I'm rubbish at this beauty lark. Help me!

[barefacedandbored]

I am bored of never wearing make-up. I am bored of not knowing how to dress without constantly resorting to jeans and tshirts. I am in my 30s and essentially still dress the same way I did as a teenager, except the baggy band tshirts have been replaced with more (informal) office-appropriate plain fitted Ts. I have no idea what kind of skin I have, nor of what colours suit me, so I spend most of my time in black.

I'm bored of it all, but I have literally no idea where to start in sprucing myself up. Make-up counters terrify me. I don't even know what moisturizer I should use - if any at all!

Help. I do not want to be dowdy a moment longer. Where does one start?

OK. Tinted moisturiser. Light lipstick. Noted. Thank you!

Have you tried youtube videos for hair and make up?

I haven't. Are there any particularly good people you'd recommend, or should I just start general? (Sorry. Total novice.)

Yes, try a BB cream or a tinted moisturiser. If you're near a bigger Boots there should be someone who can help you find the right shade of a cheaper brand like No.7. Otherwise if you can spend a bit more, try Clinique or Benefit for a proper foundation.

I like wearing mascara, it always makes me feel better. The Maybelline Great Lash (pink with a green lid) is about fiver and I find it stays and doesn't run. Someone was talking about a really good Boots Natural mascara.

How about trying a beautybox? They are a make up graze type thing, come once a month. Birchbox are good, you fill out a form saying what you want and they post things out too you to try, it all comes with how to guides as well

For me a good mascara, blusher, concealer and powder are my basic needs make up wise. I just use a vit e moisturiser, nothing fancy.

Are you wanting nicer things to wear to the office or outside of work as well? Have you got anyone who's opinion you trust that you could take shopping? Spend the day trying everything you vaguely like the look of and see what sort of style suits you most. Sometimes clothes don't look too nice on the racks but look amazing on. Don't be afraid to try different colours on either, the worst thing that can happen is that you find it doesn't suit you and you try something else.

There's nothing wrong with jeans and t shirt and a natural look - it can be done stylishly and elegantly.

Are you on Pinterest or Instagram? Have a look at Anine Bing (designer) for nice casual style ideas. I love her look.

Don't force yourself to become what you're not. You'll be more successful learning how to tweak the look you naturally gravitate towards.

I'd start by having my brows threaded and my eyelashes tinted.

I have tried loads of moisturise rs, and tbh. I ran out a couple of years ago, so started using my dh's bulldog moisturiser. It actually really suited my skin, is easily absorbed and leaves my skin feeling really smooth and soft.

A lot of mners swear by the original blue Nivea. Try a few testers out on the back of your hand. Feel what the texture is like. Is it easily absorbed? Does it smell and feel nice?

What do you use to clean your face? Soap,a face wash, just water?

I personally wear Pixi unique pink at the moment.

this

Chances are your skin is probably is really great condition if you've never worn makeup much before!

I'd sort out wax eyebrows, upper lip wax with beautician first will cost about £10-15

Then hair - get an easy to manage style - bob? Highlights?

Usually my face & existing clothes look a million times better once hair is sorted

Drinking water also works wonders for energy feel good levels also

I don't think there's anything wrong with jeans and t-shirts. As long as they are well fitting, not worn out and suit your shape and colouring. So if you have big boobs then a T shirt with a round neck might look frumpy - but a t shirt with a v or boat neck could look good.

Then branch out a bit into a shirt over a t-shirt if that suits you. Wear a bit of jewelry. Go to Next and try on a load of trousers to see which shape looks best. Get a plain-ish top that fits to go on top. Try colours to see what looks good - usually ones that make your eyes stand out. I look ill in white - and great in dark green.

Make a bit of time for it - that's probably the key. Try a personal shopper - they can be very good and there's no pressure to buy. Or if you feel pressured buy a couple of bits then take them back.

Also don't be shocked if people notice - if you do want to make changes - do it for you and be happy with them.

You are all wonderful, thank you. I'm going to look through everyone's suggestions and start putting together a bit of a plan.

Yay!

Barefaced - I've been in a rut like you with clothes. I booked a personal shopper to come and go thru my wardrobe. Turns out I was wearing wrong size - still wearing 12 from my boozy 20's and had not realised my new found interest in running had made me an 8. Then she have me a shopping list of what I needed, advice in colours shapes and accessories and I booked a shopper at John Lewis. They are brill - no pressure if you don't like whst they pick out but i have bought most things they suggested. I go now twice a year and don't need to shop for clothes otherwise - and always have sonething to wear.
Maternity and Breastfeeding clothes have been sorted by them too. It's a free service btw