New job. Want to improve my image.

Still with the same company - but a promotion, and in a different job site. I'll be meeting all new people, new boss, the whole 9 yards. So it's basically like a new job. A chance to start over with a new image!

In my current job the environment is pretty casual. Technically we have a dress code but most people wear jeans, flip flops, company t-shirts, etc. I prefer to wear skirts so I was a little dressier than most, but only by default. I am definitely guilty of the flip flops, and don't wear any makeup or make a big effort. In contrast, I'd like to sharpen up my image for this job. It's the last rank before a true salaried position at my company, so to make that leap in the next year or two I'll need to be more ambitious. 

I bought some staples today - two pairs of basic work pants which I think are ponte fabric and have a faux pleat running down the front. One is black and one is gray. I also got a shorter black skirt - below the knees. (Most of my skirts are ankle-length.) I'm a cheap shoe person - flip flops, cheap flats, etc., and always end up with busted seams or holes in the soles. So I bought two pairs of expensive (to me! $80 per pair) leather work shoes that I hope will last several years. 

I'm also trying to come up with a VERY short makeup routine - I love makeup but it's always either a full fancy face or nothing at all. I need it to be sub-15 minutes as I am NOT a morning person and can't fight the alarm for an extra 45 minutes, lol. I tried it out today but it was 35 minutes so I'm gonna cut out a step or two and keep practicing to get it shorter.

Have you ever had to change your image at work? What is your before work routine like? Any tips?

If my workplaces didn't have supplied uniforms, they were all casual (jeans, t-shirts, whatever's comfortable and not letting parts hang out). I always defaulted to my normal dress, which is jeans, t-shirts (even graphic tees and geeky or comical ones, as long as they weren't offensive, were fine), sweaters, flats/runners/boots as weather permitted. I actually bought a blazer and some pencil skirts thinking I would need a more grown up image, but once I got into the industry for a short stint and having talked to others in the industry, you will seldom even have a job interview in digital media where you'll need much more than jeans and a button up shirt!

My makeup routine is sunscreen, BB cream/foundation, and I'm out the door. I can't be arsed to do makeup anymore, though when I was a teen I liked playing with eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara. Now it's like "why bother?" If you have a look that you like, once you get the hang of it, it will take less and less time. Most go-tos for people who need a quick daily routine involves foundation, a bit of eyeliner, mascara, and maybe blush.

If you want something to accent your eyes, keep it light and simple. I think there's a pretty defined difference in accentuating your features and completely dolling out, which I personally find a colossal waste of time if you're putting that face on for work everyday... unless of course, you have someone you really want to impress.

I can't help you here. We don't have an actual dress code; we're allowed to wear jeans on Fridays only (unless I'm out in the field). That's pretty much it. I don't do the dress or skirt thing very often, maybe if I have an important meeting or sometimes in the winter, I'll throw a skirt on and wear tights and high heels. I pretty much wear a pair of Dockers with a sweater (mostly a sweatshirt, really) and a pair of boots during fall and winter. I don't use make-up, although I do slather on the facial moisturizer a few times a day. The reason I don't wear make-up is pretty much because I'm out walking over lunch and, even on coolish days I tend to sweat a bit....and then it just looks silly. And walking for me is more important than wearing make-up.  I wash and blow-dry my hair, no styling, other than a quick brush. As it is, I get out of bed at 5:00 in the morning to be at work by 8:00. Til you factor in the treadmill, the litter boxes, and throwing a quick lunch together, there's no time for anything other than a shower.

If I had to, I could shower and dry my hair and be at work an hour from awakening. If I had to. It takes me about ten minutes to get to work, depending on traffic and the darn school buses.

Wonder if you went to a pharmacy or department store cosmetics counter if they would help you with the "5 minute" face.

Sounds like you are on the right track! I've always heard you should dress for the job you want, not the one you have.

I'd say don't invest too much right now in clothing.  Keep to the basics, which it sounds like you're doing.  Once in the job, you might find it more casual than expected and may prefer to go with the flow of the office attire.  

Also, I don't know where you are exactly in Virginia (could be rural or City) but, here in NYC, surprisingly many woman do not wear makeup any longer, or very minimally at best.  I work for a design oriented company, you'd think everyone would be the height of fashion but no, everyone is in comfy clothing.  My boss even has said he'd rather have someone be comfortable, and be productive than dressed up if it's not their thing.  Up to a point of course, no ratty t-shirts, or super high skirts, but you know, very work casual.  And it does not effect anyone's mobility of moving up in the ladder.  Work performance and attitude are everything.