Emergency Skin Care Solutions for the Office

Have you ever had an emergency skin situation at work? It’s a nightmare to battle any complexion crisis, let alone on foreign turf without a proper arsenal of products. Plus, it’s not the most practical solution to store a second set of products deskside (and your colleagues might give you a few funny stares). We’ve had our fair share of epidermal epidemics , and found that a small bag of key complexion fix-its is all you really need to fight any assaults on your skin. Try these office life-savers below, and let us know which work-approved products you covet for yourself.

For a blemish...

For those unexpected zits that crop up overnight, re-apply a pimple-fighting treatment over the problem area at your desk. Try not to cover with makeup, but if you have to—dot a tiny amount of concealer over the blemish.

Beautylish recommends:

DESERT ESSENCE BLEMISH TOUCH STICK

For flaky patches...

If you forget to moisturize the night before or you’re dealing with particularly harsh weather, stash an emollient salve to rub into any patchy spots.

Beautylish recommends:

ALBA BOTANICA UN PETROLEUM MULTI-PURPOSE JELLY

For dull skin...

After a long (and hard!) day at the office, your skin may seem a little lackluster—and those fluorescent overhead lights don’t help. Spritz a face mister midday to revive skin and freshen your base makeup.

Beautylish recommends:

EVIAN FACIAL WATER SPRAY

For redness and irritation...

When you can see blemishes from across the water cooler, it’s a problem. Drip anti-inflammatory eye drops onto zits and watch the redness disappear. You can also use them to freshen eyes when deadlines call for an all-nighter!

Beautylish recommends:

VISINE

For puffy eyes...

If caffeine overload has your eyes a little too swollen, step into the restroom and whip out a vial of Preparation H—yes, you read correctly. Fashion models have used the hemorrhoid cream to quickly combat puffiness and eye bags for years! Dab with discretion, and none of your colleagues will ever second guess your bright eyes.

Beautylish recommends:

PREPARATION H