Good Grooming is essential

Since you represent the company for which you work, you need to look good.
Good grooming is essential in the workplace. In the corporate world, people judge others on their appearance more often than not. What do you want your appearance to say about you? I know that I want my appearance to speak loud and clear that I am neat, tidy, well groomed (and therefore well organised) and that I take pride in the way that I look.
This does not mean that you have to spend time in beauty salons or spend lots of money on costly grooming routines or beauty products. It simply means taking pride in your appearance and making an effort to look good.

I asked a number of friends and fellow assistants about their grooming tips and secrets, and I have included their suggestions below... (thanks ladies :-)

Hair Styles
There is nothing worse than dirty or unkempt hair (yes, others do notice!) Make an effort to style your hair in an attractive manner. Don’t simply pull it back into a pony tail – leave that to the school kids. You are elevated to the status of working professional and you need to look the part.

Hints and tips:

• Use a little hair serum on dry ends
• Make us of hair gel or mousse to tame unruly hair
• Go easy on the hair products to avoid a dull look
• Don’t use hairspray on fancy clips and combs – it could dull the appearance of shiny accessories

Face
Probably the most important part of the grooming ensemble. Your face is what others see first so make sure that it looks good. Apply make-up with care, don’t overdo make-up or use harsh shades or shades that do not suit you. Find the shades and colours that best suit you and remember to update this on a regular basis – you don’t want to look like an 80’s soap star in the year 2008!

Hints and tips:

• Don’t use too much eyeliner
• Wash make-up brushes regularly in a little shampoo and warm water
• Apply blusher to the ‘apples’ of your cheeks; use lipliner to accentuate lips
• If you do not wear make-up, use a little lip gloss or lip balm

Feet
If you wear open shoes and strappy sandals in Summer your feet will be highly noticeable. Apply a dab of moisturiser to your heels and exfoliate heels regularly to avoid the ‘chapped’ look. Trim toenails regularly (long toenails do not look attractive).
If you wear nailpolish, apply a fresh coat regularly to avoid nailpolish chips.

Hints and tips:

• Moisturise feet well at night and cover with socks
• Use a pumice stone on heels - it works wonders
• Soak feet in a bowl of warm scented water
• If you are able to, have a pedicure at the beginning of summer

Hands
You use your hands everyday all day. Hands are a very noticeable part of you. No grooming routine is complete without a hand treatment. It could be as simple as applying hand cream regularly to avoid that ‘dry’ look. If you wear nailpolish, apply a fresh coat regularly to avoid chipped nailpolish. If you have long nails dip a cotton bud in nailpolish remover and clean under your nails. Try not to use a nailbrush too often – it is very harsh to the delicate nail bed.

Hints and tips:

• Soak nails in warm olive oil for an instant moisuriser
• Trim cuticles, but remember to be gentle
• Regularly use a moisturising mask on hands
• Buff nails with a buffer for that ‘healthy, primed look’
  

Remember that if you look fabulous you will also feel fabulous
Here's to a fabulous you!