I think I need to do something about my appearance. Please help.

[TickledOnion]

I had a bad hair cut last night. I got it fixed tonight but it is pretty short and I look a bit like a boy. I don't wear make-up except for special occasions but I think I need to start wearing some everyday.
Also, I got mistaken for my mum's sister tonight.
Where do I start?

Blusher to bring out your cheekbones.

Plenty of celebs who rock short crops, but notice they all have clever contouring and colour as well.

A good mascara.

How's your wardrobe looking?

Thanks for replying. My wardrobe looks sad and frumpy. I've recently put on about a stone and a half following separating from exH.

I have some blusher and mascara somewhere. And some BB cream. Is that any good?

You ask where to start, as well as ladeedad's good advice, I would say think about posture. Shoulders back, chin up, walk tall and look the world straight in the eye! Makes you appear slimmer and confident, even if, inside, you don't feel it. Best of all, it costs nothing. Best wishes! Sorry to hear about your separation.

Re: Being mistaken for your mums sister. Some people are atrociously short sighted. Ignore them!

Can you afford a trip to the make up counters for some tips? I spent half an hour at the bare minerals counter today and felt like I might actually know what I'm doing with make up now!

Can you style your new hair in a funky way? A bit of wax/mousse etc can make a big difference.

Wardrobe - what do you like wearing/feel comfortable in? If you've put on weight, do you have clothes that fit?
Are you wearing colours that suit you? If I had to put in order the "clothes rules" I think it would go something like:

• It must fit (oversize and too tight should both be avoided)
• It must be the right colours for you (the nicest clothes can drain you if they're in a colour that doesn't suit you)
• It must flatter your shape - I find this the most difficult, not least because shops tend to stock clothes that are in style, rather than a wide range where anyone can find something that suits them

If you need a wardrobe overhaul, I would make a list of exactly what you need (in the colours you need them) and go shopping just for them. If you're planning to lose the weight you've gained, then stick to the cheaper shops, as these clothes will be a stop gap. But you do need to have clothes that fit, as it makes a world of difference to your self esteem etc.

Earrings are a girls best friend when hair is too short.

Book a free stylist session at John Lewis to get ideas as to what styles & colours suits you. There is no obligation to buy but do pinch outfit ideas for future shopping trips.

m.johnlewis.com/mt/www.johnlewis.com/our-services/fashion-advice-service?un_jtt_v_jsDisabled=false#page_loaded

A good styling wax is also your friend when hair is short, to give some shape and punk it up a bit. I use Aveda volumising tonic and then a shaping wax to define the style.

Earrings, definitely!

Something glossy on your lips - even if it's just lip balm - and a touch of mascara will already make you look much more feminine.
Don't go overboard if you're not used to make up as you'll look (and probably feel) like you're in drag!
Try to wear the brightest colours and most feminine shaped clothes you own, to contrast with your hair.
And spend some time playing around with your hair, using different styling products until you find a way you like it, that feels more like you! You never know, you might end up growing to like it short

How are your eyebrows? Well defined, shaped eyebrows always suggest "smart" to me.

God. Avoid John Lewis.

John Lewis is ok. Earings definitely. Bit of collared lip gloss. Bb cream and mascara it all helps. Find a neckline that suits you. Makes a big difference. Don't be afraid to show off your tits they are one of the benefits of putting on weight....

Ooh, thanks for all the advice.
I have been putting off buying clothes in the hope that I might lose some weight but I'm not very motivated to diet or exercise.
Probably would make more sense to find some clothes that fit me know rather than feeling fat in too tight clothes. I'm not huge just a 14 instead of a 10.
I will take on the hair and makeup advice and get my eyebrows done.
Thanks.

Tickled onion, I feel for you.

If you see my other thread. I've just begun the shred and mfp'ing everything I eat.

In a week I've lost 4lbs.

Plus, I've got short hair. It's kind of Halle Berry's style from a few years ago. Because my hair has a curl in it, I use product that gives a bit of texture or defines the curl.

I'm going to watch your thread for the grooming/style tips as I need help in that direction too.

I wear make up but can get ready in ten minutes as I demonstrated this morning when I woke up at ten to eight I just wear bare minerals powder which you apply with a big brush, v natural-looking but smoothes my skin over. Then a dab of concealer under eyes. Blusher on cheekbones and mascara, liquid liner too but I appreciate I'm quite quick at this. Looks petty natural but if I don't wear it I look about 45 and tired (I am 29...)

Everything what vitamin has said and agree with cat about eye brows. Nail polish works wonders, too.
Ok Tickled you might have a bit of weight on you but it's not the end of the world. I'm size 24 doesn't stop me getting on.

Agree re eyebrows. Nothing worse than monstrosities

Largish earrings, eyebrows, lipstick, perfume.

Start walking an hour a day.. Without changing your diet your body will tone up and you will lose weight and look and feel great. It's helped me tremendously.