Need to do something about my appearance for the 1st time (i'm nearly 50!)

[Joy5]

Hi
I've been separated for about 18 months, was my exH choice, not mine, and i'm starting to pick myself up again.

Never taken much effort over my appearance, other than mascara and moisteriser, always been more bothered about my garden lol

But i've decided its time to get out and meet someone new, how i do that i'm not sure, but i'll work on it.

But i've no idea how to smarten myself up, i just wear jeans and a casual topfor work, its manual work so i dress appropriately but i don't know where to start. For Christmas my friend gave me a gift voucher for having my evebrows waxed (for the first time ever!!) and a haircut, i've done both, but i don't no what to do next, i've been trying eyeliner out but i'm not sure i'm doing it right.

Anyone give me some advice please?

[MaureenShit]

you need a RL blunt friend

[maisiejoe123]

What about some teeth whitening? Bobbi Brown are great for make overs in dept stores but always ask for a day look and say that you are not used to wearing make up. Would recommend Bobbi Brown lip glosses as opposed to hard lipstick.

Also about a House Of Colour cothes make over where they will show you the right colours for your skin and whilst there a style make over?

[QuinnFabray]

Have a look at youtube for makeup tutorials. That's how I taught myself. It's not all teenage girls on there, there are women of all ages doing it. There's a lady on there, think she's called Modernandmature, who I like (pixiwoo's mum, if that means anything to anyone).

[lalalonglegs]

Do you need a lot of make up? With a good haircut and nice eyebrows, you may just need a bit of foundation to even out your skin (if you spend a lot of time outside in the garden) or a bit of lippy.

There's nothing wrong with jeans and a top as long as the jeans fit well and suit your shape and you can be a bit more adventurous with the top: I like this one which is simple but slightly different.

[janmoomoo]

The best thing I ever did was get my colours done, lots of people on here rate it. Might get you interested in buying a few new things and matching up some outfits.

Also go to the make up counters in boots (go in evening when its quiet and they are bored!) and get them to give you a make over, no obligation to buy anything, ask them to do the basics and go from there. Body shop also do this if you find the others a bit intimidating.

[QueenCadbury]

If you're happy in jeans and casual top then that's fine but to smarten up make sure they are well fitting and flattering. If you're wanting to try something new then start checking out other people ( a morning having a coffee people watching) or flicking through some magazines to give you some idea of the look you like. Then just go shopping and try lots of things on and see what they look like. A good friend here would help or honest opinions.

For make up if you're not used to wearing any but you want to start then you don't need too much. I just wear a bit of powder, blusher and mascara for my every day look. As someone lose said go to the counters and let them make you over.

Otherwise just the little things like the eyebrows and hair which you've already done can make a difference to smarten you up. Also nice nails (don't have to be painted but just filed and clean) and jewellery/accessories.

Above all have fun with it. Enjoy spending as much time on you as you do on your garden.

[Ponyinthepool]

Eyeliner can look too harsh on women over 40, you might need to be a bit careful with that.

You can book a makeover at any MAC make-up counter for about £25 and it's redeemable on products, I'm sure lots of the other make-up houses will offer similar. Bobbi Brown make-up is lovely and always quite natural looking.

There is a lot you can learn online, Gok Wan's style advice is usually pretty good and there are literally thousands of hair/make-up/nails etc tutorials on youtube.

Good luck!!