Feeling dowdy and plain - what should I do next?

[amigababy]

I don't do much style or beauty-wise. I am 45, 5'6" and size 10-12. I only wear moisturiser each day, and I only wear makeup when I'm going out - which is rarely. (I have the makeup, I just haven't got the habit ever of using it.) My casual clothes are jeans/jumper, work clothes are smarter trousers and jumper/blouse.
I'm about to leave one of my 2 part time jobs, my income will drop so I can't go mega-shopping, though I do have an unspent £200 Debenhams ps gift voucher which I'm waiting for the right moment to use i.e. when I've lost 10 pounds! Which I'm trying to do, then I'll be 10 stone.
I get my hair coloured and styled well, but between appointments it can go frizzy. And I'm a bit lax about shaving legs etc, it's when I remember to do it. Basically I've not got the habit of caring if I look well put together on a daily basis.
So please could anyone suggest how I step up my routine, smarten up and get a bit of sparkle in my life?
(PS I just ordered some lovely Essie nail varnish, I haven't done my nails in months either, but the colour of this one is gorgeous and has inspired me)

Look inside first

Am mid forties as well,my tips would be
Make up every day,even if just tinted moisturiser,mascara,lipgloss.I love make up and never leave the house without it.
Hair wise,I've discovered the new Elnett style sprays,in a gold can like the hairspray,you can get one for straight styles,curly,or volume.I also like my Babyliss Big Hair styling brush.
Clothes wise,tweak your look a bit,so with jeans and jumper add scarf,bracelets,nice bag.I always accessorize,Primark do great scarves for less than a fiver.
I sympathise re weight loss,trying to lose half a stone myself!
I try and walk for half an hour each day and monitor calories on MyFitnessPal app.
Don't feel dowdy whilst dieting though,a few well chosen accessories will perk you up and make you feel better about yourself.

Get your eyebrows shaped.
I remember seeing sleb photos, before & after becoming famous - the change in their brows really made a difference, making them look coiffed!

I would start by setting up one evening per week, which you dedicate entirely to yourself. Do your legs, dry brush, exfoliate your face, put a mask on, etc. If you start with your face, the mask will work while you dry brush and shave.

After that, have a bath and make sure you moisturize all over when you come out. I recommend pure Argan oil. I get mine from Fushi in Amazon.

Once you get that routine in place, you might want to have a hard look at your wardrobe, decide what suits you, throw away the things that don't, etc.

Good call on the Essie nail varnish - my favourite,, you obviously do have good taste. Which colour did you go for?

Maybe speak to your hairdresser about a style that's easier to maintain between appointments?
Also if you havent already get a great, properly fitted bra. Affects everything you wear.

I wouldn't be too concerned about wearing makeup every day. Don't think it's necessary if you have good skin. Maybe just a bit of lip balm? I also tint my lashes and brows so don't have to faff with mascara etc except for dressed-up occasions.

Yay to eyebrow shape and getting some nice scarves.
I wouldn't personally dedicate a whole evening to maintenance myself but do build body moisturising into my daily routine. I use Clarins which rubs in really fast.

Wow thank you for all the lovely advice. I chose Leading Lady nail varnish, saw it in a magazine ad and thought it was gorgeous.
Are lash tints ok with daily contacts do you know?
I could spend my voucher on undies/bra fitting at Debenhams maybe?
And I'll get some Elnett styling spray
Feeling more inspired - I think I need fly-ladying, for me, not the house
It's been a rough week and will get rougher (parent very ill) and things are getting me down so I need to rally round a bit and look better/feel stronger.
thank you again....

I wear daily contacts some days and glasses others and no problems with tinted eyelashes.

Debenhams do a personal shopper service OP. It's free and there's no pressure to buy but might give you some new ideas?

I ditto well fitting bra and getting a few nice accessories too - can really elevate a simple outfit.

Also if you like wearing jeans perhaps spend some of the voucher on some designer jeans that really fit and flatter and will make you feel good.

You're a 10-12, at 45 that's no mean feat. Eyebrows - yes ( must make appointment for mine I start to look crinkly if I don't have them done) Personal shopper at Debenhams is a good idea.