Lotions &Potions: beauty tips for your summer job
by Elizabeth Kosar '10There are two weeks left until the end of the school year. Some of us are off to exciting internships, some of us will be asking "May I offer you a crab cake?" (That would be me.) But the point is that we will be transitioning from college appropriate looks, which include smoky eyes, bare minimum make-up, and other beauty choices, to more professional environments. Unless you're working in a super-creative environment, there are a few rules:
Matte is better-A shiny face telegraphs youth, which isn't a good idea in the workplace. If you're a lady a light dusting of powder in the morning and a re-application round lunchtime should do the trick. If you're a gent, buy a package of Clean & Clear Oil-Absorbing sheets and mop your face stealthily in the bathroom.
Color-Bright red lipstick, deep purple eye shadow,-none of these are really appropriate for the corporate environment. Color should be neutral and polished. A good pinky nude lipstick and a soft brown eye shadow with one coat of black mascara says "I'm put together," not "I used all the colors in the box!!"
Hair-I have bad hair. It's prone to frizzies and also getting flat and oily. My solution is to brush baby powder or scented talc powder through it and then put it in a low ponytail. The look is very Carolyn Bessette circa 1998, and it's easy to do too.
Odor-Perfume is a subtle calling card, not a chance to bash someone over the head with fragrance. If you're working around food, I would suggest skipping it all together. If you're in an office, check to see if there are any rules about fragrance, and if there aren't, choose something very subtle. Someone should have to be leaning in to smell you to detect a scent. Also double-up on the deodorant. Nothing is worse in the hot summer months than having to share an elevator or a cubicle with someone who has really bad B.O.