Makeover in 10 Minutes

Refresh Your Professional Image

When a computer runs sluggishly, you can reboot. But when you are feeling sluggish, there’s not even a refresh icon to click to help you revive.

According to a study from the University of Illinois, appearance and body language accounts for 55 percent of people’s first impressions. Since your appearance will package the messages you send, an effective business image communicates vibrancy, professionalism and competency. Until a magic reboot icon can address our image issues for us, use these strategies to quickly assess and renew your personal appearance.

Create an everywhere-essentials kit

This is something you can fit in a purse or a laptop bag so you can quickly primp and polish. Some things to consider: a comb or brush, a travel toothbrush and toothpaste, travel-sized hairspray, a .5 oz bottle of hand lotion, lint remover (Scotch sells pocket-sized lint removal sheets), a small mending kit (with safety pins and mending tape), a cleansing stick or wipes, and a lip balm. If you are a woman, add a lipstick and mascara, and clear nail polish for emergency repairs of hose or tights.
Place these essentials in a quart-sized, clear, re-sealable bag – the type you’d use for carryon luggage. A small bag limits what you can carry and lets you quickly access what you need.

Do a body sca

Stand in front of a full-length mirror and look for ways to add polish.
-Hair: Comb, brush or smooth hair. To boost volume for long styles, don’t be afraid of the oldest trick in the book: bending over and quickly brushing your hair forward. Before straightening up, spritz your nape with hairspray to maintain height. To control static, apply hand lotion over your hands as usual and then smooth moistened fingers over flyaway strands.
-Face: Take a secret from the models. Consider buying a can of hydrating facial spray for your essentials kit (Available through many companies, including Aquafina and Evian). These tiny cans create a fine mist that will refresh you and help re-set your makeup. Some are enriched with vitamins and elements such as aloe.
If you don’t have a mister, saturate a paper towel in water and dab gently over your face and neck. Fold that damp paper towel into a makeshift sponge to dab away smeared makeup or errant eyelashes. Brush warm fingers over the makeup on your face to warm up and wake up already applied makeup. Brush mascara on your lashes to add definition to your eyes.
-Mouth: The mouth is essential, since it is the focus of attention while you are speaking. Dab off any lipstick and apply lip balm. Smile wide to check your teeth. Brush to freshen your breath and give yourself an instant pick-me-up. If your lips are rough, use a paper towel to smooth your lips. You can now re-apply your lip balm and lip color. A burst of color will add a touch of vibrancy. -Body: Do a wardrobe once-over. Start at the shoulders and move to your shoes. Use your lint sheets and cleansing wipes to freshen up your clothing. Re-tuck in your shirt and adjust your collar. Check that your shoes are clean of any debris from nasty weather: use a paper towel to clean away salt or dirt.

Check your accessories

What else will be part of your presentation? A purse? A briefcase? A binder? Too often our purses and business totes overflow with items we shuttle from one place to another. Unsightly collections of papers create the impression you are sloppy and disorganized. Straighten up your tote or binder to clear away stray papers. Bring only what you truly need to the meeting and leave anything else behind.

Make it a habit

To maximize your presentation, incorporate polishing your image into your daily routines habit.
-- Edit your briefcase when you arrive at work and when you get home. This ensures you only carry what you need. Regularly edit your purse of unneeded items as well. -- Keep your eyebrows shaped and pruned. Check your brows when you wash your face. The brow frames the eyes and receives major attention from your colleagues. A well-shaped brow looks groomed and makes you look detail-oriented.
-- Men and women can keep a sport coat in their car or office to turn up the formality of any outfit. Jackets can pull an outfit together and show seriousness
-- Keep hands and nails clean and manicured.