centre or angled crop can help make your features pop - as well as cutting out a bad hair do! You don't need your whole face in-shot for a great selfie.

Filter It Out: Ahhhh, a girl's best friend. Using a filter can help to highlight areas that make you look fab, at a subtle glow to skin and even bleach out under-eye circles. Rather than sticking to the same filter you always use, scroll through and see the difference every filter can make; you may discover a new favourite. My top tip is that black and white images make everyone look better, so if in doubt go all out!

Do you have any selfie tips to ensure a great photo? Or do you loathe the trend?