Ask the Esthetician: Professional Makeup

Q: What are some professional make-up looks I can try after graduation?

A: Once you have your ‘real world’ job, the days of throwing on sweats and wearing no make-up are over. You want to make a professional impression on your boss, colleagues and possible clients if you have them. You want to use products that help enhance your appearance and make you look polished and fresh.

Instead of heavy foundation, try a tinted moisturizer and balance powder like Laura Geller Balance & Brighten.

For a job interview, keep your eye make-up natural. You are there to get a job, not drinks. If you have blue eyes, try a peach or gold-based taupe shadow to help your eyes pop. If you have green eyes, try a plum liner that will make the green stand out. Brown and hazel eyes can wear any color liner or shadow, just be sure to keep colors neutral and simple for day.

Once you have the job, use make-up that keeps you looking awake so your boss knows you take pride in your career. Try Eye-Bright by Benefit Cosmetics to keep eyes looking wide awake or Bella Bamba blush (also by Benefit) to give cheeks a natural glow. Be sure to take a few products to touch up before after-work drinks with your co-workers. Some good staples to have are: oil absorbing sheets, blush, mascara and a pink or red lipstick. With these products, you can go from day to night in no time. Now go out there and make those big bucks!

Kayleigh Irby is a senior at Mercer. She attended Central Georgia Technical College and obtained her esthetics license in 2008. Since then she has worked for Ulta Cosmetics and is currently a Mark Representative. Irby is a journalism major and believes beauty starts with a smile and ends wherever the lip gloss takes you.

Have a question for Kayleigh? E-mail your question to askkayleigh@gmail.com