I decided to post something a little different today. I’m flashing back (#flashbackfriday) to the second most popular post of all time on Pardon Muah. My original post was all about corporate makeup do’s & don’ts so I’m bringing it back with some new notes and recommendations.

Black, white, navy, grey, tan…LOVE neutrals, but sometimes you need a little color to brighten up your day, right? Well, corporate America usually thinks differently, especially when you work in healthcare. The industry has yet to embrace creativity in the way of makeup, hair and clothing while on the job. This does have a purpose for many clinical professionals. It provides a sterile and non-offensive atmosphere for patients. BUT…what about those of us who work in support roles?

My biggest piece of advice, makeup wise, for working in an administrative healthcare role or any kind of serious corporate setting is to always keep your face interview appropriate. My version of interview appropriate would be: less self tanner, no falsies, no cat eyes, neutral eye shadow, a nude or mauve lip, and an understated highlight & contour. I know this may sound kind of lame, but it’s what I consider much more appropriate. If you insist on a bright lip, then tone down the eyes and vice versa. You don’t have to give up your creativity, just keep everything a little “less is more.”

Trust me this isn’t always easy, because I loveeee a cat eye and i loveeee a stark highlight…so sometimes I break my own rules. It all depends on the day and what is on my calendar. If I don’t have any meetings I could probably get away with wearing my pj’s to be honest. But, if I’m meeting with the CEO, I have to keep it uber professional.


Always remember, you are a walking billboard for yourself. What does your image say about you and what are you selling? In my full-time work world, in marketing, as a woman, it can be a challenge to get taken seriously. No joke, people around our hospital sometimes call us the “fluff squad” and every time I feel my IQ drop 15 points. I’m all for being underestimated and for breaking stereotypes…I just don’t want to help prove any negative preconceived notions true. We all know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but lets get real, a first impression counts, you only get one, and you’re a representation of a company called YOU.

[In addition, the inside matters too and it matters more. At the end of the day your inner beauty radiates brighter than any highlighter you can find (though some will give your inner aesthetic a run for its money). Kindness can go a very, very long way. And a wonderful personality gets big points in any industry. You can buy a new foundation. You can even buy new hair. But you can’t buy a great personality and a genuine smile.]

Your makeup is just the icing on the cake!