8 OFFICE MAKE-UP ESSENTIALS EVERY GIRL NEEDS

Waking up early for work, getting ready quickly, and commuting to work stresses me out. Sometimes, it becomes physically and emotionally impossible to fathom this routine if you are NOT a morning person. You should be used to this, right? But, let’s face it, sometimes you just can’t.

Putting on my makeup every morning takes me at least 30 minutes to an hour; Crazy, right? But, now, I’ve managed to decrease the time I spend on my face to about an average of 10-15 minutes max. I have managed to identify the key products I need for that quick ‘Office Make-up Routine’. Are you curious? then, keep reading!

SUNSCREEN

This is a no brainer, you should be wearing sunscreen all day, everyday. It’s still quite alarming to hear the amount of people who don’t apply SPF, isn’t skin cancer scary enough?

If you’ve been hiding under a rock, let me inform you about some facts. Global warming has caused our ozone layer to deplete and our bodies need protection from the harmful rays the sun emits. Studies have shown that skin cancer rates have been constantly on a rise but sunscreen has been proven to help stop the development of skin cancer. Not to mention, it also reduces skin discolouration and wrinkles.

Start now while you still can. You might regret it in the future.

HEAVY DUTY CONCEALER

Without question, Concealer has to be ‘item must-have’ number two. It’s quick and it helps with camouflaging your under eye circles, skin discolouration and unwanted imperfections. Concealer does not only provide a fresh face but a fresh canvas for the other office necessities you’ll be adding to complete look.

I recommend a heavy-duty concealer as a little goes such a long way. Simply dab small amounts on the areas you desire to conceal and blend with either a beauty blender or a dense dome-style concealer brush.

BLOTTING POWDER

Blotting powder is used to reduce the appearance of pores, absorb shine, and set any liquid/cream product you had previously added. Blotting powder is usually used in conjunction with an actual setting powder or powder foundation but it’s okay to break the rules.

Simply apply the blotting powder with a puff or brush. If you are using a puff, press the powder into the skin instead of smearing it on. If you are using a brush, swirl it around the pan, tap of the excess and dab onto the parts that require the powder.

BLUSH, BRONZER AND HIGHLIGHT COMPACT

These three elements are the epitome of cherries on top of a sundae. These products work hand-and-hand to obtain that structured look. We have bronzer to frame and warm the face, blush to look fresh and add colour, and highlight to add light and dimension.

With bronzer, you want the product to be at least 2 shades darker than your skin tone. Stay with a neutral-toned bronzer, as this will look a lot more skin-like.

With blush, follow your hearts desire. Whether you want pink, mauve, purples, orange, etc. you’ll eventually find the blush that compliments your liking. Remember a little blush goes a long way so, start small and build up from there. Apply the blush on the apples of your cheeks if you have a smaller face. If you have a larger face, apply the blush slightly below your cheekbones.

With highlighter, apply it to the areas that you want emphasised. Normally, I would apply highlighter above my cheekbones following a C-shape towards my temples. I would also recommend applying highlighter on your brow bone, the bridge of your nose, Cupid’s bow, the inner corners of your eyes, and lightly on the sides of your forehead.

NUDE LIPSTICK

Nude lipstick is a standard must-have in our book. It compliments every look you are trying to achieve—may it be a Smokey eye, Colourful lids or your everyday look; it never goes out of style.

Every make-up brand has it’s own range of nude lipsticks. It’s just a matter of fact to look for one that goes well with your skin tone. Since this is for the office, it’s best to go with a lipstick that moisturises as well.

BOLD LIP

This can either be a ditch or a must-have for some of you but, I decided to add this into the mix as it’s something that can drastically change a look.

Working long hours definitely puts a strain on any human being but, when Friday hits—it’s time to party! Simply change your look with a bold lipstick; May it be Ruby Red, Ox-Blood or Dark Purple. Put this on and you might be the talk of the night.

DOUBLE ENDED EYEBROW PENCIL

If there was any item you should have on hand, at all times (besides sunscreen, of course) it would have to be this. Well-groomed eyebrows keep you looking rested, it’s inexpensive and you can get away with little-to-no makeup when your brows are shaped properly.

I recommend a double-ended retractable eyebrow pencil rather than a pencil you have to sharpen. Use the spool to blend out the harsh edges so, it appears more natural.

EYELASH CURLER

I was debating whether or not I should make the eighth item either an eyelash curler or waterproof mascara. After some careful deliberation, I decided to go with the trusty eyelash curler.

Though difficult to use for some, it’s still the perfect choice to accompany these 8 steps. Let’s face it, not all of us are blessed with curled lashes and thus, this was created.

A simple curl gives the illusion that you look more awake and it instantly brightens your face. To obtain that lasting curl, hold the eyelash curler under a hairdryer for a few seconds to warm it slightly. Don’t leave it too long though as you might end up with no lashes left.

What are your top office make-up must-haves? Comment down below!