Work makeup - how much makeup should you wear to a new job?

You've landed the job! Congratulations! Now comes the real challenge: how much makeup should you wear to your new job? This isn’t a toss-up between looking like a freshly scrubbed potato or a contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race. Work makeup is serious stuff, because you want to strike a balance that leaves you feeling both comfortable and confident. Let’s face it, nerves are going to be an issue for that vital first day and you don’t want to push your stress levels off the Richter scale when you don’t have to.

Navigating the treacherous waters of work appropriate makeup is an art form. Consider it a juggling act between professionalism and, well, looking like you actually got some sleep last night. Want to be guided through this minefield? Let me help ensure the first impression you make isn't: "Jesus Christ, what have we hired?"

Your first day is important and those initial perceptions of you really count. Your career could hinge on this. (Okay, maybe not, but it feels that way, doesn't it?)

Less is more when it comes to work makeup and feeling truly confident.

Is the ‘less is more’ mantra appropriate for work makeup?

Yes - every time! Whether you’re starting a job in retail, the boardroom or in a backstreet diner, adopting a refined, natural look is going to give you the confidence boost you need.

If you are used to wearing full-rimmed black eyeliner, like me, it may come as a shock. But, trust me, laying off the heavy stuff will remove niggling self-doubts and make you feel not just ‘acceptable’ but someone anyone can work with. Want to be approachable?

My work makeup always leans towards ‘natural’. And it’s served me well - from long-wear to not scaring old folk with piercing gothic eyes. Don’t get me wrong, it’s tough to skip my liner routine - but I’m always glad I’ve exercised that degree of self-restraint when things go wrong.

Take last week (I’ve been in my current job for three weeks). I was waitressing in a hotel and delivering breakfasts to tables occupied mostly by middle class, middle-aged couples. Not the kind of people to appreciate an Anime-inspired get-up at the crack of dawn. Anyway, there was this couple who’d waited almost an hour for full English fry-ups. When I finally approached their table carrying the plates, I was a beacon of smiles (but not for long).

“Thank you,” the woman said as I placed a steaming plate in front of her. That’s a satisfied customer, I was thinking. “There you go, Sir,” I said, extending an arm in his direction with a fully laden dish. And that’s when it happened…

As I lowered my arm to pass him the plate (he was sitting in a corner), I went in at an angle. His crisped-to-perfection hash brown slid off the dish, bounced off his wife’s head and flew up in the air before skidding along the restaurant floor.

I instinctively got down on all fours and retrieved the fried potato wedge from under a vacant table.

“I’m so sorry,” I gushed. “I’ll get you another one.”

“No problem,” he said. “I don’t like hash browns.”

Now, imagine if my work makeup had veered towards the ‘hard looking’... Would he have been quite so kind? And, yeah, I get that he may have only said that to avoid any possibility of the same hash brown ending up back on his plate. I know, in my heart, that had I been standing there wearing my ‘uniform’ of thick, black eyeliner, I would have felt ten times more stupid. 

What's wrong with this look? Soft eyes are ruined by heavy brows and bright red, glossy lipstick. This isn't a look I'd recommend for your first day in a new job. Imagine how much smarter this would look with neutral lips and less of the bushy brows.

Effortless natural work makeup tips

If you are wondering ‘What does ‘natural’ even mean?’, let me help you. It means looking like you, but better. Think ‘you on a good day’, but also ‘you who remembered to iron your shirt’.

This isn’t the time to try a new fake tan on your face, reach for false lashes or decide to explore a previously unopened palette you bought for Halloween. It’s about being sensible and measured in your approach.

These are the daily steps I follow for work makeup:

• Foundation/concealer: I prep my face with moisturiser, a primer and SPF. Then I apply either a light to medium coverage foundation or a skin tint. If there’s anything I can see that I don’t like on my face, I reach for concealer. I finish off with a very light dusting of powder. If your colleagues can't tell where your skin ends and your foundation begins, you're winning. If they're giving your jawline side-eyes, you're not.

• Brows: I define them, but don't draw them on. A simple brow glue is all that I need for a quick tidy-up and to frame my face.

• Mascara: Two coats and I’m done. I’m currently using Revolution’s Wrap Lash tubing mascara, because it doesn’t run or smudge. 

• Lip colour: Always nudes for me. Anything that screams ‘I'm ready for a night out!’ should be saved for, you know, a night out. My lip routine is super quick. I line the lips with a nude pencil, smudge onto the lips and top with either a clear gloss or a liquid lipstick in a matching shade.

• Cheeks: This is a hard one. As someone who normally wears both bronzer and blusher, it’s really hard not to reach for both. But, I don’t. I either use a blush or a bronzer. Just one. And the amount I use is minimal - just enough to put a hint of colour in my cheeks. 

• Setting spray: I never, ever leave the house without setting my makeup. As well as delivering a more natural finish, my look is locked in place for hours. I recommend Collection’s Filter Finish setting spray to seal in work makeup. 

The ‘when in doubt, don't’ work makeup rule 

Even though I must be one of the world's most passionate eyeshadow palette hoarders, this is the single makeup product I truly don’t recommend for work. Getting ready early in the morning, when natural light may be hard to come by, means any type of eyeshadow is a no-no. I’ve had some real faux pas moments with eye pigments in the past - from accidentally applying glitters (which can be problematic in the workplace) to failing to properly blend unexpectedly dark shades.

Don’t be fooled, even neutral looks can go awry. While lots of influencers may recommend a soft, nude look, for your own sanity - and self-esteem - I’d give eyeshadow a complete miss for your first day. In fact, I'd avoid it until you’ve found your feet in your new job. And then, I’d always experiment first - to ensure you can create a flattering but subtle look you are confident with. 

Another no-no for work makeup is highlighter. It’s just too damned easy to veer into bling territory. I’d also steer well clear of red lipstick. Yes, it’s considered the ultimate power move - but only if you’ve already made it to the top. The boss can get away with it; you may not. Save it for a night out. Another thing - red lipstick doesn’t suit an awful lot of people.

Before veering away from the natural look, take the time to gauge the culture in your workplace.

Understanding makeup and company culture 

The best way to gauge the makeup mood is to subtly observe your new colleagues. Are they bare-faced beauties or subtly glam goddesses? Emulate, don't innovate (at least not yet).

Industry matters: A creative agency might tolerate more artistic expression than, say, a law firm. A tech startup might be more relaxed than a traditional corporate environment. Use your brain; you got hired for a reason.

The ‘interview vs. everyday disparity: You probably dressed a little more formally for your interview. Think of your makeup in the same way. The interview was your ‘best foot forward’ - keep it that way, for now.

I truly believe that confidence is your best accessory. At the end of the day, wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable. If you're constantly worrying about bleeding eyeliner, it's going to detract from your actual work.

The real takeaway (it's not about the makeup, it's about you)

So, there you have it. A comprehensive guide to navigating the makeup minefield of your new job.

Trust me, your new colleagues want to see you - not a heavily filtered version of you. They want to see your skills, your personality and your ability to do the job. The makeup is just… Well, it’s just makeup.

Remember, everyone is nervous about starting a new job. By removing some of the issues that could make your first day a nightmare is a great start. Here’s to a brilliant career - and very few makeup mishaps!

Want more makeup tips? Either visit my blog or grab the latest issue of my FREE magazine.