Please help, I look awful

[katemiddletonsnudeheels]

The really sad thing is that I do try, after a fashion. I:

• have my nails filed and polished
• eyebrows, legs and bikini line waxed
• hair highlighted and trimmed every 6-8 weeks

I still look dreadful.

• the main issue, which I recognise just can't be solved 'overnight' is my weight (please, no advice on this - I am working on it) however it means that clothes are an ongoing battle. Everything I buy makes me look fat which isn't shocking as I AM fat but I've no sort of style. I wear trousers, black or grey, to work, with a top and cardigan of some description. Bras are so uncomfortable I don't bother.

• my skin is so dry, especially around my mouth and chin, and the bottom of my nose. I put on foundation but it flakes off. However I also get spots

• I only wear foundation and mascara, don't suit lipstick or eyeshadow at all.

• my hair isn't really in any sort of style.

Well, it's a pretty bleak list but if anyone can help ... :)

Is your hair long or short?

What do you do with your nails and eyebrows?

Regarding dry skin can you exfoliate and then use coconut oil.

Moisture your face twice a day.

Have you ever worn bronzer or eye liner?

My hair is mid length, just above my shoulders.

Just a file and polish, and eyebrows waxed into shape

I always moisturise my face.

No, I wouldn't suit bronzer and eyeliner is v tricky!

:)

I know it is dull but your skin sounds dehydrated and dry - I would drink more water - I do find it makes a difference.

I am also finding using a decent retinol cream, double cleansing and all that jazz has made a big difference to my skin. The botox also helps

There are many videos on youtube about how to apply make up well - lisa eldridge is a good starting point.

I know it isn't popular on here but I always feel better with a light fake tan - I use either Claris or James Read for a natural result.

In terms of clothes - what shape/style are you?

You need to tackle your skin, just shoving foundation on it won't work. What's your skincare regime currently? Sounds like you could benefit from a good cleansing product and an acid toner. Double cleansing in the evening and a good night cream would help too.
Coconut oil will make your spots worse as its codmogenic.
And please, please, wear a bra!!! But soft non underwired ones if comfort is key.

First step is a decent bra!

Agree re a bra but personally I don't like the uber tight band recommended on here via the bra intervention threads.

But finding a decent shop where they do good bra fittings would be good - I don't know where you live or what your budget is but Selfridges have a fab lingerie section. Personally I really rate Simone Perele bras but they are £££.

I really couldn't face a bra fitting, but thanks. :)

I wore one the other day and it was horrible!

I use Le Roche toner and moisturiser and facial wash.

I don't really have a shape MrsCampbell

Could I suggest jackets rather than cardigans? A bit of structure can really help.

Exfoliation prior to moisturising will help with the flaking and the spots. Is there room for a bit more vitamin C in your diet? A deficiency can be associated with dry skin around mouth and nose.

If you aren't wearing any already, a little bit of blusher can make a person look so much healthier. Lisa Eldridge (Google) has some fab how-to make up videos. Her video for concealing acne is especially good, I think her manner is lovely. (She also has a vid for makeup for glasses-wearers, and how the advice is different for short-sighted v long-sighted)

Kate - you do have a shape!

Do you have small boobs that are very pert because if not a bra could make your overall shape look a lot better. And good ones shouldn't be uncomfortable.

Whose style do you like?

Agree with notorious that blusher is amazing as also is subtle use of bronzer.

And jackets also a good call - you just need ones that fit with your lifestyle.

I don't really have any style in mind :)

I did wear a jacket the other day but they have to be loose and flowing otherwise they pull terribly, and I just looked like a tramp

I take vitamin supplements and drink at least 2 litres of water when at work, so not sure if it's that, hard to say isn't it? :)

Seriously, you have to wear a bra. Go and try on lots yourself if you can't face a fitting. It will make a big difference to how you look.

Kate - how tall and what size are you?

And in your ideal world - who would you want to look like - Jennifer Aniston or more Joan Collins

I love how we are all so eager to get Kate in a bra

Lol, not now. Maybe in the future :)

I'm 5'2. Size wise probably 16-18

Quite honestly I couldn't tell you, style wise. I'm so far removed from any celebrity it isn't even funny, although I do have three pairs of nude heels!

Can you say what size you are? It's hard to picture what would suit without knowing. Do you think your highlights suit you? It is often a go to style, but lots of people suit a block colour instead. What texture is your hair? Maybe the style you have doesn't suit.

X post!

You NEED a bra.

You say no shape, can you see your waist at all, or does it all blend?

Huge belly
Meaty arms
Fat ass
Thick thighs

Jeez I'm really attractive

What are your best features Kate - despite your penchant for nude heels

You might have peri oral dermatitis (the flakiness).

I do and I use a fluoride free toothpaste, SLS free shampoo. I also used salycilic acid (johnsons blckhed lotion) and now another acid in the Olay anti aging toner. It's totally gone.

I would say my eyes, but they are a bit lost in my face right now.

I feel my neck and face sort of blend into one,just at the moment

I am not a hairdresser, but have you thought about a chin length Bob to create a jawline? This would help separate your face and neck. Big question, which is your widest part? I ask this because it can make such a difference to where your clothes hit. I can't wear mid thigh jackets as they make my top half look bigger, same goes for cropped or waist length jackets. My perfect length is on my hips.