Looking professional and successful requires more than just donning the right business outfit. You want to appear groomed at all times without going overboard. Applying too much makeup before you head to work can leave you looking like a clown rather than a successful professional woman. However, wearing no makeup to work may leave you looking unprofessional, or even worse, tired or haggard. Just applying a little bit of makeup everyday, will not only enhance your look, but complete the well-polished look that every professional woman strives for.
A Bit of Coverup to Hide any Flaws
Opting for a mineral powder foundation, applied lightly to your skin can mask any skin flaws or defects while still giving you an all-natural look. Im a huge fan of Bare Escentuals. It provides me the coverage I need, and lasts all day long. I just shake, tap, and buff the flaws away, and it lasts all day long.
If you dont have time to put on powder in the mornings, consider using a tinted moisturizer. You can blend uneven skintone in one step. On the days that Im rushing out the door, I use Aveeno Tinted Moisturizer in Medium. Plus, it has SPF 30 to protect my precious skin from free radicals and the suns damaging rays.
Blush Your Cheeks
Accentuate your cheekbones with just the lightest shade of pinks or other similarly nude colors. Apply blush lightly across the cheekbones and perhaps the ridge of your nose. Powder blushes work best and allow you to control how much you apply. You do not want to apply any blush that is too dark in color or too much or you will end up looking less than professional. I use Stilas custom color blush in Coral. It works with every skin tone by reacting to each wearers PH levels.
Dress up your Eyes
When I have time, I always line my eyes with eyeliner. I prefer to use Almays 16-hour eyeliner. It lasts well into the night, especially for those long days at the office. However, on the days that Im too busy, I will simply apply the colors in a color-coordinated eyeshadow quad. I love using Shiseidos Silky Eye Shadow Quad. It comes in neutral and work-appropriate shades. Avoid any brightly colored tones, and use a light touch. Stick to corresponding blends of color between your clothes and your makeup.
A bit of mascara in Brown or Black, and your eyes are complete. If your mascara is too thick or too dark, it detracts from your professional look. Definitely opt for smudge-proof and waterproof mascaras so you do not risk having smudged or flaking mascara under your eyes. I prefer to use Covergirl LashBlast. This thing definitely makes my eyes pop, without the nasty fallout!
A Bit of Lip Gloss or Shimmer and Youre Done
I find that lipstick tends to dry my lips out, and have to constantly reapply throughout the day drying them out even more. Putting a bit of lip gloss, and reapplying when needed does not dry my lips as much. Instead of lip gloss consider using a chap stick with shimmer. My favorite is Burts Bees Lip Shimmer. It keeps my lips perfectly moist, but adds a bit of color and sparkle. With my lips done, Im now ready to tackle my busy work day, and looking like a beautiful and well-polished professional woman at the same time.