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Back to work beauty
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The balmy summer holidays are a thing of the past. Now it's time to get back to work. Make sure you make a good start to the new year by putting your best looks forward.
Article: Elsa Kruger from Ideas
Image: Sarie Magazine
Make-up at work
 Follow these guidelines for a well-groomed and professional appearance at work:
  • Hair should be shiny and healthy, in a simple style that looks professional. Leave wild curls, adventurous plaits and the Rastafarian look for the weekend and holidays.

  • A quick, effective beauty routine is vital, so you won't have to apply the last of your make-up in the car on the way to the office.

  • Light, natural-looking make-up is the order of the day, but make sure you are wearing just enough so that people will know you have taken trouble with your appearance. The ideal look for the office creates a balance between emphasising your eyes and lips. Both should receive the subtle treatment. Remember that artificial light, especially fluorescent lighting, can drain the colour from your face, leaving your make-up looking like a mask, so use make-up with warm undertones.

  • The office environment, complete with air-conditioners, computers and artificial lighting, can wreak havoc on your skin and dry it out terribly. Moisturise religiously and protect your skin against the elements. Try Estee Lauder Lightsource (R335).

  • There must be a balance between your make-up and your clothes. Lightly applied make-up looks fresh and modern with a suit.

    How to apply work make-up
     The key to a successful professional look is simplicity. Concentrate on smoothing out skin tone, providing a sweep of colour and emphasising your eyes and mouth. Your office face should take no longer than five minutes to apply. Here's how:

  • If you have dark circles under your eyes or blemishes, start with concealer. Apply it lightly with your ring finger or use a sponge and blend it in well.

  • Apply foundation. Try one of the sophisticated new products on the market. If you favour a glowing, flawless complexion, Clinique's new Gentle Light Makeup (R148) is perfect. If you prefer a matte look for day and evening, Clarins' new Multi-Matte Foundation (R175) will make short work of any shiny areas.

  • If you use powder, Clinique Gentle Light Powder (R155) ensures a radiant, flawless finish. And if you like a creamy, powdery finish, give Elizabeth Arden's Let There Be Light Radiant Skin Compact SPF15 (R120) a try. The added sunscreen is an extra bonus.

  • Define your eyebrows with a brush and brown eye shadow. It looks softer than pencil lines. Try Revlon's Browmakers (R49,95).

  • Use a wide brush to sweep eye shadow over your entire eyelid. Apply a medium shade, such as a light-grey (MAC Print) or golden-brown eye shadow from the eyelashes, to the fold of your eyelid.

  • Outline your eyes with a dark eye shadow or soft pencil. Follow with two layers of mascara in black or brown. Blue, green, purple and red mascara are not suitable for the office.

  • Brush blusher lightly onto the apples of your cheeks. Use a light, neutral colour and apply a very small amount of bright colour above it.

  • Apply lipstick. (Don't miss our tips on making your lip colour last all day.)

    Tips from the professionals

  • If you still have a great tan you can use tinted moisturiser instead of foundation.

  • Use bronzer instead of blusher to make the most of your remaining golden glow.

  • For lip colour that lasts all day, rub in a little Vaseline, then powder the outer line of your lips and outline your lips in a pencil the same shade as your lipstick. Blot with a tissue. Powder your whole mouth. Use a lip brush to apply lipstick. Blot again and apply lipstick again.

  • Make your tan last with this trick: Mediterranean women swear by olive oil, which moisturises the skin, helping to retain that golden glow.


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