A little (lot) of help please

[tickleme63]

Hello all,

Never posted on this forum before, but I thought some of you style and beauty gurus might be able to give me a little advice.

I've never been one for flash 'dos and make-up - mainly because I have no idea what suits me, and so tend to just let my hair grow long and rarely wear any kind of make up (and never since having my DS). I'm beginning to feel pretty down about myself and would like to perk myself (and hopefully my self-image/confidence) up with a new haircut and look.

I think I want a short hair cut (mainly to stop DS grabbing it and yanking it out ;)) but I just don't know what would suit me. I've always had long hair - the shortest it's ever been is sitting on my shoulders and I liked that, but I wonder if I should be braver. Terrified that it might look awful or that I won't have time to style/maintain it properly.

Feeling a bit down at the moment about a lot of things, and just want to feel happier. Hoping to get a morning to myself tomorrow and so want to go and just get something done and hopefully feel I've made a start at least.

Any suggestions on what might suit my face/shape? Pictures on profile soon, please be gentle...

[bumbums]

Hi, you are gorgeous! We'll have no trouble pepping up your look.

Your hair is so thick and healthy looking I think it'd almost be a crime to cut it too short. How about a few long layers and some graduated feathery layers around your face. You could try a light side sweeping fringe if you fancy a more dramatic change.

As for make up, the best thing is to go to a counter in a department store and ask them to give you some ideas. But beware, it could cost a small fortune, so take there ideas and maybe a could tinted moisturiser/light foundation and get the rest of the products more cheaply.

Do you have an occasion to dress up for?
My latest discovery is peg leg linen trousers from M&S. They have a range of colours and they go well with a pair of sandles. Was great for me cos I usually live in jeans. (I am no fashion guru)

[Russianred]

You're a very attractive lady, so don;t be down on yourself! You have lovely eyes and a gorgeous smile. I wouldn't go too short, chin-length being the shortest I think you could get away with. A fringe would suit you as well, I think. Something like <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?num=10&hl=en&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&tbnid=G4Uv0c8ELQHXUM:&imgrefurl=www.hairfinder.com/celebrityhair/katie-photo2.htm&docid=VJ6Bee6WMl8ILM&imgurl=www.hairfinder.com/celebrityhair/holmes-cruise2.jpg&w=400&h=380&ei=Oj7bT9LdBM2P8gP15tS2Cw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=612&sig=113668068442705492181&sqi=2&page=1&tbnh=122&tbnw=129&start=0&ndsp=29&ved=1t:429,r:14,s:0,i:166&tx=32&ty=66" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">this perhaps.

[savoycabbage]

I had my hair cut short about six months ago and I love it. I look much more groomed as they say and I don't even need to brush it.

I have always had long hair too. This is my first style ever.

[sweetheart]

Hey tickle,

small things to start you off will make a big difference. I agree that a sweeping fringe would look lovely and if you fancy going a bit shorter why not go for a gradulated bob which is longer at the front and shorter at the back. I always find it's not such a drastic change to get used to when going short as your hair still looks long in the front.

a graduated bob doesn't have to be as short and severe as <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1264&bih=902&tbm=isch&tbnid=qJSwWbJrZF7P-M:&imgrefurl=www.studiodnasalon.com/04/28/2010/easy-hairstyles-for-girls-on-the-go-the-short-hair-edition/graduated-bob-2&docid=Zzq_hFs4OTu7vM&imgurl=www.studiodnasalon.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/graduated-bob1.jpg&w=500&h=348&ei=PEbbT--MHc268gOz9pyZCw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=184&vpy=195&dur=707&hovh=187&hovw=269&tx=120&ty=113&sig=111163078968993573668&page=1&tbnh=140&tbnw=201&start=0&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:114" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">this and with your thickness of hair I think it might end up looking more like <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1264&bih=902&tbm=isch&tbnid=UHnxu2Aa_4E_WM:&imgrefurl=talk.hairboutique.com/printer_friendly_posts.asp%3FTID%3D62040&docid=Qm-wbp5mhg_raM&imgurl=talk.hairboutique.com/uploads/20080803_153159_graduated_bob.jpg&w=356&h=400&ei=PEbbT--MHc268gOz9pyZCw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=300&vpy=471&dur=28&hovh=238&hovw=212&tx=117&ty=124&sig=111163078968993573668&page=3&tbnh=158&tbnw=141&start=61&ndsp=35&ved=1t:429,r:29,s:61,i:400" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">this which is why I'd suggest something a bit longer like <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?hl=en&biw=1264&bih=902&gbv=2&tbm=isch&tbnid=Fnc5TnKobQoxmM:&imgrefurl=www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php%3Ft%3D1015396%26page%3D2&docid=2iWNRn8YH8Q2vM&imgurl=z.about.com/d/beauty/1/5/P/u/81163011.jpg&w=248&h=400&ei=rkbbT4D4DZSq8AOE4MW_Cw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=181&vpy=152&dur=494&hovh=285&hovw=177&tx=109&ty=113&sig=111163078968993573668&page=1&tbnh=163&tbnw=102&start=0&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:112" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">this but with a sweeping fringe <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?hl=en&biw=1264&bih=902&gbv=2&tbm=isch&tbnid=etavOmusGM2njM:&imgrefurl=promandweddingdresses.blogspot.com/2010/06/cute-long-bob-hairstyles-for-women.html&docid=jAGrI9hRWUanNM&imgurl=4.bp.blogspot.com/_f09YP6bu4Vw/TBTCyHBhqFI/AAAAAAAAB0k/NLbYVBtpjG8/s400/Cute%252BLong%252BBob%252BHairstyles%252Bfor%252BWomen%252B3.jpg&w=300&h=400&ei=rkbbT4D4DZSq8AOE4MW_Cw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=842&vpy=200&dur=2583&hovh=259&hovw=194&tx=121&ty=202&sig=111163078968993573668&page=1&tbnh=153&tbnw=112&start=0&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:12,s:0,i:149" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">like this

I'd also suggest getting your eyebrows waxed - It never ceases to amaze me how something so simple can perk up your face.

Also - try and put a small amount of basic make up on every day to start you off, even if it's just a bit of mascara and some lipstick / lipgloss / coloured lip balm. The rose tinted vaseline is great for adding a touch of colour.

[tickleme63]

Thank you so much for your replies, and for being so lovely. I love the long graduated bob picture Sweetheart, I think maybe that's a winner.

Never, ever had my eyebrows waxed (or anything else!) Scary thought but I will give it a shot!

Thank you all again for this, you've really brightened my day.

[Birdies]

tickle you are really pretty I think the Kate Moss style here would really suit you, something a little softer than a short bob (the one 2nd from the right on the second row)....oh just seen sweetheart has recommended something very similar in her last link!

www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&client=safari&tbo=d&tbm=isch&q=kate+moss+hair+2009&revid=892562771&sa=X&ei=FYjbT-zjNZGc8gPryeiSCw&ved=0CAsQ1QIoBA&biw=1024&bih=672

[Birdies]

Oops will try link again....

www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&client=safari&tbo=d&tbm=isch&q=kate+moss+hair+2009&revid=892562771&sa=X&ei=FYjbT-zjNZGc8gPryeiSCw&ved=0CAsQ1QIoBA&biw=1024&bih=672

[peachypips]

Yes defo don't go too short at the front- your hair is lovely and thick. You are very pretty- you lucky thing! I actually like your look without glasses- you have nice eyes which are hidden by them- sorry if that's controversial. I think some very natural base and a touch of cream blush would be good. You have no need to feel down on yourself!

[tickleme63]

Thank you all again for your advice. Yesterday, I went and had it chopped! Took the 3rd picture sweetheart linked with me. I'm so happy with it, I look so different! Will tackle makeup next - bought myself a mascara

[sweetheart]

YEAH tickle - that's brilliant news I'm so happy you are pleased with it!

Let us know how you get on with the little bits of grooming to make you feel better