How to look put together every day?

[NotKatherineRyan]

I work from home and have maybe 5-6 virtual meetings a week where I ALWAYS look like I’ve been dragged through a bush backwards.

I generally spend zero time on looking ‘nice’ unless I’m going out and I’ve actually got quite a bit of time to do hair/makeup etc.

However, my status in the company and therefore my meetings are ramping up and I really want to start presenting myself better. I’d like to get into a nice little morning routine where I look put together but where it hasn’t taken hours to achieve.

Also, I have terrible skin (prone to spots) and my hair is always a frizzy mess so that’s definitely not helping.

Please help oh wise ones!

I love to look polished and I am very lazy. So here is my routine for you!!

My first top tip:
Trinny London Make-up - takes under a minute with BFF serum plus lip to cheek and their brown eye make up pot.

My second suggestions will reap rewards - put a bit of concentrated time in and get daily ‘polish’ with minimal effort.

Get a mobile beautician to come to your house/make a reoccurring appointment for:
Have your nails done
Eyebrows done

Also reoccurring appointment (eg book the next before you leave)
Hair appointment every six to eight weeks.

Frizzy hair- Could you consider getting a Brazilian blow dry? They last months and hair is silky and smooth without needing to silly everyday.
if that’s not an option, try using keratin shampoo and conditioner. These have made a huge difference for me? I use Goldwell Kerastase.

Skin- look for salicylic acid face wash. Only use once a day as it can be a little harsh at first.
Try not to touch your face, then keyboard, then face etc as you could be spreading bacteria

Go to a good hairdresser for a sharp cut and be prepared to spend money on professional products to keep your hair looking its best.

Prone to ‘spots’ rather than actual acne? If so you probably need an improved diet - weekly veg box, less sugar, no processed / ready made / takeaway food. And fresh air! If acne then see a doctor for cause and treatment.

I’ve been surprised to find my appearance on screen is a separate entity to my appearance in real life. For zoom meetings I always use a face mask, oil and then Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow (plus brows, mascara, lip gloss) and look miraculously glowy on screen. In real life the Wonderglow is much less satisfactory and I’m wondering how to proceed post lockdowns. But clothes matter less on screen. Within ‘normal’ parameters no one remembers precisely what you’re wearing - though anything patterned is distracting - so keep things as plain and simple as possible.

This is all so helpful, thank you! I have seen the Trinny products mentioned a lot but not sure if they’ll cover my bad skin @Cherryana?

Nails I love doing so they’re always looking good but my eyebrows are two fluffy slugs so definitely need to tackle that!

Going to look into some of the other stuff mentioned (love the idea of a Brazilian blow dry though)!

I think hair makes a massive difference, other than frizzy, is your hair long, short, one length, layered, fringe or no fringe? It's definitely worth seeing a good hairdresser to see what will suit your hair - I have a T3 blow drier brush thing that's great for eliminating frizz when used in conjunction with a styling spray and Olaplex hair oil, even in dry unwashed hair - over washing makes my hair frizzier.

If you aren't happy with your skin, start double cleansing with a balm and a flannel, it really helps and makes a huge difference to the texture. Also try the spray on facial tan by Utan, it's very good for breakouts, it has antibacterial properties and calms redness.

For make up I think you'd be best to get a simple routine - I like the Trinny Products too, definitely the lip 2 cheek, but Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation is great for cover and long wear - mix with moisturiser for a sheerer finish or a glow lotion for more sheen. Curl your lashes, waterproof mascara will hold the curl. Little bit of brown eyeliner close to your lashes and then smudged to define your eyes. Bronzer and a lipstick or gloss but not in nude, something brighter - lip pencils are good for definition too, they're great consistency now.

Plain tops, preferably V neck or open neck and earrings.

Definitely a Brazilian blow dry, I only have mine done once a year but as long as I stick to the right keratin products my hair stays frizz free and shiny with minimal effort.

I suffered a lot with spots as an adult, but now take Pore Favor supplements (used to be Anti Acne Club) and they have transformed my skin. They offer a money back trial so it might be worth giving them a go.

My make up takes less than five minutes in the morning- Glossier Futuredew for glowing skin, BB cream, Glossier Boybrow to define my brows without overkill, brown eyeliner, curled lashes and mascara.

I started wearing blue light glasses for long meetings as I was getting headaches, the bonus is that they really suit me and emphasise my eyes on camera.

Another tip, if most of your meetings are zoom rather than face to face, you can soften the light on your zoom picture so that you always look better (it is a zoom setting). I did this and now always look more awake and polished in my meetings.
Google how to do it as I cannot remember but it works. it is like the filter people (i.e. celebrities) use on Instagram etc.

For virtual meetings, it makes a big difference how well your room is lit. A light behind the camera (even a clip on light on the computer) will make everything look sharper and less dingy.

Investigate the lighting and beauty settings on zoom, if you use that or whatever system you use. If no such settings, download the plugins or apps which do the job. Life changing, without spending a penny.

I find it’s all about hair. If my hair looks smart on video my overall appearance looks better. And a necklace. Doesn’t need to be “statement”, just a little something.

Things I do to look put together:
-Always have my nails painted. A pale pink is my default.
-I almost always have my hair straightened.
-Rimmel kind and free skin tint and bourgeois radiant reveal concealer are 2 of my make up bag staples. I have a quick make up routine that I can do in 5 mins each morning even with little children!

• my favourite ever lipstick is rimmel drop of sherry.

-coconut oil makes a great hair mask and it's cheap.

• Superdrug face masks

I always make sure I wear earrings for virtual meetings - it's quick and easy but definitely makes me look and feel more put together.

I was coming here to say as above, zoom has filter option, which is great (background options). Teams also have soft focus which helps a bit. I also find that lighting in the room makes a difference and having a right colour top.