THE TOP 6 OFFICE BEAUTY MUST-HAVES

Being a beauty editor has a lot of perks (read: testing beauty products for a living), which means that when it comes to our office arsenal of products, we’ve basically got it down to a science.

Battling office elements such as erratic air-conditioning, stressful meetings and frustrating technology can be exhausting on both the skin and soul.

What follows is some of our favourite desk drawer items: refreshing face mists, flattering concealers and a lip balm that can be applied on just about anything to help make your every day a little easier.

Load up now. Thank us later.

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1. FACE MIST

   The new generation of face mists are able to prime, protect and seal makeup into place.  Applied after cleansing, over makeup, or throughout the day, they’ve become irreplaceable for their easy one-step method of hydration. Featuring skin-cooling technology, and a shine-free finish, SK-II Mid Night Miracle Essence is the perfect for pick-me-up either at the desk, in the car in between meetings or simply on the go. Instant rejuvenation occurs by way of this cooling menthol-infused spray, which combines high levels of Pitera. It’s so good, you’ll want two. Or three.

2. FACE POWDER

   Come 3:30pm and it’s not just a tea or coffee break that’s calling (or a sneaky trip to the office cookie jar). By the afternoon, your skin’s sebum levels have produced and you can be left with an oil slick the size of Mount Vesuvius on your forehead. Not. Cool.

   To stop your foundation from sliding off your face, keep a compact powder foundation in your handbag for touch ups. CHANEL Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder SPF 15 will help refresh your complexion, leaving a natural velvet finish. (As if the sleek, portable black and beige case wasn’t reason enough, are we right?!).

3. CONCEALER

   When you’re powering through 12 hour days and your next port of call is after work office drinks, it’s time to bring out the BIG GUNS to help cover up those dark circles that have set up shop under your eyes. A concealer like Perricone MD No Concealer Concealer works to brighten and boost collagen production to fade away the look of dark circles. Plus, this handy slimline tube is also formulated with Vitamin C Ester to brighten and blur the appearance of imperfections. Just what we all need. Genius.

4. LIP BALM

   If there is just one beauty product every woman should keep in her handbag, it’s lip balm. Rain, hail or shine; you can call on balm to not just hydrate lips but also soothe dry cuticles, aid nasty paper cuts, stop bites from itching, moisturise dry elbows or tame unruly brows (yes, really – just apply sparingly). Lanolips 101 Ointment in Pear will do all of the above. It just won’t load the paper copier for you. Sorry.

5. LIPSTICK

   It’s Friday and the office is celebrating a big win. #FRIYAY! To get into the mood and kick start the weekend, keep a bold lipstick stashed in your purse. Estée Lauder Pure Colour Envy Shine Lipstick in Pink Dragon, when slicked onto lips, glides on to release hydration cleverly throughout its wear. Lips are saturated in vibrant colour and sculpted beautifully. A makeup mandatory, really.

6. HAND CREAM

   Because no one likes dry elbows or hands, a pint-sized hand cream will take up next to no room in your handbag but will be your biggest saviour when the time comes (and trust us, it will come). Byredo Hand Cream in Blanche, which features the Swedish house’s award-winning Blanche fragrance, hydrates hands without leaving your mits feeling greasy. No grandma rose scent here (no offence, Grandma!). This luxurious cream is an experience for the senses – for realz.