In an ideal world we’d all have hours to beautify before the office party, because even if the only person there to see our efforts is Keith in accounts who’s on his third hip or Sandra from HR who thinks a highlighter is what she sends your expenses back covered in, it’s still Christmas! Alas, our cruel bosses don’t think an afternoon off to get ready is an appropriate use of resources so instead we need to glamourise at our desks and in the office. Here’s the tricks and treatments to make it easier…
By Jo Hoare
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1 The braidy bunch
Fancy a change from a blow-dry? Or find they only last you a day? Switch things up and choose a braided updo at a salon or braid bar. A halo or Heidi crown plaited up-do will a) take less time than a blow out so perfect for a lunchbreak b) last a few days regardless of your hair type, it actually looks better a little ‘lived in’ c) an updo always makes you look like you’ve made an effort. We’re sold.
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2 Nail it. Or don't...
There are some beauty preparations it is perfectly acceptable to do at your desk. Some it is definitely not. Nothing that sheds please – so no plucking or nail cutting (would you want Sharon’s clippings in your tea) and no nail polish. Some people just don’t like the smell so choose no fuss press on nails or fake a meeting and nip out for a file and polish.
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3 The hand dryer is your friend
Dry shampoo is a beauty godsend, we all know that but it’s when you combine it with a blast from a hairdryer that you really get the volume/grease busting that you’re after. No hairdryer to hand? Pop into the loos and manoeuvre yourself under the hand drier. You might get some funny looks but who said beauty was easy.
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4 On the lash
If you want one beauty treatment that perks up how you look for the whole festive period then get yourself some lash extensions. Even without makeup you’ll look open-eyed and ‘done’ no matter if it’s your first night on the town or your tenth, and with no need for mascara you won’t feel as guilty about skipping cleansing when you get in at 3 am.
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5 Accessorise all areas
Chances are you’ve got an emergency desk drawer- mascara, hairspray, toothpaste, tampons etc when Xmas comes add to that a few bits of bling. A pair of shoulder grazing earrings here (statement tassels are everywhere this year) an embellished necklace there (Primark is our secret for what we call one night stand jewellery) and you can scrub up even if you forgot you were going out.
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6 Space savers
Because as much as you’d like to pack your whole makeup bag a curved spine isn’t part of your Christmas look so travel light by investing in 2 in 1 products. Lip and cheek tints, dual ended eye pencils, multi use sticks, anything that does more than one job earns its place in our clutch. Our faves are NARS the Multiple £29, Bobbi Brown Art Stick £22 and NYX Two Timer Eyeliner £9
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7 Lazy girls
Go pro. Screw trying to get ready at your desk with the bad flouro lighting and 37 women scrabbling for mirror space in the horrid loos and book in for a professional makeup appointment. You could even club together and book a mobile therapist to come to your office. Just make sure you get the first appointment, hey…
FAQs
How can you quickly refresh your hairstyle for an office party?
Choosing a braided updo gives a fresh look in less time than a blow-dry. Styles like a halo or crown plaited up-do last for several days, work on any hair type and actually look better once slightly lived in. An updo is also a simple way to look polished without much hassle.
Which beauty treatments are best for lasting through the festive season?
Lash extensions help you look bright and awake throughout the festive period. They make eyes look open and ‘done’ even without makeup and also mean you can skip mascara and late-night cleansing routines if you come home late from events.
What are acceptable beauty preparations to do at your desk?
You can use press-on nails or pop out for a quick file and polish without annoying colleagues. Avoid plucking, nail cutting, or using nail polish at your desk to keep things tidy and avoid unpleasant smells for others.
How can you boost hair volume with what you find in the office?
Using dry shampoo combined with a blast from a hairdryer gives your hair extra volume and refreshes it. If you don’t have a hairdryer at your desk, using the hand dryer in the restroom can work for a quick fix, even if it might raise a few eyebrows.
What space-saving beauty products are best for office parties?
2 in 1 makeup products like lip and cheek tints, dual-ended eye pencils, and multi-use sticks save space and are practical for touch-ups at work. Items such as NARS the Multiple (£29), Bobbi Brown Art Stick (£22), and NYX Two Timer Eyeliner (£9) are versatile choices to keep in a small clutch or desk drawer.