Calling all you fashionistas/style gurus! We need your style-and-beauty tips

I have no waist and belts make me look FAT and no mistake.

Maybe they are OK if you are ultra skinny with no waist but otherwise avoid like the plague.

is it too late to post a tip then??

never buy clothes that are meant to be 'slim fitting' in a body hugging size. (bit like electra's point above)

if it is slim fit get it so that it is just a teeny bit loose, this is very flattering and will take pounds off. wearing slim fit that is too 'exact' can give you a sausage-like appearance

I was going to say I totally agree with hatwoman (buy clothes for your actual lifestyle not the lifestyle you would like).

This includes buying lovely woolies (instead of covering your gorgeous tunics with a fleece), if you live in a cold house (and your dh won't turn the heating up).

Also buy a coat/coats you love as you'll probably spend more time outside (swings, school playground, football pitch) than in. .

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Hello from MNTV, Mumsnet TV.
Thanks for posting your ideas and experiences. We're hoping to put together a short film of some of the best, for MNTV.

We're looking for some willing victims candidates to have a go on camera, and see if your pearls of wisdom really work.

hands up anyone????

(p.s I won't be buying a swinky, although at nearly 40 with long, faux blonde hair, I'm probably heading in the right direction for one!)

A belt will create curves if you have a boyish figure.

Hide The Style and Beauty topic

if oyu have no waist WHY wear a belt?
surely you look terrible

AGREE re long lenght mirror

A good bra transforms outfits. Don't be afraid to try loads on.

dont save make up for special occassions and be bare faced in the day.make the most of yourself!

Skinny jeans are flattering for many body shapes

Long line tops are flattering - do not wear tops that end where your jeans begin, particularly if you have a muffin top!

If you are going to spend a lot of money on one or two items it is best to invest in shoes and hand bags.

Don't buy clothes that are too tight.

Wear good underwear - it will make you feel more confident. Throw away anything in your knicker drawer that is unsexy.

If you don't have much of a waist wear belts, especially with dresses.

Changing bags steal your identity - don't buy them!

Semi-permanent hair colour is great for adding shine and giving your hair a lift. Get regular hair cuts and invest in GHD straighteners - they are worth their weight in gold!

Exfoliate your skin regularly and moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. Don't let your face get in the sun on holiday.

If you are experiencing a skin break-out, have a day where you eat only fruit and drink lots of water.

Don't paint your finger nails and toe nails the same colour.

Have your eyebrows threaded to get the best, possible shape.

Keep the labels on all new purchases until you wear them.

That way, if you buy a new dress, put it in the wardrobe, and decide 2 weeks later that you dont really like it you can always exchange it for something else.

wear the right length trousers

buy a full length mirror

wear natural under white not white

I want to get my colours done but am worried that I will end up with about 2 things in my wardrobe

I absolutely agree that a good foundation (or tinted moisturiser) is worth paying money for. Everything else you can get cheap.

Absolutely essential for me:

Clean hair, cut well.

John Lewis shaper pants for under dresses - they're much comfier than Spanx, not very strong support, but brilliant for just smoothing your silhouette.

As you get older, you do need to change your make-up to look younger. I wear a good illuminating primer, a damn good foundation (but apply lightly - you can't afford to look like a caked-on panto dame), translucent powder just on the T-zone, pinky cream blush, neutral eyeshadow, Bloom taupe eyeliner just on the upper lid, brown mascara, tinted lipbalm (step away from the gloss once you turn 40). It takes ten years off.

I hate to agree with getting your colours done - but I do think it's a really good idea, because most of us think black suits us - and it doesn't.

Drink water, even if you hate it replace 2 cups of tea a day with water, your skin will thank you for it

Don't pull/scratch/pinch/rub around your eyes, your skin will not thank you for it

Always wear rubber gloves when cleaning, you wouldn't stick your face in a nice hot bleachy bowl of water and expect it to look ok

Not just the foundation. The mascara, the lip gloss, the brushes, the concealer,Le Stylo eyeliner pen - all the best I've tried. I'm gradually building up my Chantecaille collection.

Chantecaille is fab.

Anything foundation from Space NK - Laura Mercier, Chantecaille, By Terry, all well worht a go.

Caudalie creams from there also very nice if you fancy a treat.

Actually, Space NK a far nicer experience than the beauty harridans at Debenhams or House of Fraser. They are far more knowledgeable and friendly.

dotn buy the brushes at BObbi brown or mac
get em on ebay from staff who nick htem presumably

A decent set of make up brushes can be built up over time, will last for your whole life and are completely worth the money

Agree that decent foundation is worth the investment. Also whenver I buy cheap foundation I seem to go through it really quickly so unsure about it's actual cost effective powers.
Generally I am considered to have lovely skin (remarked upon by women in peer group and friends)...you're so lucky etc etc but without foundation actually it's very variable in colour with a fairly purple nose (boozing) and discolouration patches from pregnancy alongside pores you can plant spuds in

Chantecaille, try it it's fab

if charity shop browsing - check the label - Mango skirt for £3.50 (such as the one i am wearing right now, hemhem)- bargain. Primark - not so much

also remember to stand/sit up straight. it will take a good half stone off you immediately

When applying hand cream apply it to the backs of the hands first and massage in there before moving it to the rest of the hands. The skin at the back of the hand is very thin and the bit that ages so it needs the most moisture.

Yes to an eyelash curler too, they have transformed my eyes!