Corporate Makeover for the Takeover - with Napoleon Perdis
Ladies looking fresh faced and flawless is not reserved for job interviews, meeting with a new client or addressing the Executive Board... everyday is about bringing your A-game!
As much as I love heels, the saying of "putting your best foot forward" for me, "putting your best face forward" is much more important. First impressions count, and while we can't stop people from making snap decisions the reality is; the briefest glance is enough to form first impressions on a range of social attributes including likability, trustworthiness and competence.
Working late nights in the office, ordering Deliveroo, catching 3am Ubers home, rinsing and repeating everyday doesn't come without battle scars. Dry skin, oily skin, dark bags under the eyes and stress pimples. I wake up some mornings and cry as I look in the mirror at my complexion and see how the 'hustle and grind' lifestyle has impacted my skin.
As much as the feminist part of me wants to walk out the door sans makeup, it's the corporate war paint (aka make up) that gives me the confidence (as cliche as this sounds) to survive in the concrete jungle. Also, perception is reality. As much as I wear make up for my own self confidence, it is also about giving your client or your boss the impression that "everything is under control". (Imagine what they'd think if they saw me after 3 hours sleep, exhausted and sans makeup... maybe they should?! - but that's a topic for a different blog).
Quick, simple and effective is what I'm about... remember I'm a fashion blogger not a beauty blogger. So whether I'm rushing off to work and need my make up to last for 18 hours, or off to a red carpet event, my make routine regime doesn't vary too much.
So here it is...and it may look extensive, but from beginning to finish it only takes 10 minutes! Promise!
1. AUTO PILOT PRE-FOUNDATION SKIN PRIMER
"It's a crime not to prime" as Napoleon said himself. Great pre-makeup primer containing vitamin E, camomile and yarrow extracts to hydrate the skin. Not only that, but it works beneath your foundation to restore your skin.
2. CHINA DOLL FOUNDATION
I honestly think if I had to pick 3 essentials in life, it would be my iphone, credit card and this foundation. Flawless, long wearing, packed with antioxidants which soothes the skins as well as providing full coverage. Not to mention suitable for the beach with SPF 15.
3. PRO PALETTE CONCEALER
No wonder I love this product... it contains caffeine to help stimulate microcirculation! Be gone blemishes and bags under the eyes - again not only does it conceal but the antioxidants vitamin C and E work away to soothe and heal.
4. AUTO PILOT RADIANCE BOOSTING PRIMER
Depending on how fresh and dewy I'm wanting my face to look it can be applied before foundation, after as a highlighter or both if I'm feeling like an extra boost, as the ingredients include a subtle shimmer.
5. BRONZE PATROL
Do you believe in magic? Marble like bronzer transforms you face instantly from looking sleep deprived to sun kist. I don't ask questions, but the paint-like palette of contained chaos is perfect for contouring and highlighting.
Cheekbones, around the hair line and the neckline will give you a glow, definition and make you look thinner... I told you it was magic!
6. BLUSH PATROL
A little bit of blush goes a long way! Tying in a nude lip into your make up look is as easy as a tiny bit of blush on the apple of your cheek to pull it altogether. I'll admit somedays I just rely on Bronzer to get me through if I'm already late for work, but a little bit of blush can emphasise your smile without moving a muscle!
7. COUTURE BROW KIT
Apparently brows need makeup... I will be the first to admit this all seemed too hard and unnecessary! But wow - yes it makes a difference and it's not hard. Basically you add some colour, apply some wax to the comb and comb it through so the brows stay in place! Face is framed and voila!(Simple instruction card included explains in detail how to use the kit).
8. NUDE U - EYES, CHEEKS AND BROWS PALETTE
Keep it simple! Forget the eyeliner and colourful eye palettes. The dark tones replace eyeliner, the neutral blended tones to cover the lids and the lighter shades go right underneath the brow to highlight. Also, a spot of nude shimmer in the corner of the inner eye will give you the illusion of being wide awake! Am I starting to sound like a beauty blogger yet?
9. CAMERA FINISH POWER FOUNDATION
Powdered finish to blend it all together, focusing on the oily areas and avoiding areas prone to dryness.
10. CAMERA FINISH CLOSE-UP COMPLEXION PERFECTING POWDER
Sets the face, reduces fine lines and makes you look flawless even at ungodly hours when everyone else is in bed sleeping!
11. LONG BLACK MASCARA
Long lashes essential to give others the illusion that you are more awake then you actually are... coffee can only do so much!
12. LIP LINER
That lady boss bold red lip...the secret is out! I don't use lipstick... lip liners should not be reserved for just lining. Simply fill in your lip with the Rococo Red lipliner. It will give you precision and also the endurance. The staying power of this beauty is ridiculous - food & coffee all day without any re-application!
I always get asked whether red lips are appropriate for work and my answer is absolutely! Just like great posture, red lips say a lot about a woman's confidence! If you are after a more natural lip, try the "Witty in Pink" shade.
13. TOTAL BAE - GLOSS IT! INTERGALACTIC
Finish with Gloss to make those lips pop! Probably committing a makeup crime, but I actually don't use a lip gloss over my lip liner most days... the creaminess of this liner doesn't need it!
Go get them! May your day be as flawless as your make up!
