Natural Makeup for Work: A Polished Look in 10 Minutes

For work, we want makeup that looks put-together and fresh and holds up from morning until you clock out, without spending half an hour in front of the mirror. The key is a few versatile products and knowing where to put them. Here's a natural office look in about 10 minutes.

What you need

• Moisturizer and sunscreen.
• Light foundation, BB cream or just concealer.
• Cream or stick blush.
• Brow gel or pencil.
• Mascara.
• A neutral eyeshadow (optional).
• Tinted balm, lip tint or nude lipstick.
• Translucent powder or setting spray.

Step by step in 10 minutes

1. Prepped skin (2 minutes)

Moisturize and apply sunscreen. If your skin is oily, add a mattifying primer on your T-zone.

2. Even out only where needed (2 minutes)

A thin layer of foundation in the center of your face, blended outward, or just concealer on dark circles and redness. Less product means a more natural finish. Learn the technique in how to apply foundation without it looking heavy.

3. Cream blush (1 minute)

A blush stick goes on with your fingers and gives you an instant healthy flush. You can use the same one on your lips for a coordinated look.

4. Brushed-up brows (1 minute)

Brush them up with gel and fill in only the sparse spots. Tidy brows make your whole face look more polished.

5. Simple eyes (2 minutes)

A light brown matte shadow on the lid, a little mascara and, if you like, a brown tightline. If your eyes are small, read eyeliner for small eyes.

6. Lips (1 minute)

A rosy nude, tinted balm or lip tint. They're easy to reapply without a mirror.

7. Set (1 minute)

Translucent powder on your forehead, nose and chin, and a few spritzes of setting spray.

How to make it last all day

• Air conditioning: it dries out your skin. A face mist mid-afternoon refreshes without disturbing your makeup. Read face mist: what it does.
• A hot commute: setting spray and powder on your T-zone are your best friends. More tips in makeup for heat and humidity.
• Midday shine: blot before adding more powder.

Desk touch-up kit

• Oil-blotting papers.
• Your lipstick or tinted balm.
• Mini concealer.
• Face mist.

Adjust the look to your day

• Video call: a bit more blush and mascara, since the camera flattens your features. More ideas in makeup for photos.
• Big presentation: add a thin liner and a slightly bolder lip.
• After-work plans: deepen the shadow on the outer corner and switch to a darker lipstick.

Common mistakes

• Using too much foundation so it "lasts longer": it usually cracks sooner.
• Super-shiny highlighter under office lighting.
• Lipsticks that need a mirror to reapply.
• Skipping sunscreen because you're indoors.

Shop it at BeautyRosee

Light foundations, concealers, blush sticks and setting products in our makeup collection. We carry options from Kevin & Coco and Moira, and for skin prep, skincare.

FAQ

What makeup is appropriate for work?

Makeup that evens out your skin, defines brows and lashes and adds soft color to cheeks and lips.

How do I keep office makeup from looking heavy?

Apply thin layers, conceal only where needed and choose cream textures.

Which lipstick lasts longest at work?

Lip tints and matte liquid lipsticks last longest; tinted balms are easier to reapply.

Do I need sunscreen if I work indoors?

It's a good idea, especially if you sit near windows or drive to work.

Keep reading

• Makeup Guide: Everything You Need, Step by Step
• Makeup for photos
• Eyeliner for small eyes