How to Wear Color at the Office

Posted on by

Bold colors are all over the fashion magazines and a perfect way to elevate your look from every day average to fresh and chic.  But what if you work in a traditional office?  Don’t worry, you can still wear color!  Earth tones, when they’re applied with skill, can make your skin look flawless.  “They also provide a neutral base, perfect for backing up brights,” says Whole Living Magazine.  Follow these simple tips for incorporating color into your makeup for a look that’s more than average but will still blend-in in a traditional office setting.

Eyes
“Sometimes a little drama is a good thing,” says Whole Living.  If you want to bring some color onto your eyes, tone down a strong color by mixing it with a neutral.  Blend a bold eye shadow or liner with a beige or light brown.  You can apply the color directly to your lids and then swipe a neutral on top of it or blend the two shadows on the back of your hand with your Eye Shading Brush.  Another color option?  Wear a colored liner in a darker color like Plum, Navy, or Hunter Green.

Lips
A bright lip works in almost any color as long as the rest of the face is kept neutral.  Use a foundation and a powder with your Foundation Brush and Powder Brush to create an even skin tone and reduce shine.  When picking a color, pay attention to the finish.  A matte finish is subtle and good for daytime, plus it won’t leave as much of a mess on your office coffee cup.

Cheeks
Bright cheeks have been a recent trend in beauty, and is one of the easiest ones to pull off.  A simple swipe or two can make the look work.  Aim for the amount of color that your cheeks naturally have when you come in from the cold.  To make the look “work approved” apply color to the apples of your cheeks only then gently buff over the color in circular motions with your Buffing Brush to blend the color into your skin tone.  Pair a bright blush with subtle lips and a neutral smoky eye.

No matter where you apply your color, make sure to start subtle.  You can always add more intensity with an extra layer or two, but it’s hard to take excess color off – start small.  Don’t forget mascara too!  A couple swipes of brown or black mascara can make you look instantly pulled together.  What colors will you be wearing to the office this fall?

Photos from Whole Living.  Check out more photos and product suggestions on their website.