We recently downsized our handbags to a clutch (we're so on-trend!) and accordingly had to streamline our portable essentials. Suddenly, putting together a few beauty staples to stash in our office desk drawer made a lot of sense. (It’s not as though we ever used anything beyond lipstick on the subway anyway.) While prepping our kit, we decided on a number of desk-side beauty staples. Here are our top finds to keep polished from 9 to 5.
Fall Beauty Tips: Deskside Staples
Bold Lipstick
A former boss taught us to apply a deep red lip before a big meeting for an instant confidence boost. Crimson, cherry or fuchsia, find your own go-to bold shade and keep it close at-hand. Cool plum red Aveda Nourish-Mint Smoothing Lip Colour in Passion Flower ($22.50) is a stunning shade.
Mouth Spray
You’re likely already packing toothpaste and a toothbrush for post-lunch maintenance, but a minty mouth spray is a quick way to freshen up mid-latte when your boss is making his/her way to your desk. Listerine Pocket Mist are effective and convenient.
Black Eyeliner
We don’t often wear eye makeup so some smudgy black liner makes for a perfect transition to after-work events. Essence’s I Love Rock Gloss Eye Pencil is a snap to apply in the office washroom mirror and the glossy finish is forgiving.
Hand Cream
Hand cream is a desk drawer staple and Cake Beauty’s limited edition holiday Sugar Cookie Velveteen Hand Creme ($18) gets our hands super soft. Just be prepared to share -- just one application of this sweet-smelling product will alert your office mates to your stash.
Blot Papers
We like to keep our skin as fresh as possible under unforgiving office fluorescents by touching up with blot sheets. As with most beauty fixes -- but especially this one -- don’t do it at your desk. Sephora Blotting Papers in Relaxing Natural Lavender ($10) fix shine and offer a quick aromatherapy hit.
Lip Balm
Ideally, we would rock a perfectly polished lip colour from 9 to 5, but our ever-present cup of white tea tends to interfere. In between lipstick applications, keep lips soft all day long with a luxe desk-side balm like Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose ($16). Formulated with natural oils, it conditions and leaves a hint of colour behind.
Facial Spray
It’s easy to go eight hours without stepping outside your office doors. Lack of sunshine and fresh air quickly leads to a sad complexion, so freshen your face with a spray mist like Aveda’s Skin Firming Toning Agent. It contains soothing echinacea and rosewater and is available is a drawer-friendly 50ml size ($44, 4-piece Botanical Kinetics Skincare Starter Set).
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