There have been a number of studies* in recent years looking at how professional women are perceived in the workplace depending on how much makeup they wear. While results are somewhat contradictory, the one takeaway that is consistent is that wearing too much makeup to the office makes women seem less competent at their job. No surprises here though since I’ve moved to Dubai where local women largely prefer a full face of makeup, I don't think this always holds true.
In my opinion, when going to the office you should never forgo makeup completely. Paired down and professional looking makeup will convey that you're pulled together and on top of things. It will also make you feel more confident and who doesn't want that.
As for regions and cultures where bold makeup is de rigueur... your best bet is to follow the most senior female's lead. If your #girlboss is sporting black eyeliner at the 10 am meeting then you can safely opt for a little bit yourself. That said a bold lip with bold eyes is always too much... as is glitter. But we all know that already don't we. :)
When it comes to my everyday work look, I tend to focus on just one feature of my face. Usually it's my eyes and Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr eyeshadow in Creamy Beige is my go-to base color for the lids. I follow it up with the Tom Ford Cream Eye Color in Naked Bronze which blends like a dream and gives just the right amount of contrast without making me look like I’m ready for the clubs. I finish off my eyes with a good waterproof mascara - L’Oreal Lash Paradise is still a fave.
I feel blah without blush so I never leave the house without it. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Dim Infusion has been my holy grail for the past 3 years.
When I feel that my brows need extra oomph, I reach for the NYX Micro Brow Pencil. It's a recent discovery and a decent dupe for the Anastasia Brow Wiz. Cheaper too. My shade is Taupe.
For my face, I prefer a light base with SPF to protect my skin from the harsh rays of the Middle Eastern sun. I’ve recently come back to this Laura Mercier Tinter Moisturizer SPF 20 because it has medium coverage but feels light on the skin.
Other items in my makeup box get used when I'm in the mood, have the time or have made plans for the evening.
Make up I'm using in 2018
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Light (10)
Kat von D Setting Powder in Translucent
Maybelline Color Tattoo Leather 24hr Eyeshadow in Creamy Beige
Tom Ford Cream and Powder Eye Color in Naked Bronze
Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon in (Ro)Cocoa
L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara in Blackest Black
NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Taupe
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Luminous Bronze Light
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Dim Infusion
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop
What are your 2018 makeup faves?
*Read more about the studies I had in mind:
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