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How to look your best at work: 7 confidence building tips

We all want to look our best all the time, right?

If you work in an office it’s sometimes harder than ever what with the florescent lights, ever-present air conditioning and less than flattering colour schemes.

This year, 2014, I’ll tell you how you can look your best at work no matter what you have to work with.

1. Be kind to yourself!

We all know that office lighting can be draining to skin tones and accentuate dark circles. If that’s the case where you work then simply accept it. At the very least you know everyone in your office is in the same boat.

Piling on extra makeup can draw attention to uneven skin tone or blemishes.

What will really help is creating a good skincare regime and developing flawless, healthy-looking skin. Remember to cleanse your face morning and night, and invest in a quality face mask for use midweek to keep your skin looking fresh.

2. Walk, laugh, smile!

It’s likely you won’t look your best at work if you spend all day trapped indoors. Follow the golden skincare rule of wearing sunblock and then try to get outside for a short break – and no, popping out for a cigarette does not count!

A walk around the block can make the world of difference to your skin. If you can recruit some friends to join you then so much the better. A quick jaunt and some gossip can get the blood pumping and, by the time you return, you should be smiling – and we all know that a smile is the fastest route to looking beautiful.

3. Stay soft!

I cannot overstress the importance of moisturising. Keep some hand moisturiser on your desk and remember to use it. In fact, as I was writing this I stopped and reached for my moisturiser.

If you don’t like the feel of greasy hands then choose a formula that absorbs quickly or try this technique: squirt a little moisturiser on to the back of one hand and then use the back of your other hand to rub in the hand cream.

If you have a big enough dollop then, still using the backs of your hands, spread out the moisturiser up the back of your wrist and lightly down your fingers. With this method, you’ll avoid getting moisturiser across your keyboard, mouse and phone.

4. Build rapport!

If you have no time to take a break then step away from your email and walking over to a colleague’s desk instead. I encourage face-to-face interaction. Eye contact and body language can help communication and it will give you a chance to make a personal connection.

That’s not all; talking, laughing and gesturing will make you seem more approachable among your colleagues and stop you blending in with the scenery!  

5. Eyes up!  

Staring at a computer monitor for hours does not help us look our best at the office. Not moving doesn’t help our productivity much either.

Do yourself a favour and regularly look away from your monitor and you’ll help your eyes and your work! I love a few low-key shoulder and neck stretches to improve my posture and my eyes benefit from staring at something across the room instead of right in front of me.

Do it with me, look up from your monitor right now and stare at the furthest thing you can see for 10 seconds. Ok? Good. Now do it again and raise your shoulders up to your ears, then slowly drop them back down and pull your shoulders back. Pair this with some deep breathing and you have a micro break that will help you look your best at work.

6. Don’t dry out!

Depending on your office policies, you may be allowed a mini humidifier. Did you know you can get mini humidifiers with USB connectors nowadays? This personal size is perfect to help your skin look its best at the office.

A humidifier will help combat dry air, which is a common side effect of aggressive office air conditioning. If bringing in electrical items is a no-no, take a low-tech approach and remember to drink throughout the day so that you can stay hydrated from the inside out.

7. Dress right!

Appropriate office apparel is a source of worry for many people. How can you look your best at work if you don’t know the rules? Whether you have a specific office dress code or you can relax with a more casual look, try these tips.

Always make sure you’re comfortable.
If you have straps digging in or you can’t walk in those shoes then choose another outfit. No matter how good an outfit looks when you first put it on, you won’t look your best at work if you’re distracted and uncomfortable all day.  

Dress it up.
Ladies, a well-fitting and distinctive tee can be casually elegant but consider adding a scarf or statement necklace to show your personal style and signal that you’ve made an effort. I keep a scarf in my office for when I suddenly need to take things up a notch for a last-minute business meeting.

No matter whether you have a six-pack, a spare tire, or something in between, choosing clothes that fit you correctly will immediately make it look like you’ve made an effort. Keep an eye on this too – just because you once took a 34 waist doesn’t mean you’ve stayed at that size so, at least once a year, measure up!  

Ditch anything that’s worn out.
This one can be hard if you love a certain item but wearing something that’s bobbly, frayed, or has seen better days, isn’t going to help you make a great impression. You don’t need to break the bank to look your best at work but keep your clothes clean, ironed and neat.

We spend so much time working that I think it’s worth making an effort to look your best. Looking and feeling great will boost your confidence and perhaps your productivity too!

Ends Herbalife Ltd. (NYSE:HLF) is a global nutrition company that sells weight-management, nutrition, and personal care products intended to support a healthy lifestyle.

Herbalife® products are sold in more than 85 countries to and through a network of independent distributors. The company supports the Herbalife Family Foundation and its Casa Herbalife program to help bring good nutrition to children.

Herbalife's website contains a significant amount of information about Herbalife, including financial and other information for investors at
http://ir.Herbalife.com.

The company encourages investors to visit its website from time to time, as information is updated and new information is posted.

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