Office Makeup That Ensures You Always Look Like A Boss
Makeup that goes on easily and lasts through meetings, presentations and whatever drama
By Smita DeSouza -
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Whether you opt for a minimalist no makeup makeup look or prefer bold basics with a pigmented red lipstick and a winged liner, makeup for the office should help you feel good and confident in your skin. It’s not just important to pick shades that won’t have you hauled into HR for violating their dress code, you also want makeup that will last the day with smudging, flaking or running so you always look put together and ready to take on any challenges that come your way.
We’ve rounded up some office makeup essentials that will keep you looking like a boss no matter where the day takes you.
A primer that helps keep makeup in place
Credit: Sephora
Keep your skin hydrated, pores refined and makeup in place for longer with a primer like the It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Primer+ Oil Free, $66. With an all-day grip technology that really holds on to your makeup, glycerin to keep skin comfortable and bark extract and ginger root extract that keep pores minimised, this primer is a must-have in your office makeup bag.
A cushion foundation that allows you to get ready anywhere
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Busy mums know that sometimes you just have to apply your makeup at a traffic light, and a cushion foundation like the Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Cushion Compact Foundation (Refill), $56, is ideal for that. Dab on the foundation for medium coverage that stays on as long as your work day, and doesn’t smudge or settle into fine lines. It also prevents sebum or sweat from showing through, and protects skin from pollution while keeping it hydrated and comfortable.
A long-wearing skin tint that doesn’t oxidise
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Mornings can be a whirlwind of activity, with having to get yourself and the kids ready. A stick tint like the Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blur + Smooth Tint Stick, $54 can help simplify a part of your day, if not all of it. Just swipe on to apply and blend with your fingers, brush or sponge for lightweight coverage that instantly blurs any imperfections. Best part: It looks just as fresh and skin-like at the end of the day as when you applied it.
A full-coverage concealer that won’t crease
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If you’re looking to camouflage dark circles, you’re going to need a concealer like the Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer, $47, in your makeup arsenal that will hide any visible darkness without settling into fine lines. It’s got mango seed and shea butters that keep the delicate skin under the eyes nourished, and can also be used to conceal stubborn blemishes. If you have dry skin, there is a creamy, hydrating version available.
A versatile everyday eyeshadow palette
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You want an eyeshadow palette that has all the neutral shades you need for your office makeup looks, and then some. The Huda Beauty Empowered Eyeshadow Palette, $110, ticks all the right boxes with buttery soft matte neutrals that blend like a dream and are perfect for the office. It also has a range of powder and wet metallic shades that can be used to take your looks from day to night, plus a generous mirror that allows you to do it at your desk.
An eyeliner that won’t move till you remove it
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The best kind of makeup is the kind you apply and then forget all about till you have to take it off at the end of the day. And the KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner Liquid Eyeliner, $37 is that kind of eyeliner. The fine-point flexible tip delivers rich black pigment so you can create anything from a demure kitten eye to a graphic eyeliner. And it stays on till you decide to take it off.
A refreshing mist
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Whether you’re spending long hours in air conditioning in the office or outdoors in the scorching heat, a mist like the Rare Beauty Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Mist, $46, will help revive your skin, makeup — and spirit. A blend of water-based actives and light nourishing oils, the ultra-fine mist settles on your face, delivering a veil of hydration while also refreshing your makeup so it doesn’t look cakey.
A budge-proof mascara
Credit: Watsons Singapore
You don’t want to be worrying about panda eyes during your already-busy day. A waterproof one like the Heroine Make Volume & Curl Advanced Film #01 Black 1s, $22.50, will lift and curl your lashes without smudging, flaking or streaking no matter how humid it is or how watery your eyes are. Though, you will have to use a waterproof makeup remover to remove this mascara at the end of the day.
Lipsticks that last through coffees, meetings and presentations
Credit: Watsons Singapore
The Etude House Fixing Tint lipstick, $21.50 is exactly the kind of lipstick you need going into your work day: it dries in 60 seconds to a comfortable matte texture that doesn’t leave lips feeling dry or crusty. It doesn’t transfer, and when it fades, it leaves a pretty tint on the lips. Plus, it comes in beautiful HR-appropriate shades.
Credit: Watsons Singapore
Another great option is the Peripera Ink Velvet, $15.90. The airy mousse texture glides on, blurring any lines and making lips look filtered IRL. It’s extremely pigmented but can be spread outwards with your fingers to create a gradient look that lasts all day. Packed with jojoba oil, marine collagen and hyaluronic acid, it keeps lips comfortable and soft.