Please help, I look awful

[katemiddletonsnudeheels]

The really sad thing is that I do try, after a fashion. I:

• have my nails filed and polished
  
• eyebrows, legs and bikini line waxed
  
• hair highlighted and trimmed every 6-8 weeks
  

I still look dreadful.

• the main issue, which I recognise just can't be solved 'overnight' is my weight (please, no advice on this - I am working on it) however it means that clothes are an ongoing battle. Everything I buy makes me look fat which isn't shocking as I AM fat but I've no sort of style. I wear trousers, black or grey, to work, with a top and cardigan of some description. Bras are so uncomfortable I don't bother.
  

• my skin is so dry, especially around my mouth and chin, and the bottom of my nose. I put on foundation but it flakes off. However I also get spots
  

• I only wear foundation and mascara, don't suit lipstick or eyeshadow at all.
  

• my hair isn't really in any sort of style.
  

Well, it's a pretty bleak list but if anyone can help ... :)

[Vixxfacee]

Is your hair long or short?

What do you do with your nails and eyebrows?

Regarding dry skin can you exfoliate and then use coconut oil.

Moisture your face twice a day.

Have you ever worn bronzer or eye liner?

[katemiddletonsnudeheels]

My hair is mid length, just above my shoulders.

Just a file and polish, and eyebrows waxed into shape

I always moisturise my face.

No, I wouldn't suit bronzer and eyeliner is v tricky!

:)

[MrsCampbellBlack]

I know it is dull but your skin sounds dehydrated and dry - I would drink more water - I do find it makes a difference.

I am also finding using a decent retinol cream, double cleansing and all that jazz has made a big difference to my skin. The botox also helps

There are many videos on youtube about how to apply make up well - lisa eldridge is a good starting point.

I know it isn't popular on here but I always feel better with a light fake tan - I use either Claris or James Read for a natural result.

In terms of clothes - what shape/style are you?

[Marthacliffscumbag]

You need to tackle your skin, just shoving foundation on it won't work. What's your skincare regime currently? Sounds like you could benefit from a good cleansing product and an acid toner. Double cleansing in the evening and a good night cream would help too.
Coconut oil will make your spots worse as its codmogenic.
And please, please, wear a bra!!! But soft non underwired ones if comfort is key.

[Ginmakesitallok]

First step is a decent bra!

[MrsCampbellBlack]

Agree re a bra but personally I don't like the uber tight band recommended on here via the bra intervention threads.

But finding a decent shop where they do good bra fittings would be good - I don't know where you live or what your budget is but Selfridges have a fab lingerie section. Personally I really rate Simone Perele bras but they are £££.

[katemiddletonsnudeheels]

I really couldn't face a bra fitting, but thanks. :)

I wore one the other day and it was horrible!

I use Le Roche toner and moisturiser and facial wash.

I don't really have a shape MrsCampbell

[TheNotoriousPMT]

Could I suggest jackets rather than cardigans? A bit of structure can really help.

Exfoliation prior to moisturising will help with the flaking and the spots. Is there room for a bit more vitamin C in your diet? A deficiency can be associated with dry skin around mouth and nose.

If you aren't wearing any already, a little bit of blusher can make a person look so much healthier. Lisa Eldridge (Google) has some fab how-to make up videos. Her video for concealing acne is especially good, I think her manner is lovely. (She also has a vid for makeup for glasses-wearers, and how the advice is different for short-sighted v long-sighted)

[MrsCampbellBlack]

Kate - you do have a shape!

Do you have small boobs that are very pert because if not a bra could make your overall shape look a lot better. And good ones shouldn't be uncomfortable.

Whose style do you like?

[MrsCampbellBlack]

Agree with notorious that blusher is amazing as also is subtle use of bronzer.

And jackets also a good call - you just need ones that fit with your lifestyle.

[katemiddletonsnudeheels]

I don't really have any style in mind :)

I did wear a jacket the other day but they have to be loose and flowing otherwise they pull terribly, and I just looked like a tramp

I take vitamin supplements and drink at least 2 litres of water when at work, so not sure if it's that, hard to say isn't it? :)

[OhahIlostmybra]

Seriously, you have to wear a bra. Go and try on lots yourself if you can't face a fitting. It will make a big difference to how you look.

[MrsCampbellBlack]

Kate - how tall and what size are you?

And in your ideal world - who would you want to look like - Jennifer Aniston or more Joan Collins

[MrsCampbellBlack]

I love how we are all so eager to get Kate in a bra

[katemiddletonsnudeheels]

Lol, not now. Maybe in the future :)

I'm 5'2. Size wise probably 16-18

Quite honestly I couldn't tell you, style wise. I'm so far removed from any celebrity it isn't even funny, although I do have three pairs of nude heels!

[MadSprocker]

Can you say what size you are? It's hard to picture what would suit without knowing. Do you think your highlights suit you? It is often a go to style, but lots of people suit a block colour instead. What texture is your hair? Maybe the style you have doesn't suit.

[MadSprocker]

X post!

[WellErrr]

You NEED a bra.

[MadSprocker]

You say no shape, can you see your waist at all, or does it all blend?

[katemiddletonsnudeheels]

Huge belly
Meaty arms
Fat ass
Thick thighs

Jeez I'm really attractive

[MrsCampbellBlack]

What are your best features Kate - despite your penchant for nude heels

[RoganJosh]

You might have peri oral dermatitis (the flakiness).

I do and I use a fluoride free toothpaste, SLS free shampoo. I also used salycilic acid (johnsons blckhed lotion) and now another acid in the Olay anti aging toner. It's totally gone.

[katemiddletonsnudeheels]

I would say my eyes, but they are a bit lost in my face right now.

I feel my neck and face sort of blend into one,just at the moment

[MadSprocker]

I am not a hairdresser, but have you thought about a chin length Bob to create a jawline? This would help separate your face and neck. Big question, which is your widest part? I ask this because it can make such a difference to where your clothes hit. I can't wear mid thigh jackets as they make my top half look bigger, same goes for cropped or waist length jackets. My perfect length is on my hips.