Looking groomed

[PretzelPrincess]

What can I do to my face/hair that will make me look well groomed even when not wearing makeup. Without a small amount of makeup I look a wreck.
Eyelash extensions? My brows etc are already black so don't think a tint would help. Any ideas?

eyelash extensions could work but the one time I had them I found they really damaged by existing lashes.

how long is your hair?

mastering a really quick up-do is a trick worth learning. I can do a French pleat in 30 seconds.

I look a fright without make up so on days when I'm in a hurry I do: under eye concealer, flick of blush, dap of tinted lip balm. Takes seconds and makes me look a lot better than a totally nude face.

I look like I've been exhumed without make-up (and I have a good skin care routine, and have my eyebrows done regularly). Sadly lots of us look better with a little make up. I won't venture further than my wheelie bin without mascara, loose powder and blusher. Sorry if that makes me vain.

Get your teeth cleaned by the hygienist.

Threaded eyebrows, good skin and healthy nails all help.

But agree just a tiny amount of makeup will really elevate the groomed look. You dont have to do the whole shebang- just a dab of blush OR a strong burgundy lip OR smoky eyes. You need at least one.

I've learned that I look vastly better with eyeliner, mascara and lip colour, otherwise my eyes just disappear into my face and I look just 'not there', iykwim. So I've mastered the art of doing those three things in under a minute for the lot.

The nails I could work on. My hair is long but I could experiment with some up styles.
I'm going to look into eyelash extensions so I look more 'awake'.

Personally I'd go for a lash lift and tint rather than extensions, more natural, longer lasting and less damage...

I think its hard to look groomed without any makeup but I think eyebrow threading and very clear skin would help.
I wear eyebrow pencil, mascara, small amount of eyeliner, Clinique colour corrector or a bit of concealer on my cheeks to even up my skin tone and a bit of colour on my lips even if its just a quick Clinique chubby pencil. that takes five minutes.

Good sleep and using retinol and vitamin C serum , it does wonders to the skin.

I don't wear makeup everyday, just try to keep eyebrows groomed,and hair in good condition , blow dried or straighted and that's it,

I was hoping you guys had some secret tips and tricks!
Sleep is hard to come by at the moment, I have 6month old who won't sleep and it's just going to get worse because I'm pregnant!
I did use a retin A product a few years ago in the lead up to my wedding. My skin did look sooo much better so that's definatly worth doing.

If you're pregnant you should really avoid retinoids?
Clicked because I too thought there may be some secret tricks?!

Oh,no, no retinols during pregnancy ,nothing that irritates the skin,

I don't have secrets, these are the only things I highly recommend, I stopped having facials after my dermatologist told me to do so, they are expensive,and very short lasting, a day most,and then your skin returns to usual, so its better to invest in something a bit more lasting, I didn't have problem skin, but It was a bit uneven, after using retinol + VitC, felt my skin is much more brighter and smooth,

Also,don't bother with expensive skincare, pharmacies brand are miles better, la Roche posay is excellent,

adding salmon, cantaloupe, bluberries to your diet, is really good for the skin too,

You won't see results straight away, need at least 6 weeks,and then not that noticeable,but after 2-3 months,you really notice it,

Groomed without make up is hard but I would say

highlights
good haircut so that it falls into place
a light fake tan
groomed eyebrows
whitened teeth
no moustache/beard
good serum and moisturiser
lip plumper and eye tightener.

Eyelash extensions aren't worth it imo. They can easily look like spiders legs and don't last very long. When they come out they have a habit of taking you real lashes with them.

Atticus could you reccomend a lip plumper and eye tightner?

I use the transformula ones that Boots sell and I rate both the eye gel and the lip volumiser. The lip product really tingles and definitely makes your lips look fuller. The eye gel has a definite tightening effect.

Santa I do use la Roche Posay and it have made a massive difference to my skin. Went to buy foundation last week and the sales assistant was refusing to sell me it because she said my skin looked too nice haha. I have an uneven tone so can't go barefaced
I have found that drinking more water and eating healthier helps but like you said it takes a while to kick in. I'm too impatient

I agree with the drinking more water. I think it has (along with changing my skincare regime) helped to improve my skin. It makes me look so much better!!!

I agree with the drinking more water. I think it has (along with changing my skincare regime) helped to improve my skin. It makes me look so much better!!!

Oh God I'm feeling really scruffy now! I wear make up for work (most days) and going out but don't bother if I'm just out and about! I have my eyebrows waxed and eyelashes tinted occasionally my hair is highlighted but that's it! I never do anything with my hair, just wash it and leave it!