Creating wedding looks for Boston brides is a large part of my day, but beautiful brows and makeup aren’t just for brides. Finding the right professional look for your workplace is just as important. I’ve put together a collection of brow and makeup tips for the professional woman to ensure you always put your best face forward in the office. If you have any trouble following the tips below, consider a lesson at my Newbury Street studio!
1. BROWS: Start with the basics
Well-groomed brows are an essential part of any professional look. Whether you’re more of a natural girl or prefer a glam look, shapely brows complete any weekday or weekend look. I suggest having a trained professional shape your brows and teach you how to maintain them in between salon visits to ensure you always put your best, sophisticated face forward.
2. MAKEUP: How to create a meeting-ready look in 10 minutes or less
1. Start by hydrating your skin with a very lightweight moisturizer.
2. Apply a tinted moisturizer or lightweight foundation starting at the center of your face, working towards the edges. Blend foundation edges with a large brush to avoid lines.
3. Lightly apply concealer to the inner corners of your eyes to instantly look well-rested.
4. Brush a light-colored brow pencil or clear gel across your brows.
5. Apply a light-colored bronzer to the flat portions of your face to add depth and warmth.
6. Finish your face by applying a warm-colored blush to the apple of each cheek.
7. For work-appropriate eyes, apply a nude eye shadow over the entire lid.
8. Define your eyes with a natural brown or black liner, keeping the color very close to the inner lid.
9. Curl lashes twice and apply two coats of mascara.
10. Dab on your favorite matte lip color, and grab your laptop—you’re meeting ready!
3. AFTER WORK: Quick Cocktail Hour Fixes
1. Transform your workday look into a weekend look by layering on additional eyeliner.
2. Apply a sultry matte or shimmering eye color on your lids to transition smoothly from afternoon to evening.
3. Deepen and shine up your lips with your favorite lipstick or gloss.
4. Erase dark circles instantly by applying an eye brightener to the entire under-eye area.
5. Dust pressed powder across your t-zone to ensure the only thing shining tonight is your smile—not your face.
4. QUICK TOUCHUP TIPS
5. COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Should I try out new trends with my work makeup?
A: Generally, unless you work at a creative or generally young and trendy workplace, it’s better to err on the side of “tried and true” rather than “wild and new” for weekday makeup.
Q: What’s the most suitable look for the office?
A: I typically suggest a nude eye shadow with well-defined liner, lightly blushed cheeks, and a matte pink lip gloss for the workplace. You’ll look polished and feminine, but not overly done up.
Q: I never wear lipstick, but I think I should probably start. What’s the best color for me?
A: You really can’t go wrong with a variation of pink. Start out sheer if you’re worried about applying properly the first time. Remember, you can always wipe it off if you mess up!
Q: I find my eye makeup bleeds by the middle of the day. What should I do?
A: This happens to almost every woman during the course of the workday. Keep disposable makeup wipes in your desk and dab around your eyes post-lunch to quickly and gently wipe away any smears.
Q: I always break out when I try foundation. Any suggestions?
A: Try to find a non-comedogenic foundation, which means it won’t clog pores. Easy-to-apply tinted moisturizers and BB creams are becoming commonplace in the workplace as well, meaning you can focus less on touching up during the day and more on your next big project.