Marie ClaireLanding a job these days is more competitive than ever - so don't let questionable beauty choices lower your chances of acing your interview! As a general rule, it's a great idea to dial down your everyday look just a bit. Try classic, sophisticated makeup and hairstyles instead of overtly sexy, aggressively trendy or bordering-on-gauche looks. (Tacky chic nails are cute for girls' night out - not so much when trying to charm a Deutsche Bank exec.). Here, our top ten tips for looking your professional best on the interview.
Smooth Move
You might be articulate and interesting, but if your lips are chapped and flaking, no one's listening! Make sure you exfoliate lips the night before with a dry skin-sloughing scrub like Bliss Fabulips Sugar Lip Scrub ($18). This luxurious exfoliator moisturizes while gently removing dead skin.
Dew You
The last thing you want to look is tired, especially if you stayed up late preparing for the interview. Josie Maran Argan Color Stick in Rosey ($22) makes your face look more awake with a dose of dewy radiance. For a subtly luminous flush, simply dab this sheer tint on the apples of your cheeks and blend in with your fingers.
My Little Pony
Big hair is way too va-va-voom for a job interview. You want to be taken seriously, not asked out for happy hour. Keep it classy by sweeping your strands back in a low ponytail or high topknot. To keep flyaways at bay, spritz on Living Proof Flexible Hold Hairspray ($14) - it keeps your 'do in place without creating flakes or weird stiffness.
Virtual Hairstyle and Makeup Makeover
Common ScentsAs a rule, this is not the time to wear your most alluring come hither fragrance. Overtly sexy scents can send the wrong message (as in "available" as opposed to "professional"). Try lightweight, summery scents like the new ones from Kiehl's Aromatic Blends ($75). Blended with ingredients from around the globe, the sheer fragrances are gorgeous without being overpowering. Choose from Orange & Lychee, Vanilla & Cedarwood, Fig Leaf & Sage, Nashi Blossom and Pink Grapefruit.
Natural Woman
We love Kourtney K's bright orange kisser as much as the next beautynista, but now is not the time to rock a loud lip. Go for natural shades instead - they're less distracting. Too Faced Natural Kiss Neutral Lip Color Collection ($24) comes with four universally pretty, neutral hues, including a cream, gloss, and shimmer.
Sleeping BeautyMake sure you get at least eight hours of beauty sleep the night before you interview! If you're tired, your answers will be lackluster and unfocused. Plus, dark under eye bags and sallow skin are definite turnoffs to potential employers. Too stressed to sleep? Try zoning out to a relaxation app.
No SweatNerves can cause even the coolest cucumbers to sweat! Stop T-Zone shine before in its tracks with Sonia Kashuk Matte Oil Blotting Papers ($6.99). These whisper-light papers instantly absorb oil and sweat without mussing your makeup (there's no powdery residue, hallelujah).
Pretty Polish
Show-stopping neon manicures are trendier than ever, but not if you're trying to score a corporate position. You want to look polished, not punk. Skip electric yellow and go for a more natural shade, like Butter London Nail Lacquer in Tea With the Queen ($14). This pinky-tan hue is lovely on all skin tones, and can last a week without chipping!
If you smoke, don't do it before the interview. Nothing's more of a turnoff for potential employers than a chick with smoke-scented hair. If you absolutely can't resist, please spritz on a hair fragrance afterwards. Oscar Blandi Protein di Jasmine Protein Mist ($19) is meant to restyle hair between shampoos, but we just love the irresistibly fresh, floriental scent.
Tattoo YouVisible tats? Unless you're interviewing in an excessively creative field, cover those babies up. To do, first swipe on Dermablend Leg & Body Tattoo Primer ($25) - this enhances the wearability of your body foundation, and prevents unsightly smudging. Finish with an ink-erasing layer of Dermablend Leg and Body Cover ($25).
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