Make-up for the working woman

Items for your handbag:
Tissues are very handy and wet tissues are ideal during summer.

A powder compact, with compressed powder, is a must. It comes with its own applicator and is most useful to touch up and refresh your face. First dab your face with tissue and then touch up with powder.

Carry lipstick or lip gloss to touch up your lips after lunch. If your lipstick has spread, wipe off with tissue. First apply powder on the lips and then apply lipstick again.

Remember to take your comb and brush, as well as a small mirror.

A small bottle of cologne can also help to refresh you.

6 tips for make-up at work:
Make-up should be done in the lighting in which you will be seen. If your office has fluorescent lighting as most offices do, your make-up should be applied in the same lighting.

If you have a clear skin, leave out foundation. After cleansing, apply a sunscreen with a built-in moisturizer. Then apply powder. Translucent powder, like a baby powder, is good. Avoid applying too much and pay more attention to the oily areas of the face. Press the powder all over the face and neck, with a slightly damp sponge. This helps it to set and last longer. Avoid using too much powder around the eyes. Brush off excess powder with cotton wool.

If you wish to apply foundation, use a water-based one. Add one or two drops of water for a lighter coverage. If you have a dry skin, try a creamy foundation, but add a few drops of water to it too. The foundation should be as close to your skin colour as possible.

For eye make-up, stick to eye pencils. Or you can line your eyelids with brown or grey eye shadow. This gives a softer effect. Then, apply mascara. This helps the eyes to look brighter, but prevents the “heavily made-up” look. Mascara should be applied in two light coats, rather than one heavy one. Apply one coat. Allow it to dry. Comb out the lashes with an eyelash comb or brush. Then apply the second coat and repeat the procedure.

For lipstick, avoid very dark colours, especially those with bluish tones, like dark maroon. Colours look darker in fluorescent lights. Go for browns copper, bronze, burgundy or wine colour. Or, you can use light pastel colours like mauve or pink, provided it complements your skin colour. The colours should not be too intense. If you like, you can wear only lip-gloss.

Apply a light cologne or perfume.