Less is more. A phrase that is perfect for the intertwining of healthcare professionals and wearing makeup. There is often confusion among newer nurses about how much makeup they should or shouldn’t wear. The best rule to go by is using moderation, as with anything in life. If a nurse is wearing excessive makeup, it is distracting for both the patient and other nurses. We all want to look put together when going to work, although different professions have different requirements. 

With most healthcare careers, you want a clean and professional appearance. One that won’t compromise your ability to perform your job, like having long nails for instance. If you plan on wearing light makeup, finding products that don’t smudge and are long-lasting can be a challenge. Not all makeup can stand up against the constant maneuvering, and sometimes running that nurses must do. This differs from a traditional office worker who may wear more makeup. Here are some tips to help nurses in any setting balance makeup and professionalism.  

1. Long-lasting Foundation

For a long-lasting and natural-looking foundation with SPF, I highly suggest the BareMinerals Original Foundation SPF 15. This powder foundation blends flawlessly in seconds if you have the right brush. And you definitely want to avoid those harmful UV rays when driving to and from work. Liquid makeup is more likely to run in comparison to the powder foundation. Nurses don’t have time to touch up their makeup when they have many patients to look after. For stable and reliable makeup, I always turn to BareMinerals Original foundation, and I pick the matte version. 

2. Clump-resistant Mascara

The L’OREAL Paris Voluminous Mascara is a favorite of many women for all types of professions. With a few swipes on your lashes, this formula stays on an entire day (or night). Besides the affordable price, you will love that it is clump-resistant and fragrance-free. This way you don’t have to worry about patients being affected by your makeup’s fragrance. There are many great mascaras out there as many nurses will attest, this just happens to be a go-to for many. If you only have time to pack one makeup product in the morning, pack mascara. 

3. Plenty of Concealers

Skin issues such as under-eye circles and dry skin are a normal occurrence for those who work 8-hour or 12-hour shifts. The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer provides great coverage at a reasonable price. So, even if you layer this on 3 times in a shift, you won’t feel hesitant about buying more. Keep one at home and in your locker. Wearing concealer can even out under eye bags from a sleepless night and make you look more presentable the next day. 

4. Pink Toned Blush

The Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush is marketed to last for up to 12-hours. Perfect for someone who works long hours as well. If you wake up from a previous shift looking like a zombie, put on the amazonian clay blush to give the appearance of healthy and vibrant skin in seconds. While this is a pricier blush, it truly does last all day. Cheaper blushes will be more likely to transfer onto patients or your clothes. Wearing blush is easy and low maintenance, you will only need a brush. 

5. Tinted Lip Balm

For women that don’t like wearing lipstick but want some color on their lips, Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm is the answer. Having bright lipstick is distracting and will likely get on your patients as you are moving them. Another reason to wear lip balm is that working in a hospital can be very drying for the skin, even on your lips. Harsh air-conditioning or even being dehydrated can lead to dry and cracked lips. Putting on lip balm takes only a few seconds, and the tinted version will make you seem like you put extra effort in. 

Look Awake Even When You’re Not

While a nurse’s job is centered on their ability to care for others, they still want to maintain a clean and put together appearance for themselves and others. If your role is to care for a patient, yet, you look like you can’t care for yourself, a patient may notice. Simply taking 5 minutes to put on some powder foundation and mascara will help you to look awake and professional for all your patients and your supervisors as well.