Getting groomed for the school run

[Givemetea87]

I'm useless with make up and at the moment only wear foundation and some mascara but I really want to start looking more "put together " when this years school run starts. Can anybody recommend blushes and bronzers for very pale skin ? Maybe a nice natural lipstick ? Any tips for application would be welcome as well and any advice on how to look more groomed . I have a budget of around £50 x

Pop to the number 7 counter in boots. They'll match you up and show you how to achieve the look you'd lol. £50 should be plenty there.

My best tip for looking 'groomed' having my lashes done properly. Either lash extensions (£20 every 3 weeks) or LVL lashes (30 every 3 weeks) as it means I can chuck on foundation, swipe blusher on my cheeks and I'm done. And my eyes look so much brighter and better with them. I haven't had to use mascara in months.

For foundation and blusher as prada says, go to Boots and have them match you.

I know how you feel - not that it's necessary, but I like to have a 'me but better' look for work each morning, and I have a routine that takes about 5 mins.
I've often been told that your foundation is only as good as your skin, so in the shower I like to use a gentle exfoliating cloth to freshen up, then after the shower add moisturiser to fresh clean skin and let it soak in while I get dressed. Then either foundation or primer first then foundation, depending how long I want it to last. I have a Rimmel blush/bronzer/highlighter set and I of the highlighter on my t-zone, bronzer (lightly) underneath my cheekbones and blush on the apples of my cheeks. Then a bone-colored eyeshadow all over my lids, and then I use a dark brown eyeshadow to fill in my eyebrows. Next I moisten a very thin brush and use the dark brown shadow again to line my eyes. Mascara and some lippy or lip balm and I'm done.

I use Revlon eye palettes and maybelline mascara. I tend to spend a bit more on skincare and foundation - using Estée Lauder double wear. I learnt a lot from YouTube actually, would really recommend that!

This is the best natural-but-better lipstick ever. Easy to apply and carry around and the perfect suits everyone neutral shade.

www.superdrug.com/Make-Up/Lips/Lipstick/Bourjois-Color-Boost-Lip-Crayon-Proudly-Naked/p/358601

Also get a nice coat. The number of times I went to drop off at school with my pj top on by just threw my nice coat on over the top and no one ever knows. Great for those nightmare mornings where everything is going wrong.

BB cream - it's a tinted moisturiser so makes you look a little less blemished but takes no time or practice to put on.

I always make sure my eyebrows are done (waxed and tinted) as good brows instantly make you look more groomed.

Slick of mascara (new looks is really good and so cheap)

Swipe of blush on apples of my cheeks (benefits blusher is really good, it has a hint of shimmer so you look brighter)

Avoid lipstick it only gets smudged kissing the kids by and it takes effort to put on in the lines of your lips/not patchily unless you wear it often.

Make sure your hair is clean - I always have mine in a high pony takes literally 30 seconds but looks groomed as it's clean and not just a shoved up mess.

TBH I have never understood MN's obsession with wearing the right clothes and make up for the school run.

When DD was at primary school some parents were immaculately dressed for the office, some were in jodhpurs and horsey clothes, most were in jeans and trainers. Some wore make up and most didn't.

Just wear what makes you feel good for you, not for other people. If you were in our village you wouldn't be judged for not being groomed. Just don't rock up in pyjamas and slippers .

That said, the quickest way to look groomed is a good hair cut, tidy brows and lipstick.

That lipstick I suggested takes zero effort to put on. It's a chubby stick and goes on like a lip balm but is a lovely glossy natural finish. I don't even use a mirror.