Many of us work from home these days. Some do this every day and others part-time. It’s easy to go casual at home -- so casual that you just wash your face, throw on whatever and sit down with your laptop, sometimes maybe even staying in your PJs.
The thing is, sooner or later the FedEx guy needs a signature, the kids need picking up from school or you've run out of K Cups. All this means someone will see you in all your makeup-free casualness. There is a way to be comfortable and casual at home but still look good. It doesn't take much effort to step up your look and we've got some tips to get you started. These will get you presentable for any quick activity that might involve people actually seeing you but are simple and easy enough that you can still spend little time at the mirror.
It's easy to get into a no makeup rut if you think no one is looking, but no one wants to get caught bare-faced when just a few minutes of pampering will have you looking awake and glowing. Start with a tinted moisturizer or BB/Beauty Balm. These multitaskers have skin care ingredients, light coverage, moisture and high SPF. They are a one and done product.
Try NARS' new Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 ($42) which takes tinted moisturizers to a new level with a formula that offers good coverage and literally makes your skin glow. Smashbox's new Camera Ready BB Balm SPF 35 ($39) primes and mattifies but light moisturizers mean it's never drying. It smoothes out skin for a look that's you but better.
Next add some mascara
One or two coats are plenty here. Grab one that gives volume and length fast so you can work quickly and go. Try Cover Girl Lash Blast 24Hour mascara ($10) for all day and night wear, no touch ups needed.
Try a tinted lip balm
You get sheer color and moisture in one swipe for luscious lips. Keep one handy at your desk or in your bag for no-mirror-needed touch ups. Try Bite Beauty's SPF 15 Sheer Balm ($19) which has five glasses of wine's worth of the powerful antioxidant resveratrol in one tube or the new Colorburst Lip Butters ($7) by Revlon. These pack great pigment in a lip soothing formula and come in a wide variety of colors.
Active wear and lounge wear have come a long way
There's no need to hang out at your home office in beat up sweats. We all know knits are the king of comfort but it doesn't have to mean your guy's old college pullover. You can get that comfort but still have a dash of style with lightweight cotton rich tops like the Merona Ultimate Long Sleeve Tee at Target ($12) or Lands' End's new Interlock Boatneck Tee ($30). These come in a wide variety of colors and have a figure flattering fit.
Pair them with the C9 by Champion bootcut pants ($16), also at Target, that are fitted but not tight for a look that goes for a brisk morning walk as well as a conference call. Top it all off with a flowy cardigan to ward off the chill like the Apt. 9 by Kohl's textured open front sweater ($27) and you're ready to face whatever the day throws at you.
