Whether you’re back in the office or always work remotely, knowing what work makeup to wear is the first step in getting ready every day. Obviously, wearing makeup to work is not essential, however, it is something I do. So I thought I would share the work makeup I wear every day. Although I switch products around day to day, there are a few staples that I find myself reaching for on a weekly basis.
Should I Wear Makeup to Work?
Wearing makeup to work is a completely personal choice. When I was 18 and 19 I worked in a somewhat high-end shop that required us to wear the makeup that we were selling, so for me it’s second nature to wear a full face to work. Even though I work remotely I still do this, it makes me feel more confident on camera so I take the time every morning to put my makeup on. Just because this is what I prefer, it doesn’t mean you should. Whether you’re someone who loves going makeup-free, goes natural with mascara and lip-gloss, or goes all out with their work looks, you should do what feels right for you.
The Rules of Wearing Makeup to the Office
It’s important to think about the kind of workplace you are in when deciding what makeup to wear. Are there any specific image rules in your company guidelines, are you working for a large corporate agency, or a small creative business, or even working as a makeup artist in your favourite store? Your company and job role may dictate a large part of what makeup you should and shouldn’t wear.
For more corporate jobs I would recommend staying with neutral colours, keeping your look professional and sleek. Whereas, more creative jobs could allow you to play around with colours and experimenting with different looks.
My Top Picks for Work Makeup
When it comes to choosing my makeup for work and Zoom, I try to pick neutral colours and occasionally soft pinks. I find there are certain pieces of makeup that I always reach for on work days, and have consistently picked these over and over again. I’m going to go through each of my work makeup for Zoom picks now!
Foundation to Last the Whole Day
I can’t tell you how many foundations I’ve tried over the past year. I kept trying foundations that were being hyped online (Too Faced Born This Way I’m looking at you) and finding they just wouldn’t last on my skin through the day – however long they claimed they would. That’s why I kept reaching back for my favourite L’Oreal Infallible Matte Foundation. This L’Oreal pick has been a long-time favourite of mine, back in uni it was kept for club nights due to its long lasting abilities, but now it’s a daily foundation.
My skin gets oily throughout the day so I like the matte finish of this foundation. This is a full coverage formulation, which I love as it hides all those pesky blemishes! The foundation itself is quite a thick consistency but feels comfortable on the skin despite this. The Infallible Matte lasts on my skin all day without breaking up like other foundations, which is why this is so great as a foundation for work as I don’t have to top it up in the day. This is a great benefit if you’re working in an office rather than remotely!
Concealer to Hide the Night Before
I can’t say I stay up very late these days. But back when I worked in the shop there were numerous days when I’d been out until 4am the night before and had to be at work bright and breezy just a few hours later. For these occasions I’d reach for a cult beauty classic, the Collection Lasting Perfection concealer. Now this concealer has had a glow up since my teenage years, and I was drawn in last year to repurchase this due to its fancy new packaging, rediscovering an old favourite. I now reach for this concealer for work everyday. It works both under the eyes and to cover imperfections
For days when I want to switch it up I reach for the Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser concealer. This is a little more lightweight but works well under the eyes for days when you want a quick pick me up.
Powder to Keep it Locked in All Day
My everyday power for setting my work makeup is the Laura Mercier Translucent powder. This is a recent discovery in the past few months and I really love the texture and feel of this loose powder! I’ve tried loose powders in the past that have been chalky and seem to spread everywhere in the air making me cough. This favourite from Laura Mercier doesn’t do this, it’s easy to apply and other products work flawlessly on top of it.
Easy Brow Gel
When you’re doing your makeup for work you want something that’s quick and easy and that’s exactly what this brow gel is! I’m an avid fan of Glossier (discover my thoughts on if Glossier products are worth it) and absolutely love Boy Brow. This is one of Glossier’s most hyped products and it’s easy to see why. All I need to do with this is brush my brows out and then run this brow gel through them. It adds a hint of colour and leaves a natural finish which is perfect for work!
Bronzer for a Healthy Glow
This is potentially my favourite makeup product of all time, not just for work Zoom calls! The bronzer I use on a daily basis for work is the Dior Nude Air Glow. Unfortunately this product appears to be discontinued (insert full on crying emoji here), but I have found a very similar product from Dior – Diorskin Mineral Nude Bronze – that will probably give the same effect. This bronzer gives such a nice sunkissed glow, I apply it along my cheekbones, around the hairline, and on the nose. I’m not sure how I haven’t hit pan on this bronzer yet as it’s one of my daily essentials for work makeup.
A Staple Eyeshadow Palette
As you can tell from my photos, this is a well-loved eyeshadow palette. I picked this Tarte Tartelette in Bloom palette up on a trip to San Francisco, and have loved using it ever since. The nude shades are ideal for makeup for work and are very buildable should you need to intensify the look for after-work activities. I tend to use the lighter brown shades in my crease and on the outside of the eye, and then use one of the slightly shimmery shades across the lid. As I don’t want my makeup to be too intense for work, I also use the black eyeshadow in this as eyeliner for a softer daytime look.
A Mascara for Everyday
Again, another longtime favourite for me, is the Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara. This rivals its higher end counterparts and gives both volume, length, and colour to my lashes. I love how affordable this mascara is and it’s the perfect everyday mascara for work.
A Tinted Lip Balm for Every Situation
I find lipsticks wear off very easily throughout the day so I like to opt for a lip product that wears nicely. For this I adore this Nars tinted lip balm, this particular one was a trial size that I’ve had for a little while and I’ve actually just purchased the full size. This feels really gentle and hydrating on the lips and leaves a flattering pink tint, perfect for Zoom calls at work!
Work Desk Makeup Essentials
There are a few products that I keep on my desk as essentials to use throughout the day. The first is the Glossier Balmdotcom in the shade rose, this is a slightly pink tinted lip balm that looks subtle on the lips and provides ultimate hydration.
The second product I keep on my desk is a hand cream, which I use multiple times throughout the day to keep my hands hydrated. I think this is important, especially at the moment, to fight against dry hands caused by hand sanitiser – if you’re back in the office this is a must-have makeup item for our desk!
Love
xxx
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About Katie May
I’m a digital marketer who graduated in English Literature and Philosophy from Cardiff University last year. I love travel and beauty, from A Brit’s Guide to LA, to discussing if Urban Decay Products are Worth It, you’ll find a wealth of posts to delve into on my blog. I hope you enjoy your time here!