The motto of this blog is simple. If you want to attract success in life, then you have to always be ready for it.

It seems more and more people are understanding this principle. Because in recent years, consumers have been spending more of their income on their appearance, particularly cosmetics, than they had in the past.

Therefore we wanted to dedicate a space for this topic since makeup is part of dressing for success. We want to inspire the women in the workforce to take the extra few minutes to get ready in the morning so they look and feel confident for the day.

To our ladies, clean up your brushes and sharpen those eye pencils. Because we’re about to dive into how to create a classic everyday look, without the fuss.

Classic Makeup for Work and Business

Today’s spotlight is on how to look more polished and professional with chic, easy everyday makeup for work or business.

But before you watch the video, here are a few tips to remember:

• You don’t need to be a pro at makeup in order to look amazing with makeup.
• Complicated and gimmicky techniques are not suitable for your busy schedule.
• You can achieve an elegant look even with inexpensive makeup.
• Find a look that works for you and stick to it.
• Even if it’s work makeup, don’t look at it like it’s some dull chore. Enjoy the process!

Watch This Quick Tutorial Video on Instagram Reels

Here is the video Reels sequence that shows the step-by-step process of my #AlwaysReady work makeup.

The video is only a minute and a half but normally, it takes me 20 – 30 minutes to complete it because I like to take my time. 😉

Feel free to experiment with your own flow that matches your schedule and skill level.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Finesse to Success (@_finessetosuccess)

LOOKBOOK: CLEAN & REFINED WORK MAKEUP

Now, we will go through different refined looks and chic makeup ideas from beauty brands and influencers through each step of our sequence.

Then it will be followed by our editor’s picks based on research and interviews we’ve conducted among our friends who are experts in the field (international makeup artists, stylists, working professionals, etc).

You might notice that we have also included some of the products I used in the video reels. For a quick reference, my skin color leans towards olive undertones. So do consider that when making a purchase for your own skin tone.

We disclose our affiliate relationships. When you make a purchase through our links at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission that enables us to keep our blog free and valuable for our readers.

Now, before you put on any make-up, wash your face clean and moisturize (with SPF)! The process of getting your face ready for a gorgeous day at work starts on the base. Afterward, it’s time to primp up your look:

Step 1: PRIMER

If you work in corporate or any job where you don’t have much time to do touch-ups, looking perfect all day can be challenging. So, using a primer before you put layers of makeup ensures that your make-up stays for as long as possible (12 hours perhaps?!)

Try this primer:

Step 2: FOUNDATION

Choose between light, medium, or full coverage foundation.

My sweet spot is between medium to full coverage so I sometimes mix two liquid foundations to get my desired hue.

Then I usually apply the foundation using only my ring finger. You can use a brush but it’s my preference not to so I have more control of the application as well as to avoid wasting a drop of a fabulous product.

Try this foundation:

Step 3. CONCEALER

Overworked? Stressed? Don’t let those dark circles show. A concealer 2-3 shades lighter than your foundation should hide stubborn spots. Lightly dab it (don’t tug it!) under your eye and use it sparingly.

Try this concealer:

Step 4: SETTING POWDER

Pat the excess powder on the lid instead of powdering straight on your concealer to avoid it from being cakey. With a good foundation as a base, you actually don’t need to set powder on the rest of your face to achieve a slightly dewy look.

Try this setting powder:

Step 5: BLUSH

Now when it comes to an office look, you don’t need heavy contour. But you do need some color! So if you don’t care for contour you have to at least have blushing cheeks. Also, it’s worth noting that contouring is actually done in different angles and parts according to your face shape.

Try this bronzer or blush powder:

Step 6: EYESHADOW

You can never go wrong with brown eyeshadow, especially for a workday. It’s easy, versatile with any lip color, and just overall gorgeous. You can opt to create a fresh look for the daytime while transitioning to a more soft glam for an evening out. The secret with any eyeshadow is just blending, and if you do it every day you’ll get the hang of it!

Try this eyeshadow:

Step 7: EYELINER

Depending on your eye shape, you can get away with lining your eyes at least 3-4 times. One is on the top lid using a liquid eyeliner, on the upper lash line with a kohl eyeliner and a brown eyeliner for my lower lash line. These are all done with subtlety because you don’t want to look like you’re going to a party instead of a work meeting.

Try this eyeliner:

Step 8: MASCARA

If you have naturally long lashes, then all you need is mascara! Before you apply your favorite, use a curler first. I’m not a fan of falsies for the office because the last thing you want is worrying if your false lashes are sticking out. I’ve experienced this countless times before and it’s much more convenient to keep good mascara.

Try this mascara:

Step 9: EYEBROWS

You may skip some of the steps in this sequence but not this one! Unless you have an eyebrow tattoo (via micro blading) then please don’t leave the house without shaping your eyebrows. Most makeup brands offer their versions of eyebrow pencils, eyebrow pomade, eyebrow powder, or eyebrow gel, so have your pick! Having kempt eyebrows instantly brightens your face and not doing it gives the impression that you’re not ready to look your best at work.

Try this eyebrow color:

Step 10: HIGHLIGHTER

Nowadays, highlighters are the staple for a full-day, flawless glow. In fact, the rise of the no-makeup makeup look saw the importance of highlighter, next to eyebrows and cheek tints to keep you looking fresh yet stunning.

Try this highlighter:

Step 11: LIPLINER/LIP GLOSS

We all have preferences when it comes to lipstick or lip gloss. With so many brands to choose from, it can be overwhelming! For the office, opt for nude colors that match your skin tone as you want to look as your natural best self as possible.

Try this lippie:

That’s it!

In essence, it’s important that we present our best selves every day for work. For the ladies, try to look at make-up as your secret armor for the challenges ahead!

Look, if you’re someone who’s not bothered to put on makeup every day, it’s time to make it a priority! It’s true that in business, what’s inside your head and your productivity counts. But first, you must look presentable so you can bag the opportunity to showcase your skills.

Remember, how we look and feel on the outside translates to how the world perceives us. When you look impeccable, it would be hard for those around you not to notice you!

— First Published on July 1, 2021

More style tips from Finesse to Success:
• Easy and Elegant Hairstyles for Women
• The Ultimate Guide to Nails for Work
• Best Elegant Dresses to Wear for Work

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Want to dive deep into learning more about makeup? Check out this Masterclass course by Bobbi Brown, the founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.

<<Become your best by learning from the best! Now, Masterclass memberships are just $10/month, billed annually!>>

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What are the steps you take with your own work makeup? Leave a comment below as we’d love to know the products that are and aren’t working for you!