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Makeup for the Office: Dealing with Fluorescent Lighting

Posted by Alexandra C. | Tuesday September 11, 20129 comments

I'm convinced that whoever invented fluorescent lighting had a very personal vendetta against me. I hate it. It's yellowy hues casts a greenish, blue light over my skin making me look tired and sick. It's harshness brings out every line and crease. Clearly, fluorescent lighting is an evil tool designed to make me look my worst. 

Unfortunately, fluorescent lighting is pretty much everywhere you go: in workplaces, doctor's offices, malls, you get the idea. Aside from starting a world wide petition to remove all fluorescent lights from the world, what can you do? You can combat that icky lighting and kick it to the curb with a few makeup tips and tricks.

1. Ditch the stark black eyeliner and opt instead for a soft natural look with brown. 

Pull a Minka Kelly (left) and not a K Stew (right). The brown is less harsh under the scrutiny of flourescents. The hard lines created by black liner can be too stark. 

(images via prom.about.com, beautystylewatch.com

2. Hydrate (or fake it!) 

Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Blush (C$30.00)

Josie Maran Argan Color Stick (C$29.00)

Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Dare to Glow (C$55.00) 

Benefit High Beam (C$30.00) 
 
Lines are magnified in flourescent lighting and this can age you or make your skin look drier than it is. When it comes to blushes and highlighters, instead of going with powders that can settle into your lines, go with a cream or liquid. This will give your skin the appearance of smoother and more hydrated skin. A highlighter will also give you a glowing fresh face. Remember that it's also important to keep hydrated during the work day! 

3. Warm tones are your friend

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in X (C$22.00)

L'Oreal Paris High Intensity Pigments Bright Shadow Duos (C$10.39) 
  
Floruescent lighting casts an icky blueish glow over your face. So warm up your skin by using tones of peach, soft pink and warm browns. At the same time, you'll want to avoid any shades that are too bright or too cold. Beiges and taupes for instance won't work in your favour. 

(image via 8makeup.com)  

4. Bronze with caution 

You want a healthy glow, but underneath those office lights, a well meaning sun kissed glow can turn into Oompa Loompa territory. Steer clear of powders that have too much shimmer or are too cool. Try instead and take a cue from Ms. Kardashian and stick with blushes, then add some subtle touches of bronzer. 

(images via blog.makeupbymario.com, collegefashion.net

5. Don't overdo the foundation 

Estee Lauder DayWear Multi-Perfecting Beauty Benefit Crème SPF 35 (C$45.00)

Rodial BB Venom Skin Tint (C$44.00)

Vichy Dermablend Ultra-Corrective Foundation Cream Stick (US$30.00)

Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer (C$30.00) 
 
Your foundation can cake and settle throughout the day. If possible, go for a lightweight and sheer product and use concealers instead. I also suggest trying out a BB cream for extra moisture.

(via behindthescenesmakeup.com, bellasugar.com
More by Alexandra C.
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9 Comments

on September 17, 2012  shanaz  5,961 said:


Fluorescent Lighting also causes skin damage... Don't forget your SPF to the office!

on September 13, 2012  AvaMif  4,100 said:

wow awesome tips never thought of some of them thank you helping us all out :) :)

on September 12, 2012  flower  4,433 said:


pretty in pink!

on September 12, 2012  angelaj20  81,680 said:

Great tips! I never realized that I was doing the opposite all this time...powdered blushes, black eyeliner, and cool eye shadows. I will defintely be trying these tips out.

on September 12, 2012  lissdawn  6,381 said:

Love these tips, I am constantly trying to figure out what my makeup is going to look like once i arrive to work!

on September 11, 2012  KatelynRose1984  20,704 said:

I always love Kim Kardashian's look. She's gorgeous! I love how she sticks with using blushes.

on September 11, 2012  MizzRobin  13,788 said:


These are some great tips for office makeup, great article :)

on September 11, 2012  fredamans  12,209 said:

Kin K looks great either way.. lol... she makes a cute oompa loompa....
and Minka would be hotter than Kristen with no make up on and Kristen fully done up. She is not that great any day or any amount of products.

on September 11, 2012  takoda  28,648 said:


Great advice Alex, I never even thought about how that type of lighting can effect your look in so many ways.

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