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Style and beauty

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I need a makeover .....

16 replies

muchtooshy · 12/01/2014 19:11

I have a big crush on a man that is out of my league! I am pretty shy and not glam at all. I want to make the most of what I have but still look more natural than high maintenance. His ex wife is super glam and blonde ....

I am 26, 5'2, size 16, with mid brown hair a couple of inches past my shoulders, pale skin and blue eyes.

I have no idea on beauty and style stuff but am currently invisible to men but I want him to notice me and also to feel a bit less shy when speaking to him.

Assume I know nothing!

What are some easy / quick every day hair styles? My hair is wavy.

I don't really know how to put outfits together or how to add in accessories that go either. I kind of want some basics that I can mix and match but I don't have much money.

Please help!

OP posts:
daisydee43 · 12/01/2014 20:24

Well start with the basics -

Must dye hair - even if a shade darker as it looks more glam than natural

Ghd straighteners are the best investment in the world - get second hand - I've had mine for 6 yrs!

Natural make up with hot pink lips

Statement jewellery - go to primark and have fun cos it's all £1-2

Clothes - go for a simple outfit like a great fitting pair on jeans (dark shade over the waist m&s), simple tee or tank top and then layer on a cute hoody or blazer or cardi

Shoes - hard sole pumps/shoe boots

Oh and go to sun beds/manicure/threading once a month as a treat Grin

fluffyduckie · 13/01/2014 07:23

Stick to natural if that is you - no point creating some fake image if you don't like it.

NewBeginningsSnoopy · 13/01/2014 07:25

What are your good points?

elspethmcgillicuddy · 13/01/2014 07:28

Maybe if his ex wife is super glam that won't be something he is interested in finding in a new partner. Let him see you. He might find it sexy that you don't need to hide behind make up etc

NewBeginningsSnoopy · 13/01/2014 07:30

I would recommend finding a really great hairdresser who can give you tips on getting the most out of what you have hair-wise. Bombard them with questions about straight/wavy and about your colour.

Again, Clinique is great for a make-up consultation and even if its over the top, it's useful for 'night out' make up!

Stylists are free in lots of good places and can pick out stuff while you drink coffee. Good for ideas that would suit you.

You don't need to make drastic changes, as you say. The above have helped me feel more confident about my choices and people tell me how great I look now again after a good few years of letting myself go!

Colinbakergotfat · 13/01/2014 08:09

Go on to Pinterest and search a few key terms- like stylish day look (sorry, that is lame but you get the idea) and have fun browsing and getting an idea about the look you like.

When you have some key looks identified then google or come on here and you can be pointed in the right direction for where you can buy the look. Have fun.

Jemimapuddlemuck · 13/01/2014 09:41

Can't believe someone is recommending sunbeds as a treat, to someone who is pale skinned. Please don't do that OP! Either embrace the pale or get a spray tan.

TheArticFunky · 13/01/2014 09:48

I don't agree with the advice to dye hair since I stopped colouring my hair ( mid brown) it is so glossy and shiny and people keep asking me where I get it coloured. Hair cuts are very important.

daisydee43 · 13/01/2014 11:08

I'm pale skinned with mid brown hair and as long as you use sun cream sun beds laying down is very relaxing and makes you feel sexy and so is dying your hair, an instant boost and use a nice dye so it's moisturising

florascotia · 13/01/2014 14:30

OP PLEASE, PLEASE read these links below! Save your eyes/skin/maybe even your life!

www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/sunbed-users-leaflet.pdf

More info at: www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/sunbeds-should-carry-health-warnings-1620136.html

florascotia · 13/01/2014 14:53

More detailed advice here - from NHS:
www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/852.aspx?CategoryID=87

and from British Association of Dermatologists:
www.bad.org.uk/site/1133/default.aspx

squoosh · 13/01/2014 15:19

Yeah, big fat 'no' to sunbeds. Aside from the health risks I think sun bed tans look awful, a weird apricot shade. Pale is the new tan!

I second the advice to get on Pinterest just type in your search criteria and you'll see tons of inspiration. I use it when I get a mental style block.

WipsGlitter · 13/01/2014 15:35

Do Not Go On Sunbeds!!!

I agree just be yourself, there's no point in inventing an image because you think he will like it. If you want to change for your own self esteem then go for it.

I also think GHD-ed hair is a bit passé.

RockMummy · 13/01/2014 16:10

You could always try smiling, making eye contact or saying Good morning as a good start. Not sure that I believe in changing yourself for someone. The truth will always out. Now if you want to change for yourself that's a different story altogether and you've had some good advice on here!

florascotia · 13/01/2014 17:02

Good haircut/hairstyle (as suggested by NewBeginnings, above). Why dye if you don't have to? Natural can sometimes look much nicer.

Properly fitting bra. Stand up tall. Breathe well. Gentle exercise can boost confidence: make you feel 'good in your skin' as the French say.

Good grooming: nails, skincare, shoes cleaned, clothes mended/aired/ironed if needed - there were several strands about this in Style and Beauty. Don't know where they've gone?

Elegant makeup - as NewBeginnings also said, the consultants at department store make-up counters can be very helpful. Or you could ask at local Further Education college about cheap practice sessions for facials/makeup by students.

Subtle scent - many strands here on Stlye and Beauty; many with expert information.

If you can afford it, think about going for a consultation with House of Colour or Colour Me Beautiful. They will help to choose colours that suit you, as you naturally are. Plenty of strands about this in Style and Beauty. Both organisations have websites; they might give you some pointers.

Look at Pinterest for ideas about clothes. Then buy carefully. Better to have just one or two outfits that really flatter you than lots of cheap garments that don't.

If you have the time and patience, then visit charity shops, jumble sales, ebay etc for secondhand/vintage items.

Be VERY careful about cheap jewellery - unless it's made from 'naturally' cheap materials, eg a necklace of glossy wooden beads, or a bangle of clever 'plastic amber' . There are some good cheap things about, but IMHO, not that many ... With jewellery, often 'less is more'.

florascotia · 13/01/2014 21:34

The current Style and Beauty grooming etc and re-styling thread has reappeared! It's called Easter Renovators...

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