Graduation ceremonies mark the beginning of summer, and for all the new graduates (or if you are back on the job market), it means tons of job applications and interviews. For existing employees, it means you have an influx of new competition heading your way. Whether you are a new graduate looking for a job, or an existing employee trying to gain competiveness in the workplace, you want to give a good impression to your current or future boss. Trying to get through all your job applications and thinking about what to say during interviews is stressful enough, the last thing you want to have to do is worry about the way you look. Here are some tips and tricks on how to keep yourself looking professional and interview-ready in the workplace!

Keep it neutral. For work, you usually want to keep your colors more on the darker or neutral side. Keep your makeup on your eyes neutral and matte, shimmery and glittery eye shadows or liner can be distracting and look unprofessional. Stick with more natural colors, such as browns, tans, soft pinks or beiges. Always try to keep your makeup on the lighter and more natural side. You don’t want to be wearing thick black eyeliner to work. Keep it on the thinner side to look less done up. It also helps to not apply black eyeliner on the lower lash line during the daytime, as it makes your eyes stand out and look more dramatic.

Add a little color. The best place to add a flush of color would be your cheeks or your lips. This will help you stand out in a professional way, by making you look more awake, youthful, and energetic. However, you still want to stick with colors closer to your natural skin tone so that you don’t look tacky or overdone. One of my favorite ways to add colors to my cheeks and lips are the all-in-one makeup sticks that double as a blush or lipstick. It is so easy to just dab some on your cheeks or lips and then blend with your fingers for a surprisingly quick and natural flushed look.

Groom yourself from head to toe. Keep it neat. Keep your hair neat and tidy, as well as your nails (trimmed or naturally manicured). If you don’t have time for a pedicure, wear closed toe shoes! If you want to show a little trendiness, keep your nails a low-key color (once again, go for neutral light colors), and then apply a different, slightly bolder color on your ring finger (or big toe). Plan your outfits in advance; it saves you a lot of time in the morning if you don’t have to go through your closet to find a professional outfit. You will also be more composed if you don’t need to fluster about to find the perfect outfit for your interview or meeting, if you already set it out from the night before.

What are your tips and tricks to look professional in the workplace? How do you keep yourself looking stylish and fashionable yet professional? Feel free to share your comments below!