Spray this on the roots of your hair when your tresses start to look flat or greasy and you’ll get instant lift and airy volume. It works to get rid of smelly hair too, if you’ve had lunch in a hawker center.
Percy & Reed Radiance Revealing Invisible Dry Shampoo, $14 for 150ml; Living Proof Perfect hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo, $32.
I don’t know how people survive a full day in the office without some respite in the form of these sensorial products. Calming blends of essential oils that remind you to breathe and chill out. Some blends also help you to focus better so you’re more productive too.
Origins Peace Of Mind On-The-Spot Relief, $30 for 15ml; This Works Stress Check Breathe In, $25 for 8ml; Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Roller Ball, $40
Sometimes, you just need a quick fix to brighten your day and your mood and a bright lipstick it is. Pick a luminous coral or pink in a sheer formula as it is easier to slick on and less in-your-face. You can always layer it on for more oomph.
NARS Satin Lipstick, $40; Laneige Serum Intense Lipstick, $34
Breakouts happen anytime, anywhere. If you don’t already have a high coverage concealer stashed in your makeup pouch, you should have one in your desk drawer. Cream type concealers or those that come in stick formats usually have the highest coverage to hide those offending spots until you have time to go home and get them treated with all the salicylic acid you can find.
Marc Jacobs Beauty Remedy Concealer Pen, $52; Sephora High Coverage Concealer, $24
Need to amp things up quickly for an important meeting or just need a little boost in assertiveness? A matte lipstick in an intense shade like wine or maroon can certainly help to up the ante.
Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick, $28; Chanel Rouge Allure Ink, $49
Powders with built-in brushes are the little gizmos we love. It feels so nifty to whip it out and dust on some face powder in one motion. Our faves have mattifying properties, helps to illuminate the complexion, or even boast sun protection.
Supergoop Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45, $48; Laneige Brush Pact, $42.
Hands need some TLC every now and then, and what better time to slather on some hand cream than when you’re taking a quick breather in between tasks. Hand creams not only soften and smoothen hands, they always smell so good, making the whole ritual so relaxing.
Fresh Honeysuckle Hand Cream, $20 for 30ml; Estelle & Thild Fresh Water Lily Hand Lotion, $35
When you’re feeling frustrated, sleepy or stressed out at your desk, nothing beats a refreshing spritz of cooling face mist on your face… or when your skin’s feeling dry, whatever the case.
Skin Inc Pure Serum Mist, $30 for 30ml; Herbivore Botanicals Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist, $25.
A fragrance touch-up may be necessary any time of the day. And when you’re spritzing in the office, keep to subtle scents that are refreshing with fruity and slightly floral notes. Nothing too cloying or invasive. Rollerball types of perfume applicators are a godsend as they are so discrete to use too.
Burberry Brit Sheer Eau De Toilette Rollerball, $29; Fresh Citron De Vigne Eau De Parfum, $148 for 100ml