It’s wild to think that in a hybrid work environment, you might find yourself casually presenting to 500 people on a Monday morning. That was my exact reality recently. Although I didn’t feel like I nailed it (hello, nerves!), one of my sweet coworkers messaged me during the meeting to say my skin looked amazing and asked for my routine. So, this post is for her—and for anyone else looking to glow during those virtual meetings and in-person workdays. Here’s my updated skincare and makeup routine, packed with products I’m currently loving.
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Cleen Beauty Everyday Essentials Skin Care Set | Blue Light Defense Serum + Cooling Eggplant Eye Balm + Rosehip Jelly Face Cleanser + Fragrance Free Face Wipes + Bakuchiol Antioxidant Renewing Serum||Bliss What a Melon Replenishing Watermelon Hyaluronic Acid Toner||The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C & EGF Brightening Serum||Dr. Jart Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream||Women’s Glow Screen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40||Cleen Beauty Acai Face Scrub||Topicals Mini Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration||Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask + Moisturizer||wet n wild Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator Matte Natural Finish||Isle of Paradise Sunny Serum Instant Face Bronzer||Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick||e.l.f. Daily Dew Stick||wet n wild Color Icon Cream Eyeliner Eyeshadow Multi-Stick||Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Skincare: The Foundation of Any Good Makeup Look
A flawless makeup look starts with great skin, and I take my skincare seriously. Whether I’m gearing up for an in-person meeting or turning on my camera for a Zoom call, this routine ensures my skin stays hydrated, protected, and glowing.
1. Cleen Beauty Everyday Essentials Skin Care Set
This set has become a staple in my routine. Here’s why each product in the kit works wonders:
- Blue Light Defense Serum: Perfect for those long hours in front of a screen, this serum helps shield my skin from blue light damage. I use this over my vitamin C serum in the morning
- Cooling Eggplant Eye Balm: A lifesaver for tired, puffy eyes. It’s refreshing and depuffs in seconds. I use this day and night as the last part of my skincare routine.
- Rosehip Jelly Face Cleanser: This gentle cleanser leaves my skin feeling clean but never stripped. This is my “sink” face wash, mostly for mornings.
- Fragrance-Free Face Wipes: If I’m lazy or too wiped (pun intended) at least I’m getting my makeup off before bed.
- Bakuchiol Antioxidant Renewing Serum: A gentle alternative to retinol that keeps my skin smooth and glowing. This is my night serum.
2. Bliss What a Melon Replenishing Watermelon Hyaluronic Acid Toner
This hydrating toner smells like summer in a bottle. It plumps my skin and preps it perfectly for serums and moisturizers. I use it right after every time I was my face.
3. The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C & EGF Brightening Serum
Vitamin C is a non-negotiable in my routine for brightening and evening out my skin tone. This one has a lightweight texture and pairs well with other products. I use this right after toner and before my blue light serum and SPF moisturizer.
4. Dr. Jart Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream
If you struggle with dry or sensitive skin, this moisturizer is a game-changer. It’s thick but absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling nourished. I use this one at night.
5. Women’s Glow Screen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40
Sunscreen is an everyday essential. This one doubles as a glowing primer, adding a subtle shimmer that looks amazing under makeup.
6. Cleen Beauty Acai Face Scrub
I use this gentle exfoliator in the shower to slough off dead skin and keep my complexion smooth.
7. Topicals Mini Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration
For those pesky dark spots, this serum is my go-to. It’s effective without being harsh, and I’ve noticed a big difference in my skin tone. I try to use this at least once a week. It’s a little stinky but it does wonders for my skin.
8. Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask + Moisturizer
I use this as an overnight treatment when my skin feels extra dry. It’s thick, luxurious, and leaves me glowing by morning. I use this the same night I do my Topicals serum.
Makeup: Minimal Effort, Maximum Impact
For a hybrid workday, I aim for a natural look that enhances my features without being too heavy. Here’s what I’m using right now:
1. wet n wild Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator Matte Natural Finish
This tinted hydrator is my secret weapon for a “my skin but better” look. It’s lightweight, breathable, and provides just the right amount of coverage.
2. Isle of Paradise Sunny Serum Instant Face Bronzer
When I want a subtle sun-kissed glow, this bronzing serum is perfect. It blends seamlessly with my tinted hydrator.
3. Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick
A little pop of color on my cheeks and lips goes a long way. This cream blush is easy to blend and gives a natural flush.
4. e.l.f. Daily Dew Stick
This highlighter stick is my favorite for adding a touch of dewy glow to my cheekbones, nose, and cupid’s bow.
5. wet n wild Color Icon Cream Eyeliner Eyeshadow Multi-Stick
I love multitasking products, and this stick works as eyeliner, eyeshadow, and even a brow definer. The creamy texture makes it easy to apply.
6. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
No makeup look is complete without mascara. This one lengthens and volumizes my lashes without clumping.
Why This Routine Works for Me
This routine is quick, effective, and perfect for hybrid work life. It’s low-maintenance enough for casual days at home but polished enough for in-office meetings or presentations. Plus, every product serves a specific purpose, whether it’s protecting my skin from blue light or adding a hint of color to brighten up my face.
Tips for Building Your Routine
If you’re looking to revamp your skincare and makeup routine, here are some tips:
- Start with skincare: Healthy skin is the best canvas for makeup. Focus on hydration, sun protection, and addressing specific concerns like dark spots or fine lines.
- Choose multitasking products: They save time and simplify your routine. Look for items that can double as blush and lipstick or sunscreen and primer.
- Don’t skip sunscreen: Even if you’re working indoors, UV rays and blue light can still impact your skin.
- Experiment to find what works: Not every product will be a perfect match, but trial and error will help you discover your must-haves.
Hybrid work life comes with its own set of challenges, but feeling confident in your skin doesn’t have to be one of them. Whether you’re presenting to a virtual room of 500 people or heading to an in-person meeting, a solid skincare and makeup routine can make all the difference.
I hope this post inspires you to try some new products or tweak your routine to suit your lifestyle. And to my sweet coworker who asked about my skin—thank you for making my Monday brighter!
What are your go-to skincare or makeup products for work? Share in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
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