OK, I have the make-up, now I really need help

[LadyGlencoraPalliser]

I've been to Boots and possessed myself of age-defying foundation, concealer, mascara and eyeshadow.
Now help me guys. I need a makeover. I have put a couple of pics on my profile so you can see just how badly.
I am 44 years old and my skincare routine consists of washing my face with Clean and Clear in the shower. I read the magazines, I know this is not good. I did buy some moisturiser a couple of months ago but I haven't opened it yet.
My haircare routine consists of a twice-yearly twin and monthly application of Nice and Easy Light Natural Auburn or similar.
I am no longer sure this suits me and do not really recall what colour I used to be before I went prematurely grey started to dye it.
Would any kind souls out there like to look at my profile and give me some hair/skincare/style advice?
I thank you most kindly.

[LadyGlencoraPalliser]

Twin? I meant trim of course.

[MissisBoot]

You need to make your profile public!

[Marina]

We need to see your pics, they are not there yet

I am about your age, and this is what works for my still slightly greasy but fairly easy-going skin:

Morning: Eve Lom Cleansing balm with muslin cloth (you can do this in the shower if you must ), then Boots Protect and Perfect, then their No 7 tinted moisturiser with sunscreen

Evening: very basic Nivea cleanser/toner all in one, with cotton wool, then a dollop of a M & S Night Cream

I will look for hair advice from others with great interest as I have been caught in the trap of leaving hair (quite pretty pale reddy sandy colour, the white looks OK) undyed until

1. people start asking me if I am the dc's grandma
   
2. I am too broke to do the Right Thing which is have it done nicely by a professional every 8 weeks.

[HeadFairy]

What condition would you say your skin is? Dry and sensitive or oily and with large pores?

[Marina]

Only the Eve Lom is £££ in that impressive liste de beaute, and it is definitely worth it
Many people rate Liz Earle's equivalent cleanse and polish, and it is nice (as well as waaaaaay cheaper) but not so good for my skin

[LadyGlencoraPalliser]

Sorry guys. I think it is public now.

[LadyGlencoraPalliser]

I tried very hard to find some flattering pics but I tend to avoid cameras where possible.

[EffiePerine]

nope still not there

I think moisturising the most imp thing. I've yet to find a tinted moisturiser I like (don;t get on with the no 7 one) but just remembering to slap on some cream night and morning makes a lot of difference. Am currently using the Waitrose baby stuff at night as have no imagination and am skint .

If you have dryish skin, Molton Brown do a lovely rosewax cleanser a la Eve Lom which is about 20 quid and lasts ages.

[EffiePerine]

aha I can see it

I think the hair might be a bit red for your skin colouring - maybe go a bit browner or even blonder?

[Dropdeadfred]

I can see the pics..but they are not very close up so hard to tell much

what is your natural hair colour? what colour are your eyes? what's your skintone (do you have ruddy cheeks)?

[MissisBoot]

I'd say go a bit blonder and maybe a shorter hairstyle - your hair looks like it has lots body so you could get a really nice easy to maintain cut.

[LadyGlencoraPalliser]

A new hairstyle is of the utmost importance folks. I was thinking maybe bob-length but not a bob exactly. I used to be blonde but it is a bit high maintenance for me now - what about a kind of light goldy brown?
Have a tendency to red on cheeks and a bit of broken veinage going on also.

[NotCod]

hair

colour and cut is w rong
you need a green founation de reddedning thing

then a nic foudnation in a pale tone..

[NotCod]

the read hair does oyu neo favours

[brimfull]

your hair colour makes your ruddiness stand out more

it needs either darkening or lightening I think

[EffiePerine]

something like this?

www.hennahaircolours.com/images/golden-brown.jpg

[Dropdeadfred]

i think the red hair just emphasises the red cheeks...i think you need to think of more dark honey tones...then industrial strength concealer on your cheeks and some nice liner for your eyes...

[finknottle]

Am similar age & colouring & was v fed up a couple of yrs ago so the following comes with a "Gawd I knowwww Sybil Fawlty disclaimer" ...

Have your hair cut, yes, I know, pricey but a decent cut will do wonders. Believe. You have a lovely face & I think a shorter style will show it off better. Also lighter colour. I was always v wimpy re hairdressers till one day in a fit of despair I copied my mum (yup) and when they asked on the phone if I wanted anyone in particular I said, "I want a good cutter". Later realised that meant I wouldn't get the new one/student/useless cutter & also I don't have to go back so frequently.

Reasonably priced & fairly faff-free:

Night:
Garnier Skin Naturals cleanser.
Dove cleansing bar - highly recommended, bit of water & that's it.
Nivea Q10 night cream

Day:
Dove bar
Nivea Q10 day cream.

I save my Clarins stuff & have also saved loads using these.

I have a Boots red corrective moisturiser which is great for veins/cheeks.
Eye colour: what colour are yours?

Love your name btw.

[LadyGlencoraPalliser]

Thanks guys. I have added another pic, of me and DH at his fortieth a couple of months ago. I realise now why I avoid having my photo taken! You are all so right, the red has to go!

[LadyGlencoraPalliser]

OK so shorten hair and go golden brown, green concealer for red skin.
Eyes are blue - what colour eyeshadow?
I don't think I have ever knowingly used eyeliner. I will give it a shot.

[NotCod]

id do a grey or brown pencil softly aroudn eyes

oh god where do you liove
ill come and do you

[EffiePerine]

I use bronze or pinky shades - by pink I mean the neutral beigy pink that's v v popular

similar colouring to you only more yellow (have the same ruddiness issues)

[LadyGlencoraPalliser]

Cod's travelling makeover service, how scary fantastic.
I will CAT you my address when I am feeling brave enough remember what it is.

[finknottle]

I'd try grey too, wee bit of eyeshadow & smudge of liner under the eyes, v soft. Bit more glam e.g. for evening you could go for silvery.
Try the brown too, does nothing for me but you really have to experiment.
Am too far away for travelling makeover service but can handhold at distance

[LadyGlencoraPalliser]

Thank you so much, you have some great suggestions there, Effie and Finknottle. In fact, thank you very much, all of you who have been working on this hopeless case. I have a goal now - I will be more groomed and look like a proper grown up by Christmas.
I have now conducted an audit of my sorry excuse for a make up bag.
Including today's purchases, I now have:
Age-defying foundation
Browny-black mascara
Concealer
Assorted eyeshadows, mainly grey and brown
A couple of quite nice lipsticks

I also have
Moisturiser
Johnson's Clean and Clear which I share with my 11-year-old

So I need:
Eyeliner
Stuff to wash my face with
Green concealer
A major hair restyle

Any more thoughts from anyone else?