Look perfectly polished in your workplace

Make-up in the corporate world is a challenge. One of the ways to climb the corporate ladder is to project a professional, polished image, so you’d definitely want to wear some sort of make-up, but you also can’t go too OTT. (I’m sure many of you work in jobs that would deem it inappropriate to sport glitter nails, red lips or bright eye shadow.) Office make-up should be easy to apply, low maintenance, and should stand the test of time – and let's be frank, who actually has time to re-apply their make-up during a working day?

Here are some top make-up tips to ensure you look both professional and polished during your workday:

CORPORATE MAKE-UP TIP #1
Begin by using a primer, such as Models Prefer Professional Face Primer, as this will help to smooth your skin and ensure your foundation lasts longer. If, like me, you’re not a big foundation fan, apply a BB Cream instead as this will help to even out your skin tone without leaving you looking or feeling like you’re caked in make-up. Try: Chi Chi Super BB Cream.

CORPORATE MAKE-UP TIP #2
Concealer is another important step as it can hide all manner of sins. Personally, I apply concealer around my eyes and on my spots after my foundation. You can also blend it in to the inner corner of your eyes, and a pop little under your eyes too, to create a fresh make-up look and bright eyes. Try: M.A.C Mineralize Concealer.

CORPORATE MAKE-UP TIP #3
Eyeshadow is a powerful part of a corporate look, as it promotes a polished image, however you don’t want it to overshadow your face. A light taupe, grey or cream shadow is the perfect choice here, and should be applied gently and lightly over the eyelid. We like Revlon Color Stay 16 Hour Eyeshadow as it glides onto the lids easily and lasts for up to sixteen hours.

CORPORATE MAKE-UP TIP #4
Very lightly applied liquid eyeliner may also suit your corporate eye. MaxFactor Glide & Define Liquid Eyeliner combines a smooth formula that glides on like a liquid, with a pointed drawing tip to make it as easy as using a pencil.

CORPORATE MAKE-UP TIP #5
When it comes to lip colour, keep it neutral, as you are in the office not out on the town. If you really can’t resist a pop of colour, stick to a palette of soft pinks and muted berry hues. Try: Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color in Blue Raspberry.

CORPORATE MAKE-UP TIP #6
Nails are always a tough decision when it comes to corporate appropriateness, but you can never go wrong with a pale, neutral colour. Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure range has the perfect nail colours to let you skip the salon as they combine base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, colour and top coat in each polish. Shades such as Pink Slip, Shell We Dance?, Peachy Keen, Clear’d for Takeoff, and Sheer Me Now are ideal colours for a work environment.

What make-up do you wear to work each day? How much make-up is acceptable in an office environment? Do you have any work-appropriate make-up tips to share?

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92 Member Comments

Miss19 8 Dec 2017 12:35 AM

A light pink/nude colour for nails is nice

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preciousia 18 Jun 2016 7:23 AM

professional advice!

bmill229 7 Sep 2014 3:21 PM

Great tips.

CrystalP 19 Jul 2014 11:35 PM

Great tips , I've always tried to keep makeup to a minimum and neutral

Lawliet 10 Jul 2014 3:26 AM

Too much makeup for me. Back when I used to work in an office I would only have nail polish and concealer or BB cream on.

itslinda 16 Apr 2014 11:45 AM

Lovely article :)

diabla 30 Jul 2013 12:45 AM

great tips, i like natural looking makeup

LisOnLife 17 Jun 2013 1:35 AM

Great tips though

LisOnLife 17 Jun 2013 1:34 AM

Want to try that MP primer

Petal 16 Jun 2013 3:17 PM

When I used to work, I still wore bright lipstick, but it wasn't glaringly bright. The rest of my makeup was usually neutral.

Chicklet 11 Jun 2013 11:54 AM

Very appropriate tips, although I tend to have a bit of fun with my nail polish. I also think you can get away with a bright lipstick if everything else is balanced.

Britty1 7 May 2013 11:01 PM

I believe a minimal and natural approach towards work place make up is a must. Nothing worse than looking like a clown face or like you are on your way to a club, when you are trying to gain the respect of both your female and male colleagues. I personally wear the Christian Dior Nude foundation with my Estee Lauder concealer & mascara & liquid liner.

boujeebabe 23 Apr 2013 1:54 PM

Great tips I'm in school and got in trouble for too much makeup would be great if you girls could give a high school makeup tutorial teaching us how to cover up pimples dark circles etc and a natural fresh look great article thanks Maddie xx

pinkheart 21 Apr 2013 12:07 AM

I sometimes get a little ignorant in painting my nails, so I might look into paining my paws a nice nude shade to start the week.

Beauty Fan 69 19 Apr 2013 8:58 PM

Thank you beauty heaven for the wonderful tips; how much make up is appropriate in an office environment does difffer depending on the company. I find make up is fine is most workplaces so long as it is subtle; I normally wear a BB Cream - this creates radiant skin, a waterproof mascara, light pink blush and neutral lip balm. In a work environment less is more, embraing your natural beauty/being great at your job is going to make you shine and be inspirationally successful!.

apple8 19 Apr 2013 1:22 PM

I just wear foundation, and sometimes some gloss.

susan8D 19 Apr 2013 9:06 AM

great tips. i think neutral, basic makeup works best in all workplaces

sammi545 16 Apr 2013 11:44 AM

revlon eyeshadow is perfect for work for me. i dont wear much but they come in such good tones it looks subtle and professional!

Shop A Everyday 16 Apr 2013 11:01 AM

very nice looks

Trudz 16 Apr 2013 9:21 AM

I am pushing the limits with my eyeshadow colours but I try to never go over the top. I think this is great for people who have strict dress code.

Joanne182 16 Apr 2013 2:12 AM

The corporate look is probably one of the best clean looks. I should try BB cream soon

Green_Jaguar 15 Apr 2013 12:01 PM

I think it all depends on where you work, minimalist make up, (whilst looking stunning) is generally the best way to go!

smckinnon 14 Apr 2013 10:16 AM

Great tips! I always wear a pale gold eyeshadow to the office with a tiny bit of liquid eye liner for definition, a coat of mascara and a natural looking lipstick. Great tips BH, thank you!

Tinaaa 13 Apr 2013 1:02 PM

for work, i think a red or deep berry lipstick is perfect, with light coverage foundation and groomed brows and mascara! keep it minimal!

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Six work-appropriate makeup tips

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