Don't Road-Test Products At The Office

We've been there, girl. We know how exciting it is to buy new makeup, or when you order that brand new mascara or bronzer online and wait for it to drop through your letterbox, but you must resist, especially if you've never used that specific item before. The last thing you want is to be known as the "pumpkin chick" at the office, particularly if you're not sure how to apply your new must-have bronzer. Test all your new faves at the weekend, and use your tried and true classics throughout the week instead. The same goes for OTT makeup looks - full on smoky eyes and a strong lip, a brand new lip color like orange or plum, or a colored mascara or kohl pencil that's really far out of your usual comfort zone. Try it at home, on your girlfriends, down to the shops or in your PJs watching a film after work. Just not at work.

Faux Glow

Gorgeously glowing skin exudes power and confidence and luckily, it's really rather easy to achieve. Switch to an ultra-hydrating moisturizer, apply your makeup as normal, then dab tiny spots of a pearlescent highlighter onto your browbones, your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, on your cupid's bow and into your hairline.

Tone it down with a little bit of pressed powder if necessary.

Leave the Glitter, Chalk and Frost at Home

Glittery, chalky and frosted makeup looks are all well and good, especially if you're going out partying, but they are really, really not appropriate for the office. There are so many gorgeous nude hues and lovely smoky colors, as well as bold brights if that's what you're looking for, that you should leave the chalky formulas and the frosted lip glosses at home. If you do like to experiment with brights, use jewel tones rather than neons and think about using matte formulas rather than anything shiny - it'll pack a punch in terms of style but it won't be too in-your-face. For example, think about rocking a matte lip or nail.

Your Go-To Grab Bag

Keep a few essentials on hand or in your desk drawer at all times - for example, a nude lippy, a pot of nail varnish removal pads and a nude nail polish (so that you can touch up any chipped nails), a blush, pressed powder and a liquid liner.

See Also: Toxic Beauty: Dangerous Chemicals Found In Your Makeup

We also love the idea of keeping makeup in your desk drawer so that you can create a party look if you're unexpectedly invited out to the bar after work - after all, you never know what's around the corner!