Office Appropriate Makeup

Makeup Tips for a Professional Appearance at Work

Mar 25, 2008 Annalise Kaylor

First impressions are often based upon how one looks. Make that first impression at the office a good one with office appropriate makeup tips.

Navigating between the lines of “office appropriate” these days can be a treacherous trek. Terms like “business casual” leave undetermined boundaries for your clothing, so what does that mean for your makeup? First impressions can mean everything, and just like you wouldn't wear yoga pants and a crop top to meet with a client, you shouldn't be wearing makeup reminiscent of your high school prom.

Following these simple ground rules will ensure that you are always putting your best face forward:

Keep It Simple

In a professional office environment, less is more. It's okay to be a little trendy and reflect who you are, but don't overdo it by cramming five trends onto one face. Stick with one or two neutral eye colors, a lipstick that resembles your natural lip color with a little more kick, a coat of mascara and a sweep of blush across the cheeks. Use foundation and concealer as needed.

Work the Entire Face

Many women feel comfortable making up just their eyes or just their lips, leaving the other areas neglected. Wear something soft on each feature – eyes, lips, and cheeks – for a complete, well-rounded appearance.

Seen and Not Heard

Office makeup doesn't have to be boring, but it should never be brash. Avoid loud colors which look even more harsh under office fluorescents. Opt for neutrals, like browns and grays, or soft plums instead. The office is not the place to try out bold new looks or runway trends.

Blend, and Then Blend Some More

Avoid harsh lines by blending. Soften eyeliner with an angle brush or cotton swab, and blend blush to avoid “stripes” on each cheek. Lip liner should be neutral and define the lips, but the line should be smudged so as not to appear thick and noticeable. Make sure you choose a foundation makeup that is right for you, and blend thoroughly along the jawline and hairline.

Leave the Shimmer At Home

Shimmer and sparkle are great for evening looks, but under the office fluorescents, they can easily look cheap and unrefined. Keep use to a bare minimum here, and save the sparkle for evenings out.

Lastly, if you question whether or not your makeup is too much for the office, it probably is. Tone down excessive blush with a pressed or loose powder, and blot dark lips with a tissue and add a light gloss. As always, the goal with an everyday makeup application is to polish your appearance and complete your overall look. Let your performance make the impression, not your makeup.

The copyright of the article Office Appropriate Makeup in Beauty is owned by Annalise Kaylor. Permission to republish Office Appropriate Makeup in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Comments

Apr 23, 2009 1:55 PM

Guest :

This was well written =) I have been writing a blog about hair and makeup and I am currently focusing on workplace appropriate hair/makeup--I referenced your article and linked it to your page. =)

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