Semi formal party tomorrow night.... feeling fat, frumpy at 50. Please help

[funinfriday]

With any last minute ideas to look anyway well. I had a traumatic break up before Christmas that has definitely taken its toll on me and is written all over my face.

I've been sleeping so much but have been drinking more water and gave up my weekend booze a couple of months ago but still look wrecked?

What can I do in 24 hours to look decent PLEASE??

I am wearing a black satin v neck dress to my knee with some stiletto shoes. I'ma curvaceous but proportioned 14 and am 57.
My dark hair is thinning fast... I'm 50 and on hrt... and I have a big round tired face .
Any emergency tricks or is this just impossible and ridiculous to think I could pull off some element of glam. I already feel a bit strange at being the only one not in a couple so being comfortable on my own skin is important.
I'm normally very confident but am a bit shaky today .
I'm so awkward talking to men also .. I was married for a long time and really don't have any male friends or relations that I speak to regularly.
Thanks for reading and I'd appreciate any advice or tips that work for you when you're not feeling your best .

If you go to a make up counter in a department store they will do your make up for you - MAC charge £20 if I remember tightly and that’s redeemable against products. I have used the £20 before to buy (subtle!) fake eyelashes and they put them on for me whilst doing my make up. That always makes me feel good 💐

That should read 5'7" !

Thank you @KateStev. I will be near a mac counter tomorrow so may ask for an appointment.

Maybe book to get your hair styled before the event? That's the biggest thing that makes me feel more glam!

Get your make up professionally done, they work wonders! And a blow dry or nice up do if you can

A good blow dry and a fake can make a big difference i find. I'd get my nails done too. Personally prefer to do my own makeup but good idea to get it done professionally if your not that confident with it. I'd also make sure & drink lots of water & watch what I'm eating so I'm not bloated.

*tan not can!

Treat yourself to a really good face / eye mask tonight, get yourself an ice roller if you can (or a bowl of water with ice in will work!) for the morning (de puffs and is so soothing). As PP said perhaps a blow dry would be a good idea, having my hair done always makes me feel put together 😊

A nice manicure - home done or from a salon will look fab too! A good body moisturiser for after you shower will make you feel silky and glam imo, I always use a fancy one before going out and it makes my skin feel amazing.

I'm sure you will look fab and have a good time! Your outfit already sounds great 😊

I agree re make up and blow dry done by hairdresser. Also nice hydrating face mask in the evening, massage your face with ice cubes or cold face roller in the morning. I wouldn't eat anything today that can make you bloated, salt, simple carbs.

Thank you! So kind of you to take the time to advise me.
I've got an appointment for my hair and make up now . I didn't have the money but I actually took money from my savings as a treat. I never do that ! But I deserve it
I suffer badly with swollen puffy slitty eyes in the mornings so I will drink just water today and put ice cubes on in the morning to
Calm them down a bit . I have hooded eyes as it is.

Hold your head up high and your shoulders back. Smile and fake it till you make it!

The facial, and hairdresser appointment should be perfect.

If you don’t mind my saying - black satin knee length dress and stilettos might in some circles be considered a tiny bit dated or lacking in imagination. How formal is this event - people dress so much more casually now? It may be that some block heeled knee high suede boots in a bright colour would have more psazz. Or cowboy boots if it’s not really formal.

But I’m sure you’ll look great anyway!

Yep, hair and make up will make you feel glam. I was just staring gloomily in the mirror at my puffy eyes. I’m sticking some cold cucumber slices on them later.

Your outfit sounds lovely and your body sounds like the current asthetic, so copy the young women and wear your curves with pride for a start.
However long you have, the game changer me is always hair. If you're happy with that your confidence soars. Depending on the style, you could maybe get your hairdresser to supplement your own with some temporary extensions or a hair piece. Done well it makes a huge difference. My 20s neices often use them for special occasions.
And above all, don't let worry about minor flaws that we all have distract you from having a fantastic time.

Fab, I love it.
Treating yourself for once, massive step!
You've actually booked for your hair and make up, another massive step!
Confidence comes from within, if you're not feeling very confident "fake it till you make it"
Walk into your event CHIN UP, SHOULDERS BACK, TITS OUT!
Smile, talk to anyone and everyone, small talk, ask them about themselves, be friendly, be you.
YOU ARE WORTH IT ❤️

Sleep with your head slightly elevated to reduce puffy face, put a cool flannel over your face in the morning.
Book to have your hair and makeup done beforehand.
Put a smile on your face and enjoy the attention.

Ah just seen you've book hair and make up - good for you! Enjoy

If you're feeling peckish, nibble on some parsley today/add it to a salad or scrambled eggs. That seems to flush out a bit of water weight overnight, I've found.

Scrambled eggs and some veggies thrown in sounds like a great call...
I was wondering how I'd swap my Friday night take away!
I'll put some eye gel and face masks on the windowsill outside tonight I think and do some face massage in the morning. I'm always so puffy and drawn looking in the mornings

If it's your thing, some earrings can really make a different to an outfit. No need to spend a fortune, supermarkets usually do some amazing ones. Something a bit sparkly/diamanté near your face usually makes the person seem more glam.

As for confidence, think of someone you know or have known in the past who is good at this sort of social occasion. Think about their energy - usually these people set the tone from the start by entering with a sense of energy, purpose, and a big smile. Not loud, just confident - for example taking the initiative to say Hi first, big smile first, look like they're happy to be there, lots of eye contact, maybe a positive ice-breaker at the ready such as complimenting the host, or the venue. Even if the venue isn't all that, you could say "What a fantastic space/place for a gathering/party!" (insert occasion). Most people will agree because, why not. The main thing is that you aim to radiate positivity especially at the beginning, then the rest will follow because the tone has been set. People respond really well to someone who arrives with positive energy.

All sounds good, OP. What I remember most about people at any event is how warm and friendly they are. You undoubtedly don't need telling but ask people about themselves, only say "I'm fine" when asked how you are and brace yourself to introduce yourself if the hosts are too busy. I've had to do it and it's a big hurdle if you're introverted/unhappy but pays dividends.