Please teach me how to look well-groomed

[Solasum]

I have realised I am stuck in a bit of a sad looking rut, and need your help!

I don't have much time or money to spend (baby DS) but would really like to look better groomed. But, I have no idea where to start :(. MN, please help!

Colour your hair

Shape and tint brows (very important)

Find your perfect lipstick shade

Simple pretty earrings

Dump all you old shapeless clothes and get yourself a few key bits - maybe a smart fitted mac/coat, poncho (jigsaw ones the moment are pricey but I have I and it gets commented on a lot- tesco had a nice one yesterday if you are on a tighter budget and I might get it for everyday wear)

Light tan

Need to groom myself but too tired tonight

Tbh - I'd just avoid mirrors for the first year, everyone looked at the baby anyway - and I looked horrific !

But if you're in the getting your shit together phase, i'd start by having clean and pressed clothes, clean shoes and well cut hair that's very simple to maintain.

But I'm of the school that the most important thing on your face is a smile (and a solid 7hours kip).

a solid 7 hours kip hollow laugh.

I do colour my hair though. It is just about the only thing I do do (blonder highlights in dark blonde hair, which is long, fine, and has been styled the exact same way, ie drip dry then pony tail/messy knot/loose for the last 15 years )

Yeah... That seven hours solid sleep takes a while to crack

Maybe a new cut will give you a bit of a jump start?

Light tan and earrings I don't agree with at all, sorry m&s grumble. Tinting your eyebrows also is extremely optional.

You look groomed if your hair is well cut and clean, your shoes are in good nick and stylish, your jeans fit you well and you are fit, your skin is clear and your complexion evened out by a tinted moisturiser.

A bit of lippy is always good so long as it's not much more than mlbb. ( my lips but better.).

Drink plenty of water and stand up straight. Keep your nails filed and polished and don't forget to use hand cream!

I actually agree with the brow shape and earrings. I am a VERY recent convert though. I hardly used to touch my eyebrows but decided to make more of an effort because I was starting a new job. I actually cannot believe the difference it's made to my whole face so I agree that its a must to looking well groomed. I wear simple diamond stud earrings (all my jewellery is silver and simple), hair always clean, good shoes and yes, yes, yes to standing up straight.

Yy to brows - properly shaped and tinted if on the light side, takes years off.
Blow drying hair makes a huge difference to me and I'm now a big hair convert. Can get sleek bouncy hair in ten minutes.
Otherwise drink as much water as you can stomach.

Eyebrows shaped, whether waxed or threaded was the only bit of grooming I managed for years post children. I've recently resolved to have cut and colour and then book the next one in - I have been known to go six years between cuts before.

But I wouldn't necessarily say I look groomed!

Oh God I know the theory of this...a good haircut, subtle make up, neat nails, well fitting clothes...but I'm never ever groomed. I start off ok, then can't be arsed with an umbrella or don't realise I've pulled my tights and got pen ink on my lip...I'm just not made that way.

Yy to eyebrow grooming. It makes a real difference to your face.
I also love Dior lip glow, it enhances your natural lip colour and you don't need much other make up than that (maybe a coat of mascara).
Then I would say, a nice coat, bag and shoes. The rest of your outfit can be simple and cheap but if you have good a quality base you always look smarter (imo).

I try to do: mascara & eyelash curlers, simple silver jewellery, good quality leather handbag & shoes/boots. Hair always washed & blow-dried.

I'm not doing so well in the clothes dept - DD is 18m & everything has stains/dribble on it - clothes just get wrecked.

Simple colours, simple clothes and a little makeup. Spend an afternoon editing your wardrobe down to the basics and identify a couple of gaps and choose carefully, maybe a great merino or cashmere sweater or some good new dark skinny jeans.

At this time of year - get a great coat and some new moisturiser and foundation, and a cream blusher from a good counter who can advise what suits.

Thank you all, food for thought. If only I could drag myself off the sofa...

I suspect clotheswise I ought to chuck a lot, as it is probably all a bit tired.

Well, I do feel grateful that I've never had to tint my eyebrows! I've never had a gf mention tinting their eyebrows either. Just goes to show, I had no idea it was so common. A bit of plucking is all I've ever needed.