I am a beauty editor, so I have an overabundance of beauty products at my desk. It's my job, right? Okay, yes, but if I had to narrow down my supply to the essentials that I reach for on a daily basis, these are the items that I absolutely have to have—and would recommend to anyone else looking for a small but effective office makeup kit.
Kérastase Carré Lissant Smoothing Sheets
If you are prone to frizzy hair, this product should be at your desk, in your purse, and basically in reach at all times (luckily the packaging is so small, it totally can be). The sheets, which could be mistaken for teeny versions of the ones you throw in the dryer, solve pretty much all on-the-go hair problems. Used on clean hair, the sheets get rid of the frizz from at-home blow-drys, as well as the static you get from a sleek salon blowout. Then, on between-washing days, they freshen things up and hide grease so you can go the extra day without anyone noticing.
$28.50; kerastase-usa.com
Aveda Stress-Fix Concentrate
No matter your profession, work is stressful. Personally, in moments when I'm feeling overwhelmed, I take a whiff of this roller ball. Its lavender essence has soothing aromatherapeutic powers and smells much lovelier than most other stress relief products out there. The restorative effect is similar to going outside for some fresh air—but, on truly crazy days, it has the advantage of being instantaneous.
$24; aveda.com
Benefit Cosmetics Pocket Pal
When I have plans after work, I always want to freshen up my look beforehand, but I don't like to lug my makeup bag with me all day. Instead, I just stash this multi-tasking Benefit product in my desk drawer. Just before happy hour, I use the dual cheek and lip stain to add a flush of color and the gloss to make me just a touch sleeker and more polished. When I'm done, I've gotten some life back in my face, so at least I don't look like I spent the whole day staring at a computer.
$20; benefitcosmetics.com
H20 Plus Eye Oasis Instant Hydrating Stick
When that 4 o'clock lethargy rolls in and my body thinks it needs sugar or coffee to wake up, I try to reach for this little guy instead. One swipe of the cooling elixir underneath each eye not only makes me look more awake by calming any puffiness, it also makes me feel energized, too, thanks to the caffeinated formula.
$25; ulta.com
Butter London Scrubbers
I used to appreciate that too-cool-to-care chipped nail look, but these days a messed up manicure really bugs me. I'd rather go polish-free than have something less than perfect, especially at work. So just in case my mani begins to deteriorate when I'm at the office, I always have these nail polish wipes on hand. Just one tissue will inconspicuously remove two hands worth of polish without smelling up the office. It's brilliant.
$10; ulta.com
Crabtree & Evelyn Avocado, Olive & Basil Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy
Offices are either highly air-conditioned or overly heated (don't you love burning up in the winter and freezing in the summer?) and all that recirculated air can be super drying to your skin. To fight that, I am constantly applying this luxurious cream infused with macadamia nut oil, shea butter, avocado butter, basil, and olive extracts throughout the day. It moisturizes my hands and gives my fingers a nice little rub-down (and a break from typing). Plus, it just sounds so delicious, doesn't it?
You should also check out:
The Best Makeup to Wear in Your Fluorescent-Lit Office
Must Read: How Your Computer Screen Affects Your Skin
From: ELLE US
