Shahnaz Husain
As a working woman, you need to look your best, because this imparts self-confidence – an attribute all working women need. Yet, you have to go easy on the powder and paint. As for hairstyles, they should look professional and classy.
Make up
If you have a clear skin, leave out foundation. After cleansing, apply a sunscreen with a built-in moisturizer. Then apply powder. Translucent powder, like a baby powder, provides a light coverage with sheen. Pressed powder or powder compact is also useful. Whatever you use, avoid applying too much and pay more attention to the oily areas of the face. Press the powder all over the face and neck, with a slightly damp sponge. This helps it to set and last longer.
If you wish to apply foundation, use a water-based one. Add one or two drops of water for a lighter coverage. The foundation should be as close to your skin colour as possible. For eye make-up stick to eye pencils. Or, line your eyelids with brown or gray eye shadow for a softer effect. Then, apply mascara. This helps the eyes to look brighter, but prevents the “heavily made-up” look. Mascara should be applied in two light coats, rather than one heavy one. Apply one coat. Allow it to dry. Comb out the lashes with an eyelash comb or brush. Then apply the second coat and repeat the procedure.
For lipstick, avoid very dark colours, especially those with bluish tones, like dark maroon. Colours look darker in fluorescent lights. Go for pinks, copper, bronze, burgundy or wine colour. Or, you can use light pastel colours like mauve or pink, provided it complements your skin colour. The colours should not be too intense. If you like, wear only lip gloss. Lastly, apply a light cologne or perfume. The scents you wear to work should not be too heavy and overpowering.
Make-up for the working woman has to last right through the day. If you are working in an air-conditioned office, your make-up will stay fresh enough, but if your job involves travelling, or you are exposed to heat, you will need to “touch up” your make-up. In other words, you have to renew your make-up in a very short time.
To refresh yourself and touch-up your make-up, you need to carry a few items in your handbag. During summer, a small jar of fragrant wet tissues can be most refreshing. Use them to cleanse the skin and remove grease and sweat. A powder compact of pressed powder is really handy. It also helps to get rid of that oily look. First wipe with the tissues and then dab powder. You also need a lipstick to touch-up after lunch. Apply powder on the lips and then apply lipstick. Remember to carry a small bottle of cologne, or your favourite deodorant. In case, you need to go out of the office during the day, keep a sunscreen in your handbag and remember to protect your skin before stepping out.
Hair
Although long hair is in fashion, avoid keeping it loose, while you are at work. Long hair can spread untidily over the back. Also, you will tend to keep fussing with your hair, which is not convenient in a work environment. If you have long hair, put it up in a roll or pin it up. It can also be tied back in a pony tail. Actually, it is predicted that the pony tail will be in fashion. You can have a high or low pony tail, tied back with ribbons. In fact, you can match the ribbon with the colour of your outfit. Or, use a hair accessory. Many kinds of clips and other attractive hair accessories are available. But they should not be too decorative while you are at work. You can even curl the ends of the hair with curlers and then tie them in a pony tail, or pin then up with a clip.
Braids (plaits) may also look nice for work, although it may take time. Braids for work hairstyle can be done on long and medium length hair. Divide your hair into three parts and intertwine it like a rope. Towards the end of the braid, use elastic band or a ribbon to tie it up. Braids look neat on young working women.
As far as the new trends are concerned, the more natural look in hair is making its way in, with a look of ease. Keep the hair away from the face. If you have short hair, wear it softly and naturally layered. Even in hair colour, natural colours like browns are the trend. You can have subtle colours with natural highlights.
If you have shoulder length hair and wish to leave it open, condition it after shampoo, so that it is soft, smooth and manageable.
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