If you work in an office, chances are you spend more hours there than almost anywhere else. How you look can affect your career as well as how you feel.

Your makeup should always be dictated by three things:

1. What kind of light you will be seen in (is your office located deep inside four walls with few or no windows, or do you sit in a storefront with bright sun?);
2. What impression do you want to make (do you work for a conservative employer in business or do you deal with a public that is younger and less inhibited?); and
3. What colors work well for you (this is always the bottom line. Never wear something just because it’s fashionable).

Most offices, even those with plenty of windows, rely mostly on artificial light to illuminate the workplace.

It’s important to make up in light similar to that in which you will be seen, and remember always that natural sunlight will show any mistakes in your makeup, make thick foundation look clownish and generally show every flaw (makes you appreciate your dim corner of the office a little more, doesn’t it?).

Basic rules:

* Foundation - enough to cover blemishes and even skin tone but try to keep it light and as sheer as possible. Try a concealer for noticeable blemishes or dark spots and blend foundation lightly over it. Dilute foundation with a little water or, after application, gently wipe with a damp tissue.

* Eyeliner - a must to open eyes but try to apply just between lashes to fill in and smudge a bit for an effect that is natural. Avoid thick lines and never line the bottom lid.

* Eyeshadow - neutral shades, natural shades, pinky browns, plums, greys. Avoid bright “club colors”.

* Mascara - always. Mascara is the single most important makeup in your bag.

* Lipstick - again, go with natural shades but it’s okay to add a little gloss and shine. Office environments are dry so this will also keep lips from chapping and splitting. The more subtle your eye makeup, the more color you can use on your lips and vice versa. Just don’t try to make both too colorful at the same time.

*Blush - powder, well blended in a natural shade, peach, plum or rose. I don’t recommend cream blush for a long day at the office because some will seep into pores and rub off until you have what appears to be spotty skin. If you have flawless skin, you can wear a cream blush. Generally, I don’t think blush is necessary for daytime.

As a general rule, remember that this is a professional environment. Keep your look professional too. Your makeup can be taken up a notch when you are out of the office and on the town for the evening.