We’ve all been there before: you spend an hour perfecting your hair, makeup, and clothing for a polished professional look, but somehow, between your bathroom and your desk, the bottom drops out. Whether the culprit’s a particularly sweltering or rainy commute, frigid office temps, or just unforgiving lighting, having a few desk essentials on hand can seriously save the day.
1. Lipstick
A swipe of your favorite color instantly makes you feel more confident and look more polished. On those days when you look in the bathroom mirror and think, “Why do I look so tired???” grab that lipstick and give yourself a lift.
Bonus: Lipstick can double as blush. Just dab a bit on your cheekbones and blend, blend, blend! You’ll wake up your face and boost your confidence.
2. Foldable Flats
Ever tried to survive the day in the world’s most excruciating heels? Me too. And it’s the worst. Stash a pair of foldable flats in your desk and you’ll never be stuck with tortured toes. Gap makes a great pair that are both comfortable, stylish and come in a variety of neutral colors that will go with any outfit.
Bonus: They come with their own matching bag, so you don’t have to feel weird about stashing dirty shoes in your drawer.
3. A Neutral Scarf
If you work in a reliably climate controlled environment, you are one lucky gal. For the rest of us tempted to bring our snuggies to work and hover over a candle for warmth, a great neutral scarf can come in handy. It doesn’t take up much room and can actually provide a lot of warmth.
Bonus: A scarf dresses up any outfit! Throw it on for happy hour, and you’re instantly styled.
Photo: Cosmopolitan
4. A Thin Headband
Most of us keep a hair tie on hand for days when our hair has a mind of its own. Dress up that pony by twisting it up into a high bun instead, then, add a thin head band for instant polish. Crazy hair=tamed.
Bonus: The high bun + headband combo makes you look more awake. Late night out? What late night out?
5. Eye Drops
Nothing brightens tired eyes like drops. Keep an anti-red eye variety on hand to soothe dryness and inflammation. Redness, be gone!
Bonus: If you sit in front of a computer all day, you’ll be amazed at how refreshed your eyes feel after a drop or two.
Which beauty essentials do you keep in your desk?
Today’s post is written by Melissa Woodson, the Community Manager for @WashULaw, one of the premier LLM programs offered through Washington University in St. Louis that allows foreign attorneys to earn their LLM degree online.
