According to the United States Department of Labor, employed persons spent an average of 7.6 working a day and 85 percent did some or all of their work at their workplace. Because of all the time we spend at work, the items kept in our desks say a lot about us and our daily regimens. Here’s a peak at what I keep in my office drawer turned “vanity” — from beauty products to midday munchies.
Two Faced Palate ‘Glamour to Go’ – $22
This lovely mirrored palette has everything I need for both a day makeup look when I’m running late to work, and ways to transform my makeup for a night on the town. It has eight beautiful shimmery and matte shadows ranging from peachy beige to shimmering purple — perfect shade combinations for my hazel eyes. It also comes with a beautiful coral blush and a sunny bronzer that bookend a subtle pink lip gloss.
Nail file and Nutra Nail Growth Formula – $3/$7
I love painting my nails. On days that my manicure needs a rescue, or my nails need a rest between lacquer applications, I keep a bottle of Nutra Nail and a basic drugstore file/buffer (this one is from Revlon) combo with me. If you’re at a computer most of the day, it’s a perfect time to condition your nails and type at the same time!
Lush ‘Toothy Tabs’ – $4
I brush my teeth after breakfast, I brush after dinner, but what about lunch? Lush’s innovative Toothy Tabs solve my dental dilemma. The delicious solid toothpaste comes in several flavors, including minty Ultrablast to spicy Atomic. My favorite is Aquatic, a delicious blend of earl grey tea, fragrant jasmine and zesty lime. It leaves my breath fresh and my teeth polished to their shiny, natural state.
Tarte ‘Lights, Camera, Lashes’ Mascara – $14
This 4-in-1 mascara lengthens, curls, volumizes and conditions all in one easy step for insta-pretty lashes! This blackest black mascara is easy on the eyes, dermatologist tested and formulated without mineral oil, parabens or any other harmful gook. An added bonus, the gorgeous packaging is recyclable and printed with soy ink!
Benefit Cosmetics ‘Bathina Take a Picture it Will Last Longer’ Body Balm – $28
Skirts and dresses are a must for a fairly conservative office environment, but nylons can be a drag. Enter Bathina. This lovely, delightfully lightly scented shimmery pink body balm comes in an adorable tin with a fluffy applicator that, when applied, acts like a facial beauty balm for your legs. It smooths out imperfections, reduces redness, and leaves a light shine for a polished look without the pantyhoe runs!
Duane Reade Travel Brush Set and Organic Facial Wipes – $20/$3
I have tried every travel makeup brush set I can get my hands on, and they’ve all failed me, except for this 5 brush gem from the New York City drugstore chain, Duane Reade. It includes a lip, blush, brow/lash and eyeshadow brush all in a magnetic brush roll. Coupled with a set of Duane Reade’s unscented facial wipes for cleansing and the occasional mistakes, my office beauty tool set is complete!
Clinique ‘Almost Lipstick’ – $15
This gorgeous cult shade of sheer lipstick, “Black Honey” by Clinique lives up to the hype. It look spectacular on and complements every skin tone I’ve seen wear it. It may look very dark in the tube, but trust me, when applied it gave my lips a subtle rosy-violet hue without hiding my undertones. Perfect for midday applications before important meeting and stunning when used before partying the night away.
Dove ‘Go Sleeveless’ Deodorant – $6
There’s no bigger work-related beauty crisis than realizing you forgot to put on deodorant before heading to the office. Dove’s Nourished Beauty 24 Hour anti-perspirant deodorant is my insurance. Practically unscented so it doesn’t run perfume interference, unbelievably moisturizing for my sensitive skin, and prevents razor bumps so I can wear cute sleeveless Friday dresses? Awesome!
STEAMCREAM – $23
A perfectly blended moisturizer for hands, face and body from the UK and Japan. This miracle formula is super moisturizing and rescues my city grime abused skin on a daily basis. Stored in super cute, reusable tin, this lotion is made from 100% natural ingredients like orange flower water, almond oil, jojoba oil and cocoa butter. Refreshing lavender, rose and neroli essential oils leave a light, lingering scent I can enjoy for hours.
Urban Decay ‘All Nighter’ Setting Spray – $12
When I get to work or switch from a day to night look at the end of the day, I always set my face with silky smooth “All Nighter” spray. It holds makeup for 16 hours, even in the heat or cold of northeast weather extremes. No melting makeup, all day long! This micro-fine holding mist is also hypoallergenic and great for all skin types.
C.O. Bigelow Lip Balm Stick – $8
My favorite store on on 6th Ave., C.O. Bigelow Apothecary, can’t be beat for amazing lip balm. I always carry a tube of their Mentha Lip Balm in Vanilla Mint with me everywhere I go in case my lips need some TLC. Made with shea butter and natural vanilla and peppermint oil, it always leaves me with a perfectly fresh, matte pout.
Hunter Green Drugstore Umbrella – $10
New York destroys umbrellas every time it rains, so I always keep a cheap one on hand in the office. I’m pretty sure I got this one from CVS. I buy personal sized ones, no need for a giant umbrella unless you’re shepherding kids around and need a bigger radius to keep them dry. Keep danger to fellow pedestrian’s eyes to a minimum! I also buy umbrellas and in a non-standard, but not too obnoxious, color. I like to stand out from the sea of black.
Cole Haan Heels – approx. $150
I walk a huge amount during the day. It’s a great workout, it saves money and helps lower my carbon footprint. But geez, pounding the pavement takes a toll on my prized Cole Haan heels. I keep them safe in my drawer at work, wear them around the office, throw them in my briefcase to wear to client meetings, and save trotting from place to place for my workhorse flats!
Cereal Bars – $1/$3
Healthy, fiber-filled and easy to eat snacks are essential to my day. Sometimes, there’s no time for breakfast, a meeting bleeds over into lunch or 3pm hunger hits hard. Bars are the perfect meal insurance! Some of my favorites are Clif Crunch Granola Bars in White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, Kashi’s Cherry Dark Chocolate Chewy Granola Bars, FiberOne Oats & Caramel Bars.
Baggu – $9
This reusable shopping bag is my constant companion. It folds up so small that can put in a wristlet. Baggus are durable, come in several prints and are perfect for running errands, picking up lunch from the local deli and, and going to meetings. No more disposable plastic bags!