When Dolly Parton wrote "Nine to Five," her hit song about office work, she lamented that it wasn't an easy way to make a living. She also might've been referring to the damage your skin incurs at the office and the difficulty of maintaining a fresh face all day. As both are concerns for many modern working women, here are some tips to protect your skin, keep your makeup looking fresh and make the transition from day to evening beauty in a few simple steps.
Bad air
Indoor air is terrible for the skin, especially if your building is designed for energy efficiency. If that's the case, then chances are there's only one air supply, and the air is filtered through miles of ducts in the building. You could be sharing your air supply with everyone else. Combine a lack of fresh air with the drying effects of indoor heat and air conditioning and you have the potential for some serious skin issues.
To defeat dryness and protect your skin from damage at the office, try the following:
- Use a topical serum, such as Clarisonic Renewal Serum, after showering or washing your face to protect your skin from free radicals and environmental damage. All skin types will love the vitamins and antioxidants in this product.
- Apply a moisturizer that will form a barrier to trap in skin's moisture. An excellent option is Elizabeth Arden Skin Basics Velva Moisture Film for long-lasting hydration. Also, applying this product before your makeup will give you an easier application and better results.
- Because UV rays penetrate windows, even when you're commuting to work or busy at the office, the sun is damaging your skin. Shield yourself from harmful UVA/UVB rays with Obagi C Sun Guard SPF 30.
- To repair extensive damage like lines, wrinkles, sunspots and sagging, use SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex Best Results Kit.
- Make sure you drink enough water to stay hydrated; six to eight glasses a day is the standard recommendation. Hit the office water cooler, or bring in your own bottle from home to sip throughout the day.
For the girl on the go
Not enough time to get ready in the morning? Your skincare routine should be easy to use as well as effective. Multi-tasking products are huge timesavers when you're in a hurry.
- As a cleanser, toner and makeup remover in one, Purity Made Simple is a perfect example of a triple-duty product.
- Instead of having four separate products, try Philosophy Supernatural Air Canvas, a four-in-one product with a foundation, concealer, moisturizer and sunscreen. It will literally save you minutes and money.
The midday crisis
Has your makeup all but disappeared by lunchtime?
- A finishing spray can help by holding your makeup in place all day long.
- If your hair won't behave, try a product such as Oscar Blani Olio di Jasmine Hair Serum to control frizz and enhance shine throughout the day.
After hours
We all have important things to do when we punch out from work, like hitting the gym, meeting up with that special someone or attending another event. With so many after-work responsibilities, little time is left to transition from day to evening makeup. How can you look your best in so little time?
- An ideal solution is an all-in-one kit, such
Amazing Cosmetics Perfectly Amazing Kit Fair. It contains essentials like foundation, concealer and powder.
- Evening is all about the eyes, so play them up by applying a darker eye shadow along the crease. You can also line your eyes with it, or use eye liner instead.
- Add a sexy, shimmery powder to your cheekbones or collarbone. No need to go overboard; just a touch creates a nice accent.
- For lips, try a classic deep red, or dab a gold-toned gloss over your daytime lipstick to give it new life.
With these simple steps, your skin will look great from the time you arrive at work to the time you leave — and even beyond.
See also:
The Busy Girl's Guide to Feeling Fresh and Fabulous All Day
Boost Your Night-time Routine for Beautiful Skin