Yum cha proximity is one good thing about my current second job in the city. Another is that it has made me remember what it’s like to work like a normal girl. When I’m working from home, this is a regular snapshot of my day: walk the dog, have a shower, do yoga, go for breakfast, read the papers, type away for a few hours, walk the dog, test some products, type some more, test some more, type some more, walk the dog some more, try out a new makeup look before heading out to some launch/dinner/catch-up with friends. Which means, I get many an opportunity to touch up my skin and makeup. What’s more, my desk at home features a mirror and any number of beauty products, usually one for any problem that may arise (dark circles, spots, splotches, oiliness).

But at my desk in my office in my current city job, I can’t just primp and preen whenever I like (not really such a career-advancing thing to do). I’ve spent the last few weeks trying out different bases and makeup to find a look that would last the distance of a working day. But, you know, I have yet to find the right combo of products for a flawless 9-5 look. By mid-afternoon, I’m always shiny, blotchy and shadowy. The only thing that works for me is to sneak off into the bathroom with a cleansing wipe, tinted moisturiser, eye drops, lash curler and lip gloss for, well it’s not a touch-up, more like a re-make. It’s kind of nice to wash off all the office stress. But a hassle yes. Wish I had some easier solution for you. I’ll keep testing away – I am nothing if not committed to the cause – and let you know if I luck into the right look.

In the meantime, well there’s always a mental-health day, known in my world as a skin-health day. Just don’t tell the boss I told you about it, okay?

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