Here’s how to wear make-up at work

 A recent study conducted by a leading make-up manufacturer concluded that professional women who wear make-up are perceived as more presentable, likeable, trustworthy and competent. But that doesn’t mean any kind of make-up works at the workplace. A jazzy shade of lipstick, too much blush or sparkly eye shadow, which gets you `wows’ from friends isn’t good for the office.

“One challenge most young women face is choosing the right make-up for a corporate environment. Office make-up is all about looking polished and pulled-together,” says Amer ican professional make-up artist Bobbi Brown. While it may require you to put down that glitter eyeliner, you need not be a bare-faced beauty.”When it comes to work, stick to the `less is more’ approach. A lot of women go to work sans make-up but glamour in the right proportion works great as it makes you look polished and confident,” says celebrity make-up artist Uday Shirali.

The trick to looking pretty, professional and competent is sporting a look that enhances your natural beauty.

Coming to complexion :

Mimic a healthy complexion at work with the right shade and texture of foundation. Oil-free and lasting liquid foundation and mineral make-up are great options to hide skin flaws. Since you will be work ing a good eight hours or so, avoid heavy foundation.

For rosy cheeks :

Keep your blusher light and shimmer free for an ideal office look.If you have a fair complexion, pick blushers from the pink-peach family while women, with a slightly warm Indian skintone can choose warmer blush shades, like coral. Most importantly, apply blush where you naturally flush. Tip: Suck your cheeks in to help you find your cheek bones.

Eyes that speak :

Remember, work is no place for the latest shades of glittery eye shadows or colourful mascaras. Keep your eye make-up simple and fuss free. Opt for neutral greys and browns with just a slight hint of shimmer and swap your black liner for a brown one for a softer, more natural effect. Strong brows are another best way to show off your profes sional chic look. Keep them neat and tidy, and never over trim. Fill them with powder or use a wax or tinted brow gel to set.

Tinted tips :

Make your lips appear fuller by using a lip liner to moisturise. When choosing a lip liner, make sure it is the same colour as the lipstick. If you’re wearing lip gloss that is colourless, pick a lip liner that matches your own lip colour. Lipsticks and glosses in pastel shades of pink, peach, and even warm colours such as brown are great for office wear. Skip matte ones that dry too soon and go for creamy, moisture-rich lipsticks to ensure your lips stay hydrated all day. Don’t prefer sporting lipsticks at work? Invest in a lip tint and keep it handy for touch-ups.

Party after work?

No one will confuse the office-you with the party-you after you apply a creamy dark wine or bright red matte lipstick. “To add to the look, do the gorgeous smokey eye look or a black winged eyeliner look,” suggests Shirali.A wash of gold eyeshadow isn’t a bad idea either. Add a little eyeliner close to your lash line, then smudge on a shimmery gold shadow and blend out a bit past the edges of your eyes. Lastly, add a glittery top coat to your nails for a not-sotacky-yet-glamorous look. Finish by braiding your hair on one side and add some volumising spray for an instant sexy look.

Your 5- minute make-up routine 
Most women often run short of time while getting ready. Here are ways to make mornings easier…

Minute 1:

Gently massage daily moisturiser into the skin to ensure a smooth make-up application. Then, apply concealer under your eyes.Use a yellow-tone concealer that’s one or two shades lighter than your foundation to lighten any under-eye darkness.

Minute 2:

Spot-apply foundation just on the parts of your face (typi cally around the nose and mouth) where you notice redness.

Minute 3:

Liven up your face with blush. Apply a natural shade of blush on the apples of the cheeks and layer with a pop of brighter blush on top.

Minute 4:

Play up lips with a lipstick or gloss in a shade that mimics the natural colour of your lips.

Minute 5: 

Make your eyes stand out with two or three coats of black mascara.

5 ground rules for a workplace-safe look 

Your make-up must stand the test of time so that you don’t have to keep retouching it every time you go for a meeting.

Always have a mirror in your office drawer. It comes in handy when you wish to check whether your hair is in the right place.

Your make-up shouldn’t be distracting.

Keep your nails short, clean and neutral coloured. Long, false nails and elaborate nail art are offensive to the eye at work. You definitely shouldn’t be hearing the sound of your nails when you’re typing! Wear a day-long perfume, but make sure the smell isn’t overwhelming. Your colleagues shouldn’t be able to smell you unless they come in for a hug. Moreover, a lot of people are allergic to certain fragrances. Perfume, like lingerie, is mostly for you to enjoy!

(Inputs by make-up artist Bobbi Brown)

This article was first published on Times Of India. 

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Here’s how to wear make-up at work

Stick to elegant, fuss-free make-up for workplace glam

A recent study conducted by a leading make-up manufacturer concluded that professional women who wear make-up are perceived as more presentable, likeable, trustworthy and competent. But that doesn’t mean any kind of make-up works at the workplace. A jazzy shade of lipstick, too much blush or sparkly eye shadow, which gets you `wows’ from friends isn’t good for the office.

“One challenge most young women face is choosing the right make-up for a corporate environment. Office make-up is all about looking polished and pulled-together,” says Amer ican professional make-up artist Bobbi Brown. While it may require you to put down that glitter eyeliner, you need not be a bare-faced beauty.”When it comes to work, stick to the `less is more’ approach. A lot of women go to work sans make-up but glamour in the right proportion works great as it makes you look polished and confident,” says celebrity make-up artist Uday Shirali.

The trick to looking pretty, professional and competent is sporting a look that enhances your natural beauty.

Coming to complexion :

Mimic a healthy complexion at work with the right shade and texture of foundation. Oil-free and lasting liquid foundation and mineral make-up are great options to hide skin flaws. Since you will be work ing a good eight hours or so, avoid heavy foundation.

For rosy cheeks :

Keep your blusher light and shimmer free for an ideal office look.If you have a fair complexion, pick blushers from the pink-peach family while women, with a slightly warm Indian skintone can choose warmer blush shades, like coral. Most importantly, apply blush where you naturally flush. Tip: Suck your cheeks in to help you find your cheek bones.

Eyes that speak :

Remember, work is no place for the latest shades of glittery eye shadows or colourful mascaras. Keep your eye make-up simple and fuss free. Opt for neutral greys and browns with just a slight hint of shimmer and swap your black liner for a brown one for a softer, more natural effect. Strong brows are another best way to show off your profes sional chic look. Keep them neat and tidy, and never over trim. Fill them with powder or use a wax or tinted brow gel to set.

Tinted tips :

Make your lips appear fuller by using a lip liner to moisturise. When choosing a lip liner, make sure it is the same colour as the lipstick. If you’re wearing lip gloss that is colourless, pick a lip liner that matches your own lip colour. Lipsticks and glosses in pastel shades of pink, peach, and even warm colours such as brown are great for office wear. Skip matte ones that dry too soon and go for creamy, moisture-rich lipsticks to ensure your lips stay hydrated all day. Don’t prefer sporting lipsticks at work? Invest in a lip tint and keep it handy for touch-ups.

Party after work?

No one will confuse the office-you with the party-you after you apply a creamy dark wine or bright red matte lipstick. “To add to the look, do the gorgeous smokey eye look or a black winged eyeliner look,” suggests Shirali.A wash of gold eyeshadow isn’t a bad idea either. Add a little eyeliner close to your lash line, then smudge on a shimmery gold shadow and blend out a bit past the edges of your eyes. Lastly, add a glittery top coat to your nails for a not-sotacky-yet-glamorous look. Finish by braiding your hair on one side and add some volumising spray for an instant sexy look.

Your 5- minute make-up routine
Most women often run short of time while getting ready. Here are ways to make mornings easier…

Minute 1:

Gently massage daily moisturiser into the skin to ensure a smooth make-up application. Then, apply concealer under your eyes.Use a yellow-tone concealer that’s one or two shades lighter than your foundation to lighten any under-eye darkness.

Minute 2:

Spot-apply foundation just on the parts of your face (typi cally around the nose and mouth) where you notice redness.

Minute 3:

Liven up your face with blush. Apply a natural shade of blush on the apples of the cheeks and layer with a pop of brighter blush on top.

Minute 4:

Play up lips with a lipstick or gloss in a shade that mimics the natural colour of your lips.

Minute 5:

Make your eyes stand out with two or three coats of black mascara.

5 ground rules for a workplace-safe look

Your make-up must stand the test of time so that you don’t have to keep retouching it every time you go for a meeting.

Always have a mirror in your office drawer. It comes in handy when you wish to check whether your hair is in the right place.

Your make-up shouldn’t be distracting.

Keep your nails short, clean and neutral coloured. Long, false nails and elaborate nail art are offensive to the eye at work. You definitely shouldn’t be hearing the sound of your nails when you’re typing! Wear a day-long perfume, but make sure the smell isn’t overwhelming. Your colleagues shouldn’t be able to smell you unless they come in for a hug. Moreover, a lot of people are allergic to certain fragrances. Perfume, like lingerie, is mostly for you to enjoy!

(Inputs by make-up artist Bobbi Brown)

Share and Enjoy