These Beauty Products Have Earned a Permanent Spot on Our WFH Desks

September 28, 2021

By: Jazmine A. Ortiz | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

As beauty editors, new products are constantly crossing our desks — currently our work from home desks, that is — and we test them like it’s our job, because it is. This process continues without skipping a beat until we find one that truly impresses. Then, it sticks with us and becomes one of our new go-tos. They either wind up in our personal beauty stash or in our WFH spaces for all the world (read: our colleagues over video chat) to see. If you’ve ever been curious what a beauty editor keeps within arm’s reach for midday touch-ups, take a peek at six of our editors’ desk/vanity set-ups, ahead.

Jaz, Senior Editor

There are a few skin-loving beauty products that sit on my makeshift desk. I keep IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer (and a makeup sponge) handy for quick under-eye application because the highly-pigmented formula instantly makes me look awake. The BYBI Blueberry Booster is another go-to because it gives my skin a nice sheen while depositing blue light-fighting properties. And the Thayers Coconut Water Facial Mist is an absolute must — I spritz my face whenever I need a pick-me-up! The Maybelline New York Lip Lifter Gloss With Hyaluronic Acid is the finish on my skinimalist WFH look.

Alanna, Assistant Managing Editor

Working from home means I need a few products on hand to touch up my makeup in between Zoom calls. One is the Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in 1993, a pinky-brown shade that goes with just about any eye makeup I’m wearing on any given day and makes me look a little more put together. Next, I always like to perfect my complexion with a mattifying powder, so I opt for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Foundation in a Powder to keep my skin looking shine-free. Next, if I need a little wake-up or hydration, a mist is by my side at all times. Lately, I’ve been loving the Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Adaptogens and Coconut Water.

Caitlyn, Assistant Editor

I try to keep my desk as clear as possible — physical clutter tends to clutter my brain, too. But, when I spend most of my days writing and occasionally hopping on video calls, I like to keep two products within arm’s reach: a lip gloss and an SPF. I usually use the Lancôme Juicy Tubes and Tower 28 ShineOn Milky Lip Jelly interchangeably for a touch of shine before joining a meeting. Both glosses provide a shiny, juicy consistency without feeling sticky or tacky on the lips. Admittedly, I recently got into applying (and reapplying) sunscreen even when spending the entire day indoors, so I like to keep my bottle of SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 where I can see it so it serves as a mental reminder to do so every few hours.

Ariel, Associate Editor

Minimalism has never been my strong suit — in fact, you can barely see my desk underneath all the beauty products I have piled on top of it. There are a few standouts in my collection though, including the YSL Beauty Nu Bare Look Tint. This buildable, dewy complexion product evens out my skin and instantly makes me feel more polished. It doesn’t hurt that I can blend it in with my fingers in about one minute flat before a video call. I also love to keep a bright lipstick nearby — lately, my favorite has been the Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Drive In, a fiery orange-red with a sumptuous cream finish. To add some definition to my eyes, I reach for the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara, an inky black formula that has been my go-to for years.

Mary, Associate Editor

My tiny NYC apartment is always inundated with the latest beauty launches, but once I sift through the mailers, only a select few products find a permanent spot on my vanity. First, would I really be a beauty editor if I didn’t have SPF on me at all times? Before even logging into work in the morning I apply the Neogen Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF — it’s truly light as air and immediately absorbs into my skin without a greasy or sticky feel. I’ve kept my makeup routine pretty simple while working from home but I still need a few products to help me look more alive on Zoom calls. I dab the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer under my eyes to hide my dark circles, swipe on the L’Oréal Paris Bambi Oversized Eye Mascara to lift and open my eyes and apply the YSL Beauty The Slim Velvet Radical Matte Lipstick in 301 Nude Tension to add some color to my face. This little routine helps me look and feel awake my entire work day.

Kat, Social Media Editor

While I feel like I’m constantly clearing off my desk since I try a lot of products, there are a couple of items that have a permanent home on there. My hands are chronically dry, so I find myself reaching for the Kiehl’s Ultra Strength Hand Cream often and as the weather starts to get a bit cooler, I know I’m going to need to restock soon! Another product that sits computer-side is the La Roche-Posay Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 50. Sunscreen is a must regardless of the season and I find that it’s easier for me to remember to apply it when I have it somewhere that’s easy to reach. The last thing that has become a new favorite is the Lancome Lash Idôle Mascara because of the intense volume it adds to my lashes.

Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn