Office Beauty Essentials Every Girl Needs at Her Desk
Living in NYC means something is always happening after work. Whether it’s a press event, date night, or spontaneous drinks with friends I didn’t plan for, I rarely have time to go home and reset. Since I’m the only woman on my team, I’ve learned to come prepared for just about anything during and after office hours.
I keep a few office beauty essentials in a small makeup bag tucked into my desk drawer. If you’re low-maintenance during the work day but always down for a vibe after 5 p.m., here’s a list of beauty items every girl should keep at her work desk.
Hand Lotion and Nourishing Cream for Dry Skin
The office air conditioning, endless typing, and constant paper-handling (shoutout to the insane amount of print-outs) do a number on your skin. Keep a travel-sized nourishing hand cream or lotion with hyaluronic acid like CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream nearby to keep your hands and dry cuticles in check. It’s a good idea to use one with a fresh scent, but nothing too overpowering for a confined space.
Hydrating Face Mist
A hydrating face mist is a great way to hit reset during that middle of the day slump. I keep this one handy to give my face a boost, especially if I’ve been glued to my computer screen. Look for ingredients like aloe, cucumber, and hyaluronic acid to calm skin irritations and revive your glow.
Bonus: It makes your makeup look freshly applied, even hours into your office edition of the beauty routine.
Mascara and Eyeliner: Small Tubes, Big Impact
A little mascara and eyeliner can completely revive tired eyes and lift your entire look. When I’m heading into a late meeting or stepping out right after work, I grab my Maybelline Big Shot Mascara and a creamy eyeliner pencil to define my eyes. It helps reduce the appearance of dark circles and gives a fresh, polished vibe without doing too much.
Some favorites liners include:
Lip Balm and Lipstick for Any Occasion
Dry lips and spontaneous plans are a combo I refuse to deal with. I always have at least two lip balm options: one clear and one tinted. I also keep a mix of nude lipsticks and a bold red or matte lipstick like MAC’s Ruby Woo. Whether it’s a video call, important meeting, or a last-minute outing, switching up your lip is the fastest bold switch-up you can make.
Pro tip: I dab a bit of tinted balm on the tops of my cheekbones for a quick cheek color fix when I don’t want to do a full face.
BB Cream: Light, Hydrating, and Perfect for Quick Fixes
When I don’t have much time, BB cream is my go-to. It adds an extra layer of coverage, smooths out fine lines, and keeps me looking put-together without the weight of foundation. It’s perfect for dealing with oily skin, redness, or dullness after a long day in front of the computer screen.
Concealer for Beauty Emergencies
Nothing erases signs of a sleepless night like a reliable concealer. I keep a tube of The Lip Bar concealer in my bag at all times. It’s especially useful for quick touch-ups under the eyes or around the nose before a video call or stepping into the spotlight.
Perfume or Body Mist: Light and Fresh
A miniature perfume bottle or travel-sized body mist can instantly lift your energy level and mood. Go for a fresh scent that won’t overpower the room. Just one or two spritzes on your pulse point is all you need.
Nail Kit for Last-Minute Fixes
Chipped polish, hangnails, or dry nails during an important meeting are a no-go. I keep nail clippers, cotton balls, and a few nail polish remover pods in my drawer. It doesn’t take up much space but makes a big difference when a quick cleanup is needed.
Eye Drops and Extra Touches
Dry, tired eyes are common after staring at a computer screen for hours. I keep eye drops nearby to refresh them throughout the day. You can also keep a travel-sized facial roller or gua sha tool in the fridge if you have access—it’s a relaxing way to de-puff and reset.
At the end of the day, you never know what’s going to pop up during the work week. Having a few beauty essentials at your office desk helps you stay prepared for just about anything. Whether it’s for touch-ups between meetings or going from conference room to cocktail hour, these beauty products are your low-key lifesavers.
There’s no need to bring your whole vanity. Just a few carefully selected items can carry you through any given time. Trust me—your makeup bag will be your best friend more often than you think.
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I can’t wait to try the makeup mist! Thanks for the tips.
You’re welcome Michelle