I need to start from scratch again.

[JollyRanchers]

I used to be so groomed, hair done regularly, nails always immaculate, eyebrows perfect and I was slim and well clothed. I used to get a lot of compliments.

Now I'm a fat spotty lump and absolutely dread seeing people I used to know, I know they will be thinking about how much weight I've put on and how I've let myself go. I even cover my face with a scarf when walking through the street...

I have about £400 to treat myself to new make up/clothes for my new role. I'll be working in HR of a corporate company and need to look the part.

I've got pale skin, green eyes and blonde hair with shit browny roots. My skin is ridden with acne scars (I can hide these well). I used to shop at Space NK but have lost all interest...

My current make up bag for the day time has the following;

MAC Studio Fix, Nyx Concealer, NARS Orgasm Blush? And a million different lip sticks, I have naturally full lips so I tend to make the most of my only good part.

I need a kick up the arse, help!

[LipstickHandbagCoffee]

Don’t be so hard on yourself, no need to be so downcast
A haircut and colour will be a immediate lift,you’ll feel great
Clothes wise tk maxx has amazing discounts
Shoes,Bags, Accessories eg scarf lift any outfit
Good luck with new job you’ll be great

[Ffsnothingworks]

Agree on a haircut, will make you feel a million times better.

Get into a good cleansing routine at night. I like The Body Shop Chamomile Cleanser, but any cream cleanser you like and use a warm flannel to rinse off. If I get lazy, I start to breakout, even if sometimes I can’t be bothered.

I have no idea about corporate clothes. Perhaps a personal stylist appt at John Lewis?

And well done on achieving this new role! They must think your worth it.

[LipstickHandbagCoffee]

I was a bit reluctant to type get a haircut,seen it’s a mn panacea to any situation😉
Go for free makeovers in HoF, Boots,Frasers see what products suit you
Re breakouts get in a routine that works Boots,Superdrug have own brand ranges
Products you’ve already listed are good, nars orgasm is a universal staple
Sali Hughes writes great reviews,honest reviews range of price and products
Wayne Goss does vids on YouTube
The YouTube lancome tutorial with Lisa Eldridge are easy to follow and achievable

[Fluffycloudland77]

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01NANWGRK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?psc=1&ie=UTF8&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

Try this, it's a bit time consuming & its best to lie down while it's on but it's brilliant for acne. It's also a brilliant excuse to lie down & not be disturbed. I'm doing my mask is as good as "the cats on my lap" for dodging things.

This, the ordinary alpha hydroxy acid 30%, Reservatrol & alpha lipoic acid have improved my skin no end.

[suchatiredbunny]

Try not to be so hard on yourself. I'd start with a haircut and getting your eyebrows threaded.

[April229]

Yes get a great hair cut and I find it really helps to buy a couple of plain quality work dresses that can be turned in to different looks with shoes, bags scarves statement necklaces.

[Elledorado]

Ditch the MAC, the studio fix in particular is terrible for acne. Double cleanse. Use an acid serum.

[Elledorado]

Posted too soon! And try the low-carb bootcamp. Guarantee if u fix your skin and lose weight, you'll feel a million times better.

[JollyRanchers]

elle that's interesting, I've found that studio fix is the only foundation that doesn't make my skin greasy after an hour... I've tried all sorts! I'll try switch to something else.

I know I need my hair doing but it's so thin/fine that nothing ever looks good anyway. I used to wear extensions which actually improved my hair quality strangely but the upkeep was just so expensive. I've taken a 10k pay drop

I'm going to post some photos later of my hair. I'd love any recommendations/colours - if you all wouldn't mind helping?

[Elledorado]

I use revlon colorstay for combo/oily skin for every day. It's not drop-dead amazing but it's pretty good and doesnt break me out. For special occasions I use GA luminous skin or illamasqua, set with nars bronzer.

[Ffsnothingworks]

I have fine hair, but unless you are really brave I wouldn’t suggest my current inch long crop!

Yes to putting a photo up.

[JollyRanchers]

I definitely couldn't pull off short hair! I wear natural looking clip in extensions to thicken it up when I wear it down. The rest of the time it's shoved in a bun on top of my head.

I'm currently removing the peach fuzz on my face and using my whitening trays from the dentist.

I think it's more the clothes side of things I'm struggling with!

[JollyRanchers]

Here's my hair on a good day, the first pic does have two layers of extensions clipped in.

The week day look is the bun stuck on top of my head.

The picture I've attached is my skin, which is probably worse now than it's ever been. If anyone could give me any recommendations on how to clear it up/cover it up, I'd be very grateful

I'm going shopping next week. I'm size 12, with a bit of a belly and I suit neutral colours.

[Ffsnothingworks]

Hair colour really suits you, have the roots re done and it looks fine.

[Fluffycloudland77]

I removed the peach fuzz & really broke out.

Have you tried Caroline hirons cleansing & acne cheat sheets?

That led mask really would help your poor cheeks.