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Original poster

How to be groomed?

380 replies

blobtobetter · 14/02/2012 21:03

Basically I look like a scruff! I don't have any set routine so forget sometimes to do my eyebrows until the are hideous werewolflike messy and my nails are ignored. My skin is atrocious too. I just never seem to be able to look groomed and pretty!!

Do you have a daily / weekly / monthly grooming routine?

How much time do you spend on your looks?

I am thinking that professional help might be needed! Tempted by HD Brows but they would look wrong if the rest of me is well a mess.

I have just never been organised about all this beauty stuff. It is like everyone else was taken into a secret "how to be groomed" lesson that I missed out on. Come to think of it, I missed the "how to style your hair" and "how to dress so you don't look like you got dressed in the dark.... in your Nan's wardrobe" lessons too!

OP posts:
mrsmartin · 23/02/2012 14:10

carpe Hi!

Well If you want something cheap and supermarket friendly then try the Simple range. Get their cleanser and toner and make sure you use them when you wash your face at night - NO MORE CLEANSING WIPES!!! Grin

You can still use your scrub in the morning (baby steps!) but still tone when you get out of the shower.

My other big no no - stop mixing your moisturiser and foundation!! your moisturiser is designed to sink into your skin - which is exactly what you don't wan't your foundation to do (as it causes congestion). Start using a primer - gosh at superdrug do the best under a tenner. If you want a more sheer coverage from your foundation just use less - the primer will make it easier to blend.

Those teeny changes should make a big difference...

kandy hair turbans rock!!! Your hair will dry so much quicker...

Whoever is using powder - don't! Unless it is mineral veil with BM obvs! However, I do have this completely weird powder alternative from Mally cosmetics that you literally touch against the skin and it mattifies. Took me a while to get the application right and it only works with liquid foundation but it is fantastic once you get to grips with it. I got a mini version with a mally kit but this is the full size. I think it would probably last well over a year in that size...

Scotsfairy · 23/02/2012 14:18

Also loving this thread and thinking maybe one of you lovely beauty gurus could answer a question that's been bugging me for a while...

I exfoliate my face religiously (but gently, twice a week) with a facial exfoliator scrub with little 'natural exfoliating granules' (their words, not mine!) in it, but I've been told that exfoliators with bits in are too harsh and damage the skin and that instead I should be using a chemical exfoliator only....so is this true? Am I doing the equivalent of using a scouring pad my poor face and if so, can anyone recommend any good chemical exfoliators? Confused

Ta ladies
Grin

mrsmartin · 23/02/2012 15:26

Scotsfairy it isn't that you are using a brillo pad so don't worry. If your scrub is giving you results that you are happy with then carry on using it. Granular scrubs can over-stimulate the sebaceous glands - making skin more oily and prone to congestion - and pull at delicate skin - which can make wrinkles etc appear worse. So if you aren't experiencing those problems don't worry about switching just yet. Don't ever scrub up close to the orbital bone though.

For future reference I find Elemis papaya enzyme peel to be the best exfoliator. You put it on like a creamy mask, wipe it off after 10 mins and have lovely glowey fresh skin. You can get the 15ml travel sizes from ebay for a few pounds and that should last a month or so. It is also really good for targeting specific areas eg if you get a flakey patch on your forehead. It is enzymatic so it essentially nibbles away the dead skin!! Smells of papaya (some love it - I don't really like the smell) and has no sensation whatsover when on the skin so suitable for almost anyone.

Kellamity · 23/02/2012 15:30

Where did you order Seche Vite from? I nearly bought some in Boots the other day but I bought Nail Envy instead - couldn't afford both!

I always mix my foundation and moisturiser Blush - will stop doing that from now on!

Kellamity · 23/02/2012 15:32

ooh yes and eye creams - what eye cream does everyone recommend? Early 40s here so what to minimise my crows feet laughter lines!

KandyBarr · 23/02/2012 15:32

Kellamity I ordered from Amazon

Kellamity · 23/02/2012 15:33

Thanks Kandy Smile

Kellamity · 23/02/2012 15:34

OMG can't believe how much cheaper it is on there! And Nail Envy, I paid loads more Sad

Scotsfairy · 23/02/2012 15:43

mrsmartin - thank you! That all makes sense and will be scooting out to get some of that Elemis mask - sounds lovely!

Thanks
mrsmartin · 23/02/2012 15:53

ebay (and poundland) is the source of all thriftyness...Grin.

I am having good results on DH's crows feet with decleor hydrotense eye serum. It is near impossible to dispense the half a pump recommended dose so I use the extra on his frown lines and it has helped there too - abit like botox really!!! You need to have wrinkles to have an effect - it temporarily plumps up the crease I have under my eyes and that is it (whereas on DH there is a definate difference - have only been using on one of his eyes for two weeks and he is starting to look lopsided so have agreed to even him up!!).

CarpeJugulum · 23/02/2012 16:25

mrsmartin (or any other bargin savvy bods) how do you know if stuff in eBay is genuine?

I've had a look for stuff you've recommended, but am wary about ending up with either used or knock off stuff which is why I've only ever bought two things from eBay in my entire life because of the (relative) cheapness.

mrsmartin · 23/02/2012 16:38

look for people with high feedback ratings and pay via paypal (which means you are protected if it isn't as described). Alot of people who buy kits from qvc etc auction off the individual pieces to make a profit. Lots of other items are just end of line etc. Ebay isn't a scary place and there are lots of bargins to be had - there are even outlets for house of fraser, office, lk bennet etc.

If you are really unsure copy a link from the item you want to buy and post it in a new thread - we will all tell you if we would buy from them!

mrsmartin · 23/02/2012 16:39

And besides - the stuff I recommended for you carpe can be bought in superdrug so easy peasy Grin but if you want nail envy etc then ebay is the way to go...

CarpeJugulum · 23/02/2012 16:44

Hmm, I think I may have a punt at the face mask then.

What in earth is QVC?! Confused

drywhiteplease · 23/02/2012 16:50

Aussie take the heat 3 min miracle deep treatment.....once a week.......glossy,lovely hair...fab!

Lulumama · 23/02/2012 16:54

where can I get proper coconut oil from please? I do get one from Boots, in a jar, it's not v expensive. not sure how pure or otherwise it is

Doozie · 23/02/2012 16:54

FourQuartersOfLight or anyone else who may know - how much does a trip to the podaitrist costs? I'm thinking this is a good idea for me. Sounds more hardcore than a foot treatment at a beauty salon.

mrsmartin · 23/02/2012 16:58

carpe this is their website.

FourQuartersOfLight · 23/02/2012 17:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

theseventhdwarf · 23/02/2012 18:18

Can I be groomed too please!?
I do have a bit of a routine, but mrsmartin thank you so much your tips are excellent !
I m going to use my toner now !

My problem is my skin looks 'tired' I think! Currently I use LM tinted foundation- tried their primer recently and ended up with lots of funny pimples on my forehead and temple. Thankfully it was only a sample so I hadn't spent lots of money on it.i might try the Gosh one recommended here.
I desperately need a new hair do - but have had a few nasty hair cuts in the past so an afraid of what the results might be.
My nails I do once a week, and reapply if I get a chance - usually a clear one.
I swim regularly so that plays havoc with hair skin and nails really. But on the upside when I m in the gym I get a chance to exfoliate/ defuzz/ apply moisturiser as no kids hanging off meGrin

theseventhdwarf · 23/02/2012 18:19

Oh forgot to add I ding the scantuary detox face mask really great - it warms up after you apply it and feels lovely on skin.

theseventhdwarf · 23/02/2012 18:20

*find not dingGrin

Doozie · 23/02/2012 19:11

Thanks FourQuartersofLight I'm off to make an appointment. My feet are in desperate need of attention. I thought it would cost scary £££.

FourQuartersOfLight · 23/02/2012 19:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mrsmartin · 23/02/2012 19:29

Hi dwarf - all that swimming must keep you very fit!! Try to put on a hair mask once a week - you can use anything from coconut oil to herbal essences to phillip kingsly. Put it on when you brush your teeth at night and sleep in it - wash out in the morning and admire your nourished hair!

Skin wise toner will help to brighten your complexion but an exfoliant used once a week will give you a great boost - use before your sanctuary mask and you have yourself a facial Wink.

To keep your nails looking nice just buff...I buy mine from poundland and that way your nails will always look smart and healthy. Try to apply handcream as often as possible to counter the drying effects of the chlorine.

Other than that keep doing what you're doing...you sound happy and healthy to me Grin