The beauty essentials you need at your desk

We all know the polished, fresh-face that waltzes through the office door at 8am isn’t the same one that leaves in the afternoon, so it’s a good idea to keep an emergency beauty stash at your desk.

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Whether it’s an impromptu meeting that requires a bold lip or the office air-con has got the better of you again, it pays to have your drawers stocked with the essentials that’ll keep you looking your best all day long. Here are nine beauty products that every working woman should keep at her desk:

Hand cream

We’d be surprised if you didn’t already have one stashed in your top drawer - it’s an absolute lifesaver when the air con is pumping. Save the rich, sometimes slippery hand creams for home (especially if you type at work!), and opt for Burt’s Bees Almond Milk & Beeswax Hand Créme. Its waxy, non-greasy texture is a godsend for dry, chapped hands. 

A bright lipstick

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve whipped out a lippie at work, I’d probably be a millionaire. Keep a lipstick (or two, or three) at work for those times when you need to perk up, or instantly amp up your presentation for a meeting (and earn brownie points with the boss). The Bobbi Brown Art Sticks are every beauty editor’s new obsession; they’re creamy and allow for expert application.

Hydrating mist

Office air is about as refreshing as that on a 14-hour flight, so it’s nice to have something to freshen up your face when it’s starting to dry out. A spritz of the AEOS Refreshing Hydrating Mist will give your skin a quick hydration boost, leaving it feeling rejuvenated (and your colleagues wondering how your skin looks so damn good). 

Fragrance

While you don’t want to wear your most sensual fragrance to work, it’s definitely worth having a scent on hand, especially if you’re regularly mingling with clients. The Elemis Eau de Parfum is a uplifting fragrance that guarantees compliments but won’t overpower the office.

Make-up wipes

When you’re going straight out after work and need to re-do your make-up, you need Johnson’s Daily Essential Cleansing Wipes for Sensitive Skin on side. These babies not only moisturise your skin, but with just a quick swipe, they’ll remove any grime from the day so you’re ready for round two. 

Cuticle oil

Mulling over that meeting, or thinking about how you’ll open that preso? Why not be a multi-tasker and massage in some cuticle oil at the same time? For bonus points, try the Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil - it'll change the way your cuticles and nails look, so it’s a great one to keep within reach.

Dry shampoo

Sometimes, there’s just no time to do the whole hair washing thing in the morning. That’s where dry shampoo comes in! The Batiste Dry Shampoo range combats greasy strands, and gives hair that roughed-up texture we all know and love. Definite desk essential.

Deodorant

Work can be stressful, and sweating is a side-effect of that. Nobody wants to be known as the smelly office girl, so pop a can of Dove Original Anti-Perspirant Aerosol in your drawer and pull it out when needed. You (and your co-workers) will thank me for this one.

Straightener

If you could only see how much the bh girls use the office straightener… It’s clever to have a heat styling tool on hand - a quick once-over with the ghd IV styler before after-work drinks is a sure-fire way to make you feel like new again.

Moisturiser

You actually haven’t lived until you’ve tried the Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturiser. Seriously. Say goodbye to dry legs and elbows, because one spray is all it takes for the lotion to work its way deeply into the skin, sans the sticky residue.

What beauty products do you keep at your desk?