Following mature beauty advice has made me frumpy!!

[Jmangel]

So over the last 6 months or so, I've lightened my makeup - no eyeliner just subtle brown eyeshadow, less foundation for fear it may collect in lines etc., lighter lip gloss as opposed to more striking lip colour. I had my hair lightened too on advice of hairdresser to hide grey and be more forgiving to my fading, ahem, beauty. I'm 44.
So felt ok about it all and thought I looked ok but lord, in the photos taken around Xmas, I literally looked like a monotone faded old lady with no definition. My face and hair just kind of melted into each other.
Now, I'm totally confused. I know that to go dramatically darker with hair colour would be a big step and I know I don't want to get into garish makeup territory - so what do I do now? I wore eyeliner today for first time in months and it did look harsh on me - maybe because my hair is too light? Gash! Any advice. For reference I'm a warm toned mid brunette usually level 5 with NC25 skin and green eyes. I'm now a level 8 titian colour and look washed out. Advice please.

[WilburIsSomePig]

I know exactly what you mean. I did this and felt insipid and bored with myself so I reverted back to stronger lip colours and mid toned hair. I feel a million times more like me.

[Petal02]

Clinique Quick Liner in Black/Brown is fabulous - just slightly less harsh than black, but dark enough to avoid looking tired (am I the only person who looks tired with brown eye liner)? It gives great definition and stays put all day.