The skincare and hair products to stow away at work.

What if we told you that you could look great at work, all day, every day? Such a tantalising prospect is surprisingly possible, but you’ll need a few things first. We wouldn’t advise bringing your entire grooming routine to work, of course, but what we do suggest is amassing a discerning collection of deskside charms that will elevate you from dishevelled to dapper in nothing more than a few discreet spritzes, slicks and dabs.

We think grooming should be three things: convenient, easy, and quick. Whether it’s freshening up for a last-minute meeting, for instance, or if too much indulgence the night before has left you looking a little worse for wear the following morning, there are myriad reasons to keep a few go-to products at the office.

So, we have kindly devised a definitive list of 10 things you should keep at work at all times, to ensure you always look prim and proper. A deskside grooming guide, if you will, of stuff that will put you on the path to cosmetic enlightenment. Thank us later.

Banish eye bags and pep up your skin with a little eye tonic, such as this de-puffing eye gel from Perricone MD, which you can easily tuck away in your drawer. It’s the ideal hydrating pick-me-up if you’re flagging in the afternoon or just need waking up in the morning – gently pat a pea-sized amount around your peepers when they feel heavy. Another option if you’re feeling zombified is a toner that will brighten up your skin; spritz some Molecular Saviour mist from Allies of Skin – infused with potent antioxidants – over your tired face to re-enter the land of the living.

With scent, less is usually more (especially at work). Your colleagues should not have to hold their breath in your vicinity because you’ve gone on the olfactory offensive. For a little savvy discretion, consider keeping perfume oil at the office, such as this rose one from Le Labo. When applied to the pulse points, it will give off a lasting fragrance that will keep you smelling great but won’t choke your neighbours. Deodorant is a given, but again, if you’re applying it at work, opt for a roll on rather than a spray (this neroli number from Tom Ford Beauty is a good choice) to avoid getting reported to HR for gassing everyone with clouds of oud.

Whether it’s limp, unwashed, or left in disarray by your commute, there’s no greater giveaway to lazy grooming than a messy coif. If your hair is betraying your morning routine, we present a couple of things to add to your desk-based grooming arsenal. First is this texturising spray from Oribe, which works like a dry shampoo to make hair appear cleaner by working to absorb dirt and oil at the roots. To hydrate hair (and keep it looking well-styled), add a little of this algae-enriched Sachajuan hair paste for a well-groomed combination of shine and texture.

Hands are an oft overlooked of a man’s grooming regime, but depending on your job, you’ll probably end up using them rather a lot. Even if you are a particularly leathery-palmed carpenter, your not-so-petites mains could do with some Resurrection Aromatique Aesop hand balm. And, when meeting new contacts, keep handshakes hygienic with a smidgen of suede sanitiser from Byredo – although, unless you actively thrive on wanton displays of passive aggression, be sure not to apply it immediately afterwards.

Even at the office, good grooming is often nothing more than that trusty combo of cleansing and moisturising. Don’t be afraid of washing your face halfway through the day for a little revitalisation – keep it simple with this gentle cleanser from Dr Barbara Sturm, which comes in a compact pump bottle perfect for slotting into a top drawer. The same goes for this charming apothecary-style pot of moisturiser from Haeckels, packed with naturally potent UK-sourced ingredients to combat dryness, inflammation, and signs of ageing. Need we say more?

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