My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

For beauty and fashion style advice, join in our Style forum chat.

Style and beauty

Nurse new in post - need some subtle make up and perfume advice

21 replies

XBenedict · 17/04/2013 14:54

I have just started back to work as a nurse. Obviously clothing is sorted - tunic & trousers or dress but what I need is some make up advice. It's needs to be quick easy but look fresh and natural. Also I need recommendations for a subtle perfume or body spray. Smells pleasant but not over powering Smile

OP posts:
Report
TheYoniOfYawn · 17/04/2013 15:02

For a nurse, I would go for no perfume. It depends to a certain extent where you will be working, but I would want a nurse to have no noticeable scent, except possibly a sort of soap/clean laundry/disinfectant sort of smell when working.

What make-up do you usually wear? That would give a starting point.

Report
kelda · 17/04/2013 15:03

I wouldn't bother with perfume. Just use a strong deoderant. It's a very physical, tiring job.

Report
TheYoniOfYawn · 17/04/2013 15:04

For make-up, tinted moisturiser/BB cream, waterproof mascara, and a lip/cheek stain.

Report
ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 17/04/2013 15:06

I'd vote for no perfume and no make up...

Report
Leverette · 17/04/2013 15:07

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

PipsWife · 17/04/2013 15:08

As a nurse I never wear perfume as I always think when you are ill the last thing you want is a strong smell lingering around the ward, you may not think its strong but the patient might!

Make up wise, a slick of mascara and a bit of powder normally does me.

Good luck! How long have you been away?

Report
Dolallytats · 17/04/2013 15:11

Please don't wear perfume!! I am a huge fan of lovely smelling scents, but when in hospital having a tough pregnancy with my son 5yrs ago one of the nurses wore a really overpowering one. It was awful. I would dread her coming round as I would feel like I was eating it!!

Report
XBenedict · 17/04/2013 15:11

I'm in primary care, practice nurse so no really poorly people but I take your points I don't want to overpower anyone. I have been at home for 10 years with the dcs so rarely wear make up but would like to look presentable and not knackered

OP posts:
Report
Flossiechops · 17/04/2013 15:15

I'm in primary care too and I always wear perfume. I have never thought twice about it. Make up I keep very basic - mascara, plain lip gloss, and blusher. I cannot go out without makeup as I look old and knackered but I like to look professional. Good luck with going back I'm sure you will fit straight back in :)

Report
XBenedict · 17/04/2013 15:17

Thanks Flossie - all a bit scary! Have been working with another practice nurse for a while (voluntarily) but about to go it alone!!! I'm amazed at how different it is from hospital nursing!

OP posts:
Report
valiumredhead · 17/04/2013 15:18

Please don't wear perfume!

Bare Minerals has good staying power.

Good luck! :)

Report
Sidge · 17/04/2013 15:20

I'm a practice nurse, I wear perfume or body spray each day. Quite light though, I like CKOne and Chanel.

I also wear makeup or I look like I've been dug up - mascara, lipstick and base with a little blusher. Not much though, I don't think it looks too professional to be in uniform with tons of slap on - I'm a practice nurse not a beauty therapist!

Report
XBenedict · 17/04/2013 15:20

What about a fragranced body lotion? Would that be more subtle? Or steer clear and go for deodorant and shower gel?

OP posts:
Report
NomDeOrdinateur · 17/04/2013 15:21

Congrats! My suggestions are below - I've marked the "nice but unnecessary" items with a question mark, as I'm not sure how much you're looking to wear. I really recommend "Glow by JLo" as perfume - seriously, it's a clean, soapy but unobtrusive scent so it seems appropriate to me Smile.

Tinted moisturiser: No7 Triple Protection, for minimal coverage/ Foundation: Bourjois Healthy Mix, for fuller coverage. Applied with Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (extremely quick, great coverage and airbrush finish - a must-have if you're pressed for time, IMO).

Concealer(?): L'oreal Touche Magique, for under-eye circles and minimal blemishes OR Mac Studio Finish, for more noticeable blemishes (really long-lasting).

Powder: No7 Translucent, applied with any old brush (although Real Techniques does an excellent one if you're looking).

Mascara: No7 Expert Lash (lasts very well but isn't waterproof, so easy to remove at the end of the day).

Blush(?): If needed - No7 does some nice matte ones (Soft Damson and Candy Pink are very flattering), Bourjois also does pretty ones but they tend to be more shimmery. Any old brush will do (Boots own brand is nice).

Eyeshadow(?): Wheatsheaf by No7 is a good, slightly shimmery neutral that will wake your eyes up a bit but doesn't need careful application.

Lips: Carmex or similar lipbalm.

Report
EldritchCleavage · 17/04/2013 15:21

Clarins Eau Dynamisante is nice, and subtle.

Report
Doyouthinktheysaurus · 17/04/2013 15:47

Mental health nurse here.

I wear very light perfume, philosophy perfumes are good. Just a fresh smell.

Make up wise, bb cream and mascara, just to make me look slightly more human at the end of a long night.

General hospital based nursing, I wouldn't wear perfume.

Report
Mockingcurl · 17/04/2013 15:55

Please don't wear perfume. Anyone wearing perfume near me when I was having chemo made me throw up.
When I trained as a nurse we were strictly forbidden from wearing perfume.

Report
Fluffycloudland77 · 17/04/2013 16:07

Another no to perfume, I just use Mitchum un scented.

I'm a podiatrist.

Bit of bb cream and mascaras enough, no one wants barbie doing medical care.

Report
XBenedict · 17/04/2013 16:45

Fluffy - I don't think I'll ever be described as a Barbie doll Wink some very useful

OP posts:
Report
XBenedict · 17/04/2013 16:46

Comments and advice

OP posts:
Report
XBenedict · 18/04/2013 11:59

Maybe a body lotion would be better than perfume?

OP posts:
Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.