New year, new work vibes. Whether you're easing back into office life or jumping into a busy year of meetings, give your beauty routine a refresh to match the energy.
From multitasking skincare to keep your summer glow alive to makeup that survives the 3pm slump, we've rounded up some hardworking hair and beauty essentials that will come in handy on your desk, or in your favourite workbag.
BLUE SKY BEAUTY
Late 90s officecore, care of Kate Beckinsale and Chloë Sevigny in the 1998 film, The Last Days of Disco.
You're busy! You don't have time to faff about with fussy makeup. Simplify your routine with a few multitasking and compact essentials that will fit seamlessly into your day, whether it's an early morning start or quick touch-up at your desk.
Mother SPF's bronzing drops can boost radiance before meetings and make you look sunkissed under even the grossest of fluorescent lighting; it protects against blue light too. If all else fails, a bright red lip will make you look pulled together even at your most frazzled: try Noto Botanic's Multi-Bene Stain in bold ‘Oscillate’.
THE LITTLE THINGS
Yvonne Orji as lawyer Molly, with corporate bob, in the series Insecure.
Yes, minis are adorable, but they can be practical too – whether it’s Mason Pearson’s luxe 17cm brush to keep in your handbag or ghd’s cordless hair tool (with USB charger) to stash in the top drawer of your desk for a quick hair refresh between meetings.
DESK TO DANCEFLOOR (OR DINNER)
Sarah Goldberg as Petra, in the TV series Industry.
We all know the power of a good dry shampoo (or conditioner, for defrizzing), especially when it comes to dealing with any summer heat and sweat – a bottle of your favourite at work will come in handy for a quick update.
BLESSED NOT STRESSED
Alanna Ubach doing desk chic in the 1997 film Clockwatchers.
Reject the stress of hustle culture or just cool down in the heat: Noto’s toning mist smells like sweet basil, rose water, lavender and ylang-ylang to help calm, while also revitalising and softening skin and hair.
If you need some internal help to be chill AF as the year kicks off, Vida Glow’s cranberry-flavoured chewable liquid supplements feature serenzo extract and vitamins C and B5 to regulate cortisol and boost dopamine and serotonin.
ACCESSORIES ON THE AGENDA
From clips to oversized scrunchies, a cute accessory can lift any back-to-work blues, distract from tired eyes and provide a conversation-starter with colleagues during any awkward office encounters.
