I don't own a ring light. I've tried them and they produce a very specific look that's become so associated with "influencer content" that it now reads as slightly dated. What I do instead is film near windows. And that simple decision is probably the single biggest factor in why my beauty content has the aesthetic it does.
What natural light does that artificial light can't
Natural light is directional and soft in a way that's genuinely flattering to skin. It shows texture without harshness. It makes products look like they actually look — not artificially enhanced by a ring light that turns everything slightly luminous.
When you're filming skincare content and you want someone to believe a product changed your skin — they need to see your skin clearly. Natural window light shows skin the way skin looks in real life, which is paradoxically more convincing than the artificial glow of studio lighting.
The window setup
Face the window. Don't stand with a window behind you (that makes you a silhouette) and don't stand with the window to the side (creates harsh shadows on half your face). Face it directly. The light wraps around the face evenly and you get that soft, glowy look that's incredibly hard to recreate artificially.
Morning light is my favourite. It's bright enough to be clear, directional enough to be flattering, and it has a warmth that afternoon light loses. If I'm filming beauty content I try to do it before midday.
Overcast days are underrated
Overcast days produce what photographers call "diffused" light — the clouds act as a giant natural softbox. No harsh shadows anywhere, even illumination, and colours read accurately. Some of my best-looking content has been filmed on grey days because the light is so even and forgiving.
When you have to use artificial light
If natural light isn't available, get a daylight-balanced LED panel (not a ring light) and position it at the same angle you'd position a window — to the side and slightly above you. It won't be exactly the same but it's a much more natural-looking output than a ring light placed directly in front of you.
For beauty and skincare brands — I always film in natural light when I can. If you want content with that quality, let's work together.