At every turn, we are inundated with the latest makeup trends. While I am semi-obsessed with the trends, I also recognize that not all of these trends translate well in traditional office settings. In addition, some people say that certain colors or makeup styles are too overpowering, too sexually appealing, or downright clownish for the workplace. To what degree can your makeup positively or negatively impact how you are perceived in the office?

In November 2011's Women's Health magazine article, "Groomed for Success", Kimberly Goad states that makeup plays a part in how you are assessed in the workplace. She references Lois P. Frankel, Ph.D, author of Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office, who believes that "there is definitely a look of success." According to Dr. Frankel, "If you pay attention to your clothes, accessories, hair, and makeup, you likely pay attention to details at work
as well." According to Ms. Goad, "research suggests that wearing the right amount of makeup is perhaps the most important part of the attractiveness package. Researchers found that a fair amount of primping can actually boost earning potential." However, the key is to not go overboard with your primping efforts. As Don Osborn, Ph.D states in the article, "heavy makeup may suggest misplaced priorities: you care more about looking good than working hard." In addition, "you want to keep everything subtle, but at the same time substantial enough to hide blemishes and highlight your features."  

Which feature should you emphasize the most? Your eyes! According to Catherine Cardinal, Ph.D. author of Cure for the Common Life: The Cardinal Rules of Self-Esteem, "your eyes are the most important feature." She states that "pretty eyes trigger something in the brain about likability, plus they convey sincerity and honestly." ("Groomed for Success," Women's Health, Nov. 2011). As a result, leave the intense smokey eye for the night time and opt instead for a more neutral smokey eye during work hours. Neutral smokey eyes blend well with your skin tone and subtly draw attention to your eyes without going overboard. In addition, intense smokey eyes are less likely to invoke a sense of sincerity and openness. 

If you also like to dress up your lips, don't fret. Lipstick and lip gloss are fine in traditional workplace environments as long as they aren't too bold or distracting. According to Ms. Goad, "lips should look as natural as the rest of your face. Opt for a sheer lip stain or tinted lip balm; either will deposit a hint of color and show you're wearing something without distracting from what you're saying." ("Groomed for Success," Women's Health, Nov. 2011)

If red is one of your favorite lipstick colors, don't feel forced to comletely abandon it in the name of corporate upward mobiility. Consider wearing less bold reds or even lipgloss with deep reddish tints. If you are not chained to red hues, I highly recommend nude/neutral lipstick and lipgloss colors for the workplace. If you have light skin, opt for neutral pinks. If you have a warm tone, opt for bronzes, pinks, or berries. 

Lastly, try to avoid harsh lip liners that contrast heavily with lipstick. Instead, the liner should define, shape and complement the lipstick shade that you are sporting at the moment. 

-Written by: Cafe Belle's Beauty Barista