How to eliminate dark shadows on face? (in photography, photo included)?

Hi! I'm a beginner photographer. I use a nikon d3100… Not the best, but not the worst camera. I shoot on manual, which I guess is kinda bad since i'm not using my camera to its full potential.

anyway, I mostly do self-shoots for 'outfit of the day' … One thing I've noticed is, my face is ALWAYS dark and grainy. I don't shoot using raw, but I shoot using 'Fine'. I only seem to have this problem when taking photos using my timer… Other photos I've taken of objects, nature etc seem to be high quality. Any help can be helpful! Thank you.

Here is an example --
sorry if it's a bit small, i've had to resize it

You can use make up, put a white highlight on the darker places on your face and put foundation over the entire face. Covering up the highlight areas as well.

Use dodge tool

The hair is making a shadow over the eyes. I think the eyeliner and makeup makes the shadow look darker. The direction of the light source makes it worse, turn your body more towards the light. Use a tripod so the camera can be set in any direction, if you have not used one.

Sometimes a white card or photo reflector can be used just off camera to kick a bit of light into the face, or use the built in flash to add some "fill light" into the face.

You need to use a reflector to get more light on your face. Buy a large white piece of cardboard. Place it on the ground with some books under one side so that it aims up towards your face. Place a small book light or desk lamp on the floor next to the cardboard and shine the light directly on the cardboard. The light will bounce off the cardboard and up onto your face.

Http://www.lightscoop.com/

This is a really cheap way to bounce your internal flash I live in a really dark apartment and its allowed me to shoot manual with flash and get way better indoor results. If you can't do this then try turning your body or face more towards the light.