We’re not going to pretend the back-to-work blues aren’t a thing; they are and the pits in our stomachs can certainly attest to it. And while working from home hasn’t been ideal for everyone, the thought of swapping our private snack pantry and Netflix lunch breaks for pre-packed salads at our desks again is a dire thought. Alas, all good things (and quarantines) must come to an end.
So, instead of moping around (and keeping your eyes glued to a calendar countdown ticking towards December) we suggest you join us in making a conscious choice to return to work with a positive attitude, and more importantly, a plethora of beauty inspo.
Here are 10 office-chic hair and makeup looks to help convince yourself you’re excited to go back to work.
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Ashley Graham
Nothing says ‘I mean business’ like a polished pony, and Ashley’s isn’t here to play. Go for a deep side part to put a modern spin on a classic look, and pair with winged liner and some strategically placed blush to complete the ‘five-second-facelift’ trick.
Becca Tobin
Mourning your holidays to the point that anything more than natural glam is out of the question? Follow Becca’s lead with a little bronzer, a little balm, neutrals on the eyes and a slight bend in the bottom of your hair. No excessive blending or styling required.
Gemma Chan
A classic for good reason, Gemma’s perky lashes and pink lips combo is a foolproof failsafe. Woke up with five minutes to spare before your ride leaves? Tap on a tinted moisturiser, wield your mascara wand a few times, add a tinted balm, and whip your strands into a low bun.
Katie Stevens
If you’ve managed to make it out of bed without snoozing your alarm 27 times, you might just have time to perfect Katie’s ridiculously glam peach shadow, winged liner and pink lip before you have to jet. It’s as polished as it is pretty, and we’re certain your coworkers will appreciate.
Lea Michele
Let us make one thing very clear; these are not the pinned back pieces we knew in high school. Lea has taken the chic-but-simple look to a new level, pairing the pins with pared back makeup, fluffy brows and glossy glass hair.
Lily Collins
Dear office, meet colour. There’s no reason you can’t work your signature summer shade into your weekly lippy werk-drobe – just opt for a matte finish and team it with a neutral eye and subtle waves like Lily.
Margot Robbie
There’s only one thing we love more than Margot’s cream shadow and latte lip, and that’s her desk-friendly half-up half-down do. Run a curling tong through a few tresses to add texture, then separate from behind your ear and pin in place (with some oomph at the crown, of course).
Naomi Scott
Thought smokey eyes and office hours were mutually exclusive? Naomi’s nutmeg smoke show says different. She’s kept the look daytime appropriate by opting for a shade somewhere between chocolate and caramel, and adding a lick of mascara (but no liner) and a nude lip.
Sabrina Carpenter
Okay, the Versace hat may not scream ‘replying to emails’ but the glorious all-over gloss and the poker-straight strands are bound to brighten up even the dreariest of desk days. Just add a juicy nude lip and a little grey action around the eyes to let the skin (literally) shine.
Sara Sampaio
A red lip is like a power suit for the face, so swipe one on whenever you want to feel strong. The key to nailing a bold look in the workplace is to play down other elements – if you’re rocking red, keep your hair natural and your brows and lashes lightly defined.
Yara Shahidi
Neutral lovers, allow us to introduce you to your 2020 five-minute-face: a coat of CC cream, a dab of coffee-coloured matte cream shadow across eyes, and a tinted balm on your lips – done. Sweep your hair back into a no-nonsense low braid or pony and you’re good to go.
Zoey Deutch
The tonal trend isn’t going anywhere, so why not add it into your weekday rotation too? A bronze-y cinnamon shade across eyes, lips and cheeks will offer enough definition to make you look awake, professional and polished without straying from the neutral family.
I had my long hair chopped off about ten months ago. I'm looking forward to when I can wear it in a ponytail again, but it won't look as cute and polished as Ashley Graham's hair.
I used to wear red lippy to work a lot. It's a classic without being OTT.
Wish I could wear high ponitail. I can only wear it down, too much hair atm.
I've been doing way more face masks, exfoliators and hair treatments, pretty good hey!