Just like the right outfit, the right makeup can help you feel confident to keep the Imposter at bay.
And just like the right outfit, the right makeup should fit you.
I should say up front that if you are someone who does not wear makeup, I commend you and envy you. However, I was raised to believe that I should always “put on my face” to go out in public, at least mascara and some lipstick. If you’re like me, and you’re most confident while wearing makeup, read on.
Bobbi Brown teaches a MasterClass on professional workplace makeup. Her eleven tips boil down to one underlying notion: don’t over-do it.
Brown warns against “bronzer, smoky eyes, highlighters, red lipstick, eyeliner, and fake eyelashes” when you’re going for a professional look. I would add shimmer to that list.
But what classifies as a somewhat “natural” look will vary from person to person. For me, the most natural look is on the left, with no eyeliner or false eyelashes. I don’t feel quite ready yet without using eyeliner, as in the photo in the middle. Finally, with some somewhat natural looking false eyelashes on the right, I feel most confident.
Also, no way my eyebrows look “natural” when I’m done filling them in. But there’s also no way I’m going to court without them.
And while I agree that red lipstick would not be a good idea for me in court, that’s mostly because I don’t wear it regularly, and it would serve as a distraction because I’d constantly be worried about whether it has smeared all over my face or onto my teeth. If you’re comfortable with a bold lip, I say go for it.
Bottom line, the key with professional-looking makeup is to find an understated look that still helps you feel confident.