The Desk Drawer Beauty Essentials You Need This New Year

Because you still need a bit of TLC while you’re working hard. Whether you’re a student or your very own Girl Boss, these are the must-have products you need to get you through the day looking polished.

Image: Instagram @karliekloss

HELP AT HAND

If your job requires sitting at a computer typing the day away (ditto), it’s important to keep your hands in good nick and to thank them for all the hard work they do. And especially if your workplace blasts the air conditioning or heating 24/7, you’ve probably been a victim to dry and cracked skin – not ideal. A nourishing hand cream like The Body Shop’s Hemp Hand Protector is just the ticket you need.

THE BODY SHOP HEMP HAND PROTECTOR

GREAT HAIR DAY

Scünci Dent-Free Spirals

Sometimes getting the job done requires pulling your hair out of your face and locking into focus mode. But if you’re like us and would rather die than ruin a great hair day with a standard hair tie, a fab alternative are Scünci Dent-Free Spirals – they don’t leave those pesky dents in your strands, meaning the ‘do you worked hard to achieve looks as good as when you first styled it.

PUCKER UP

Lip balms in desk drawers are par for the course, so may we suggest something a little more original for your own stash? We’re currently loving Lanolips Lanostick Lemonaid Scrubba Balm – a lip scrub and balm in one, that makes getting exfoliated and soft lips that much easier. The fact it’s scented with citrus-y goodness is just another reason why we’re obsessed.

Lanolips Lanostick Lemonaid Scrubba Balm

GET HYDRATED

BKR Water Bottle

It’s all well and good to have the best of intentions to hit your 2L of water a day target, but executing said goal can be a little tricky sometimes – so may we suggest a chic tool to keep you motivated? This water bottle from BKR is probably the most gorgeous one we’ve seen, and is eye-catching enough to remind you to keep your fluids up. We also rate that the rubber covering prevents cold water condensation from wetting other items at your desk or in your bag.

UP THE VOLUME

Dry shampoo helps cure all manner of sins, doesn’t it? From fixing limp, fourth-day locks, to adding much-needed volume to lank roots, it’s a perennial saviour. We’ve always loved Batiste, but we’re particularly partial to the tiny versions that fit so neatly into our desk drawer beauty edit. Perfect for whipping out for use when unexpected after-work drinks pop up.

Batiste Dry Shampoo

SET IT STRAIGHT

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

Much like oily hair, oily skin is never cute. If you find that your skin gets oily as your day goes by (as many skins, even drier types, tend to do even just a little), we recommend keeping a compact of translucent setting powder to matte down patches of shine. If you’re nervous about things looking too cakey, opt for a very finely milled powder – the Ambient Lighting Powders from Hourglass are roundly adored by makeup artists worldwide.

Story by Tess Schlink and Daniella Giancarli