Yesterday, I wrote one of those really annoying, depressing ‘survey’ type articles that list a load of issues women seem to have, and hope for the best they’re not true.

 

Ladies, according to new research, we only look our best for 2 hour and 22 minutes each day. That means that no matter how long you spend getting yourself plucked, prepared and perfected for a new day (38 minutes says the same source) it’s all for just those 2 hours!

 

Now, I know that we don’t all look our best after a long day at the office, but the idea that we’re flaking mid morning does nothing for confidence levels. While I admit that I’m not one of the women who spends nearly 40 minutes each morning draped in front of the mirror (I’d much rather have an extra 20 minutes sleep and 20 minutes with a cup of tea and two crumpets), I find it very hard to believe that there is a crushing queue for the office loos at 11:44am for women to reapply their face and restyle their hair.

 

The survey even went as far as to ask male colleagues what they thought of what women in the office looked like at the end compared to the beginning of the day, (because drawing added attention to this helps). The overall view was that women looked better in the morning as opposed to the afternoon, but others redeemed themselves saying their female colleagues ‘look great’ all day.

 

There are a couple of things that undoubtedly contribute to a girl’s look at this time of year and number one is the weather. Much as though many would like to (and many have tried…rain dances etc) we cannot control it! There is no way that we can avoid looking a little out of sorts if the heavens open at the same time your umbrella decides to turn itself inside out. Lovely.

 

This survey had my a little worried that women in offices everywhere were all reaching in sync for their hairbrushes and meeting in the toilets for lip-stops to see them through until hometime.

 

Ladies, you look beautiful! There is nothing (major incidents, including bird poo, puddle splash or dress rips aside) that a little forward planning won’t fix.

 

1. Plan your outfit for the next day the evening before – you may see something half awake you may not when you’re half asleep. Confidence is everything.

 

2. Extra sleep – never under estimate a good night’s sleep. This is a simple way to keep yourself looking fresh throughout the day. You’re eyes will be brighter, your complexion better and shadows under the eyes less noticeable.

 

3. Change your makeup – if you’re finding that you’re having to hit the mirror every other hour then perhaps your foundation isn’t suited to your skin. Natural oils can break through the makeup and this is when we feel we need to reapply. Why not try a mineral based foundation for a longer lasting glow and better pH balance for the skin.

 

So there you have it, some simple handy hints for looking our best for longer than 2 hours in the office…

 

Oh and another thing that doesn’t help? Asking men in the office to judge our appearance – is this research so vital it should contribute to more female insecurities and less office romances?

 

I think I’ll stick to my sleep, tea and crumpets…

 

Jen.xox