Kara Manos, the creator of Politics of Pretty, a DC beauty blog that helps Washington women look their best, wrote today’s Insider Picks as a guest writer.
She has covered many New York City Fashion Weeks and is often the host of events about beauty trends and education. Kara works as a senior marketing consultant for OutMarket during the day and gets a manicure once a week.
Think it doesn’t matter if you wear makeup to work? Don’t give up. It’s just as important to wear makeup as it is to choose an outfit and shoes. In fact, studies have shown that wearing makeup (as long as it’s not too much) makes people like a woman more. Plus, makeup makes you look cleaner and more put together. I’ve put together a list of the best makeup products you can wear to work, from eyeshadow that lasts all day to lip colour that keeps your lips moist.
Eyes: Dark eye makeup can lead to many touch-ups and not-so-pretty meltdowns, and it can be distracting in a business meeting. If you have fair skin, sweep Stila Eyeshadow in Kitten, a shimmery champagne shadow that lasts all day, across the lid and blend it up to the crease. Try Estee Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow in Sizzling Copper if you have medium to dark skin. It is a metallic brown that brightens without being too sparkly.
With CoverGirl Clump Crusher Extensions Lashblast Mascara, you can use less mascara and focus on making your lashes look longer and more defined. Roll the wand from the base of your lashes to the tips to help separate them. Benefit Gimme Brow is a volumizing fibre gel that gives your brows a polished look by filling in where it’s needed and shaping arches.
It’s important to use concealer because it hides spots and discoloration around the eyes, making you look more awake. I put a bunch of drugstore concealers to the test on my blog to find the best one. I still use Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser because it covers dark circles and makes my under-eye area look brighter. For a natural look, use the product in the shape of a piece of pie, not a crescent.
Face: You don’t need foundation unless you want more coverage than you can get from a tinted moisturiser or BB cream. I like the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30 because it keeps my skin moist and helps my skin tone get better over time.
As for bronzer, you can add a little bit of fake colour with something like The Body Shop Honey Bronze Powder, which has a matte finish. Using a bronzer brush, make the number “3” on both sides of your face by starting at the top of your forehead, dusting it along your cheeks, and sweeping it across your jawline. For a natural look, don’t forget to blend it into your neck. For blush, I like a creamy formula with light coverage that can be built up.
The Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Color in Blaze looks natural and lasts for a long time. It warms up medium-deep skin tones and gives fair-to-medium skin tones a sun-kissed look.