Like many of us, I spend way too much time at my computer: marketing my makeup artist business, writing articles like these, researching, watching youtube, trying to learn a little more with my new masterclass subscription etc. With COVID and WFH I figure even more of us are stuck at home behind our laptops… So I thought I’d run through the beauty essentials that I keep on hand at all times.
The desk I sit at in my small apartment (a very classic Hong Kong sized apartment if you get what I mean!), is also where I do my makeup. So technically I have a lot of products within reach… but we’ll stick to the core few I use throughout the day when sat at home working.
1. Hair Ties
Number one thing is tools to put up my hair! I have long frizzy, curly hair which I’ve learnt to embrace out of laziness… plus there is literally no point in fighting it when the HK humidity gets up! When I’m out, I genuinely always have my hair down it feels like me. When it’s a less than perfect hair day, I pop in a cute headband and call it a day. But soon as I’m home, I’m always looking for my Slip hair ties (they are perfect) or a big claw clip – the little ones don’t hold enough hair for me – anything that gets my hair up and out of the way with minimal fuss feels good.
2. Lip Balm
Next, is a lip product that I use a few times a day to help keep them nourished, nothing worse than being caught without one right? I currently have this one by Natura Bisse. Even I’ll admit it’s a little extra price-wise, but I got it in the Net-a-porter advent calendar over Christmas and I’m enjoying every bit of it! If you’re looking for a good, but a slightly more affordable one, check out my in-depth lip balm talk here.
3. Face Mist
Mist mist mist time! Yes, face mists, I LOVE them. I always have a few hanging around – they’re perfect for cooling down in the summer heat or to prevent drying in winter. They’re great for refreshing slightly dry makeup also – you know if you’re wearing a full face and it starts getting a little wrinkly under the eyes? Using a face mist will fix that no problem! The two I have in reach currently are La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra 8 and Chantecaille Pure Rosewater.
4. Relaxing Oil Roller
I love an essential oil roller to help remind me to take a moment and focus on my breathing… even just a couple of minutes in the middle of a busy day helps me feel so much calmer. Placebo or not, it’s worth a try, I currently have this ‘Presence’ oil by a cute local Hong Kong brand, Skin Need. My previous one was from thisworks, who have heaps of this type of mood affecting products – choose the one you need most!
5. Hand Cream
At the end of this list is a hand cream. Honestly I don’t find myself reaching for it often but I still have one because I’m a beauty girl! My go-to currently is Skin Need’s light hand cream. Most of us can appreciate we don’t want that oily sticky hand cream feeling when we need to head straight back to the keyboard. This product is so light, almost serum-like compared to some hand creams, it sinks in right away with none of that residue feeling.
That’s it! My everyday ‘in reach’ essentials. And how about you?? Tell me, are your desk products similar? I’m always keen to hear your thoughts, recommendations and questions!
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