Get Ready For Work With Me
Working from home: Andriana's go-to beauty products and accessories for everyday use.
I have recently been drawn to mood boards, collages, and classic flat lay blog posts as a way of visual storytelling. It seems they've made a significant comeback, and I am fully on board. I find flat lay aesthetic quite appealing, and I wanted to incorporate it into my blog posts whenever relevant.
As ARONIA living is dedicated to life at home, I thought I could share with you some of my favourite products from my everyday beauty routine before starting work from my home office in this flat lay format. These are the items I use daily. While you don't need to purchase any of these items featured here, this post may provide some inspiration or motivation to put a little extra effort into your morning routine, especially for those of you who work from home.
When I mention that I work remotely, many assume I have the freedom to set my own schedule and work comfortably in bed or in my pyjamas. Sorry to ruin it, but neither is true for me. As the company I work for is based in the UK, I follow UK office hours (8:30-17:00), which in our time zone translates to 10:30-19:00. This gives me the precious gift of a slow morning allowing time for training, reading, and household activities. It also gives me time to get ready before work, following a simple and relaxing routine.
Much like making your bed in the morning, applying makeup provides a sense of accomplishment and sets a positive tone for the day.
Although I rarely go with full styling and makeup every day, I believe in making a basic effort to appear well-groomed and presentable when working from home, especially for Zoom meetings where the camera might be turned on.
Now, what does a basic makeup routine in the morning do for me?
- Sense of Fulfilment: Much like making your bed in the morning, applying makeup provides a sense of accomplishment and sets a positive tone for the day.
- Professional Appearance: With a refreshed and polished look, I feel more confident and presentable when interacting with colleagues.
- Mood Booster: Starting the day with a simple makeup routine act as a mood booster, helping me feel prepared and motivated.
STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS:
Before I give you the list of products I used for this post, here is a little summary of my step-by-step process:
After completing my regular skincare routine, I apply a small amount of tinted moisturizer instead of traditional foundation. It's essential for me to use something light to achieve an even tone across my face. I also find that without this step, my blush won't apply nicely.
Given my fair skin tone, blush is essential for me. With summer around the corner, I've been going for more peachy tones, swapping my usual pinky-brown blushes. Oh, and though it's not visible here, I also incorporate a second blush, a pure pink shade on top, for that youthful, healthy appearance.
Following the blush application, it’s time for my favourite part: the highlighter. I quickly apply it to my cheekbones and nose. I do believe a highlighter can truly enhance features when applied correctly (which I don’t necessarily achieve in my everyday look).
To keep my lips hydrated, I always begin with a lip balm before applying a matte lipstick.
As a final touch, I always put on some perfume. For everyday use at home, I prefer not to use my actual perfume and instead I go for a non-expensive option. I particularly like fragrances with citrus notes, and lately, I've been obsessed with vetiver that offer a nice, fresh alternative.
I finish my morning routine with wearing my everyday jewellery. I swear, there isn't a single day where I go without wearing some jewellery, even during reformer Pilates sessions. My go-to pieces are small hoops and a gold-plated chain.
I swear, there isn't a single day where I go without wearing some jewellery, even during reformer Pilates sessions. My go-to pieces are small hoops and a gold-plated chain.
MY PRODUCTS IN DETAIL:
Foundation: I swear by the COMPLEXION RESCUE® Tinted Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid and Mineral SPF 30 from bareMinerals. After extensive research for a high-quality, lightweight foundation during my time in London, this remains one of my personal favourites. My shade is Birch 1.5.
Blush: I don’t know if it is meant to, but I also use but I often use it as an eyeshadow for convenience and to achieve a natural look. The one I used has been discontinued, but here is a similar option from MAC Cosmetics.
Highlighter: For the past couple of years, I've been using the CREAM COLOUR BASE highlighter from MAC cosmetics in SHELL tone. It's become a standard in my makeup routine, thanks to its beautiful creamy texture consistent quality.
Eyebrow Pencil: My go-to is the Veluxe Brow Liner from MAC Cosmetics for beautiful defined brows.
Eyeshadow Brush: I love the 228 Crease Definer Brush from ZOEVA, a brand I was introduced to by one of my favourite makeup artists, Lisa Eldridge.
Lip Balm: While not my absolute favourite, the Rêve de Miel from Nuxe is a reliable choice for keeping my lips hydrated.
Lipstick: I adore the Generation G lipstick from Glossier in the shade Cake for its sheer-matte finish, giving me a natural orange/brown colour and a subtle "just-kissed" look.
Hand Cream: The RESURRECTION AROMATIQUE HAND BALM from Aesop is a luxurious treat for my hands. Its scent and rich texture make it worth every penny, lasting for months.
Body Cream (used as hand cream): Originally purchased as a travel-size body lotion, The Body Lotion from Nécessaire is perfect for the skin. With only a few quantity left, I use it for my hands, for hydration that resembles my Aesop favourite.
Perfume: Currently, my obsession lies with vetiver, making Zara's VETIVER PAMPLEMOUSSE perfume my top affordable choice. Although it's currently out of stock, it seems it will return with a new bottle.
Jewellery: My beloved hoops and chain necklace are from BONVO Jewelry, one of my favourite Greek brands known for its quality craftsmanship and elegant designs.
There are no affiliate links included in this post. I will not receive commission from the sale of any item(s) sold through this article.