Looking professional and competent is a must in the workplace. Getting dressed for work is not an easy task with all the time spent on late-night shifts trying to meet deadlines and targets and the extended meetings. If you are like me, you could use an extra 5 minutes in the morning in bed and may want to reclaim them from your office makeup routine. Finding a balance between sleep and beauty is important as there’s a certain expectation of how you should look when you walk through those office doors. Wanting to stand out in our workplaces (for all the right reasons) is understandable and having your makeup reflect the ambitious go-getter you are is one way. Leave the bright orange lipstick for drinks with your girls and learn how to achieve a corporate look without going overboard by adopting these few tips.
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How to Achieve a Corporate Look with Your Office Makeup
Before diving into the tips here are a few things you should always have at the back of your mind when it comes to achieving the acceptable corporate look;
- You need to choose the right colours and shades. Neutrals work best
- Keep your skin clean and hydrated which will help avoid over smudging and makeup cracks
- Keep your blotting wipes close
- Purchase long-lasting, high-quality makeup as you probably don’t have time to keep rushing to the bathroom for touch-ups
- Cover your dark circles correctly using concealer to avoid looking drowsy
- Avoid putting on too much foundation to not get the cakey look (office lighting hides no flaws)
1. Sculpt Your Brows
Super-sleek brows are best left for Instagram. For a corporate look think gorgeous arches that you normally see on runways. Keep your brows bold and beautiful while still having them look as natural as possible. Brush your eyebrows with brow mascara up and over as you follow the natural pattern of your brow growth. To frame your face, highlight the underside of your brows using a highlighter.
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2. Power Lip or Basic Lip?
Contrary to popular belief about office makeup, you can wear a bold red lipstick to work. If you want to make a killer presentation to a large audience, let your lips be the focal point by wearing a bold, matte and long-lasting shade of red. A red lip usually makes me more confident.
A nude lip is the best option when it comes to daily corporate makeup. Matte lipsticks last longer than glossy ones while still giving you a professional touch. If you are into the glossy look, avoid wearing too much as you’ll end up looking like you are drooling. Make sure the gloss is hydrating and long-lasting. Choose neutral colours such as soft pink and peach. Having a lip stain in your bag can do both your cheeks and lips justice during the day.
3. Eye Makeup
A corporate look requires you to keep your makeup simple yet magical. You can line your lower lid with an eye pencil or kajal preferably in neutral shades of brown, black or grey. Define your upper eyelid with a liquid or gel eyeliner. Eye shadow is optional but if you want to make it part of your routine go for plum or soft brown shades on the lid and into the crease.
Smokey eyes are usually a no in the office but if you use subtle brown shades you can get away with it. A smokey eye will add definition to your eyes. To completely pull this off, avoid anything that is overpowering with your lips. Finish up with a light layer of mascara.
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4. Cheeky Cheeks
Simple office makeup doesn’t mean you leave the blush out. When prepping for the office your cheekbones should not be left behind. With our favourite beauty shops spoiling us with many colour choices opt for something close to your natural skin tone. A pinch of bronze blusher brightens up your look and highlights your best facial features. Apply to the apple of your cheeks and cheekbones to make it look natural.
5. Dewy Natural Look
Nothing beats having a fresh and awake look early in the morning. You can create the illusion of dewy skin using a highlighter. Simply apply the highlighter to your cheekbones, the centre of your eyelids and at the inner corner of the eyes. If you have dark skin, go for a copper tone but if you have fair skin opt for a champagne shade. Keep everything else minimal and neutral.
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6. Perfume and Nails
We not only want to look like a billion bucks in the office but smell like one too. When it comes to scents, stick to light and soft fragrances. Look for those which have power-boosting ingredients such as vanilla which is linked to creativity or rosemary which is believed to improve mental performance.
If you are a big fan of nail art, you may have to hold the bedazzled Louis Vuitton print till vacation. Neat and well-manicured nails are a no brainer when it comes to looking presentable at work with your office makeup. Go for neutrals and light pink shades but feel free to switch it up with deep blues, reds or soft pastel. After all, is done, add a little subtle jewellery to your look and you are good to go.
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How do you achieve your daily office makeup look without going overboard? Share your tips in the comments below.
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