Advice for a 3 week new me.

auldgranny

I would like some advice on improving my appearance. I am a 56 year old woman who has not bothered much about my appearance. I don't wear make-up because I do not know how to apply it. My hair is just so-so. My nails are all different lenghts and not cared for. I am starting a new job 3 weeks from tomorrow and I will be working with the public. I want to start taking care of my appearance. Any advice for a complete beginner who has left it very late to start trying?
I would be very grateful for any imput.

fiona-f

I suggest you check out Sali Hughes, especially the early columns in her Guardian series which have great videos explaining 'how to' for evetything from mascara to blowdrying your fringe. http://www.theguardian.com/profile/sali-hughes


For products, I would suggest getting a good mineral foundation and brush, it is the easiest type to use. A department store or some large chemists will be able to advise you on the best one for you. Also, book an appointment to get your eyebrows done - a beauty parlour will shape them for you which can transform your face. If necessary, they can advise you on how to apply makeup to them too. Good brows really frame the face and can transform your look.

And the obvious, go to hairdressers, ask their advice for a flattering, low maintenance cut and ask them to teach you how to style it yourself. Think about your clothes too, a smart blazer can work wonders even over a casual top. Clip the fingernails short and keep them very clean, use only a clear or very pale polish.

I know it sounds a lot but it really isn't and it may make you feel a whole lot more confident. Oh, and remember the old tricks of stand up straight and smile! Best of luck with the new job.

auldgranny

fiona-f wrote: »

I suggest you check out Sali Hughes, especially the early columns in her Guardian series which have great videos explaining 'how to' for evetything from mascara to blowdrying your fringe. http://www.theguardian.com/profile/sali-hughes


For products, I would suggest getting a good mineral foundation and brush, it is the easiest type to use. A department store or some large chemists will be able to advise you on the best one for you. Also, book an appointment to get your eyebrows done - a beauty parlour will shape them for you which can transform your face. If necessary, they can advise you on how to apply makeup to them too. Good brows really frame the face and can transform your look.

And the obvious, go to hairdressers, ask their advice for a flattering, low maintenance cut and ask them to teach you how to style it yourself. Think about your clothes too, a smart blazer can work wonders even over a casual top. Clip the fingernails short and keep them very clean, use only a clear or very pale polish.

I know it sounds a lot but it really isn't and it may make you feel a whole lot more confident. Oh, and remember the old tricks of stand up straight and smile! Best of luck with the new job.

Thank you so much for that advice. It seems so practical you would think I would have thought of it myself. I will get cracking on all that, thanks.

charlietheminxx

Congratulations on the new job! My advice would be to not take on too much at once, you don't have to plaster make up on if you don't like it. I would second Fiona's suggestions on nails, hair and EYEBROWS. They really do change your face.

A bright lip can make you look more made up than you are so maybe try a few lipsticks and see what shades suit you? If you're not up to much in terms of make up application, have a think about getting a BB cream which will feel lighter on your skin and is easier to blend.

Make up is a lot of fun and if you're ready to learn it's definitely worth it, but you don't have to go from zero to full war paint in 3 weeks!

Percyxoxo

Congrats on your new role!

I would say keep it simple!

1. low maintenance hair cut - which you can deep condition once a week
2. nails short & filed with a classic colour like a red or dark maroon.. I find pale colours stain and a strong colour can look smart
3. Eyebrows - get them done professionally, you should get a month or so out of them
4. an eyelash tint might be better than mascara if you arent used to applying it
5. plain block colour clothes whether you like pants or skirts will look professional and can be dressed up with a nice necklace or earrings or scarf!

simple changes that are easy to manage are the way to go!


Good luck!

chinacup

Is there anyone of your family or friends that could show you some of the basics? If not, go into the makeup counters in Brown Thomas or Boots and ask for a tutorial, they should be more than willing to accommodate you in terms of makeup application and questions. Personally I don't think nail varnish is necessary once your nails are clipped short and filed every week. Especially if you're starting a whole new routine, I would just take it in small steps. Go to the hairdressers and ask for a very low to no maintenance smart haircut for your hair type, that doesn't require curling or straightening irons- if it seems like too much work just keep it simple! For makeup I would try a mineral foundation (make sure to get the right color- get them to trial a full face on you in BTs and see how it goes for the day). Bare minerals compact, full coverage is the one I would use. Shopping list basics I would say are:

1. Eyebrows- Either professionally done or a tweezer and a brow pencil after watching some youtube instructions!

2. A bright lipstick

3. Foundation (maybe bare minerals)

4. Mascara

5. Eyeshadow set

4. Blush/bronzer

Ask advice at makeup counters for which colours to choose and make sure to check back here if you've anymore questions! Another thing I would say is go easy on eyeshadow and bronze/blush. Less is more and both may not be necessary, some people look great with just a bit of mascara and foundation. Its all a matter of choice. However they are both handy to have for evening wear and to experiment with what looks best on you.

Ah_Yeah

In terms of your base, I would even suggest a light BB cream if you have never worn makeup before. It gives a light coverage but you can apply it like you would moisturiser (although I personally use a brush as it gives a better finish). Because you don't currently wear much makeup, you probably have clear skin and don't need much coverage (I am making assumptions). I use Smashbox, but that's because I've been using BB cream a while now, and it is expensive (€30+)! I would suggest trying Lidl's BB Cream as it's fantastic and only €4 - it's on sale now.

For work, I use:

• BB Cream
• Collection 2000 concealer for additional coverage under my eyes and any blemishes (get it in Boots)
• Mascara (just Catrice or Essence from Penneys will do the job)
• Pencil or powder my brows

And that's really it! I would second/third/fourth what everyone is saying about Brows - you'd be surprised how they will lift your face. I'm not sure where you are, but if you're in Dublin, Benefit's Brow Bar on South William Street do a great job and are not too expensive.

ger vallely

Hi,best of luck with the new job. I'm not great with make up myself and all the above tips sound wonderful But, I would add that before you start with the make up, get your skin in best condition you can. I use (I don't work for or have anything to do with them, unfortunately!) Trilogy Rosehip Oil at night,it really is amazing and leaves your skin soft,plumped and in good condition. A perfect base for the new look!Also,you've done geat to get the job so let that confidence shine!!

dellas1979

If you are not used to lots of grooming, I suggest:

Hands: Book yourself in for a file and polish at a beauty salon. Most places offer this for about e10.

Hair: Good cut/Freshly washed/shiny hair. Coloured/moisture treatment.

Teeth: Dont under estimate the power of clean teeth for when you smile

Make up:
Not one for being up on make up either:
- As said, groomed eye brows.
- Blush
- Mascara
- A good concealer (I find Clarins one the best-if I need to, I can dap over spots etc without then applying a full face of make up).

auldgranny

You have all been very helpful. I am quite grey but am having my hair coloured next week. Also booked a manicure and eyebrow and lash tint. Here's hoping..