Look as fresh at five as you did at nine

Keep fresh tips

• A low, sleek ponytail is a fast, professional-looking hairstyle .
• For make-up that stays fresh, look for products described as long lasting.
• Don't be afraid of touch-ups, especially when it comes to your lips.

Have you ever left the office at five looking (and feeling) as though you've just run a marathon, only to see a woman hop on the bus who looks like she's just stepped out of a salon? There are reasons for this — and they're no secret. To look as good in the afternoon as you did in the morning, just follow these hair and make-up pointers.

Hair help …

Hair that frizzes, turns greasy or quickly drops can make your look tired and less professional. To avoid this think carefully about how you're going to style it first.

* Factor in the weather. If it's raining or blowing a gale, always opt for a sleek, low ponytail or bun. Finished with some hairspray, these styles don't budge.

* Skip 'dos that involve tongs or hot rollers (unless you have time to touch-up your hair during office breaks). Rarely do these styles last past eight hours (without serious product use), and you simply end up wasting precious time getting ready in the morning!

* Only wear your hair blow-dried if the weather is fine. While it can be a smart look, the mere mention of humidity will make it frizz for most women. If you do decide to wear it out, help combat frizz by using an anti-humidity spray.

What's the best way to make sure your make-up hasn't slid off your face by the end of the day? Prepare your skin properly in the morning.

* Cleanse your skin when you wake as oils left on your face from heavy night creams will only make it appear greasy.

* Try a primer, which many make-up experts recommend using under your foundation to make it last.

* Use a mattifying lotion if you have oily skin. It acts as a sponge under your make-up to help stop your face from becoming as shiny.

* Opt for products described as long-lasting, especially when it comes to foundation.

* Keep a spot covered all day with a creamy concealer that's applied with a small brush. Always finish with a light dusting of powder to set your base in place.

* Avoid using cream blushes and eyeshadows. They're not long-lasting and will quickly slide off your face if the weather is hot.

Don't be afraid of touching up your make-up. Even the most-professionally made-up face needs maintenance throughout the day.

* Blot greasy skin with blotting papers.

* Spray in a dry-hair shampoo to give volume to limp hair, or make slightly-greasy hair appear fresh.

* Keep a small mirror in your desk drawer, along with gloss or lipstick and a hairbrush.

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