How do you look groomed?

[ohgodnotyouagain]

I know these threads have been done in a general sense, but for those of you who put in an effort to look groomed, what do you do?

I've bumped into a young teacher from DD's school over the holidays a few times and she always looks so lovely! I would love to be one of those people who generally just look polished.

What I noticed about her:

Minimal make up (what make up do you wear daily?)
Not a lot of accessories
Simple but nice clothes

I've got a baby and going back to work next month so need to be able to do as much in as little time as possible. I just always feel like I'm flung together.

Everyone always says hair - well cut, styled and coloured if you colour. I struggle a lot with this but I am growing out a graduated bob atm and have made the effort to get regular trims so it looks like a hair cut not a frizzy mushroom.

Little details like nails and brows kept neat and not extreme.

If you are short on time maybe capsule wardrobe for work at least? Make sure every works together in colours which go together and suit you. I do love a pop of colour or a funky accessory to brighten things up.

Footwear that fits both you and purpose. Clothes that do the same.

Clean hair, eyebrows done and a statement lipstick for me. Good fitting clothes and a spritz of perfume too.

Day to day at home I don't 😂

But for work.... painted unchipped nails in a neutral colour.

Unscuffed shoes with a heel.

Clothes that fit and suit my body shape (this is since I have lost weight, when I was bigger I just wore what fit)

Hair up in a bun so neat (I cannot look neat otherwise without hours of blowdrying)

I wear quite a bit of makeup in terms of product but in light layers and use a vitamin e spray on top which makes it sink into my skin and look more natural.

Simple jewellery that isn't too busy.

A watch - I swear to god this makes a difference.

At home I look like a scruff most days

Oh and make up wise I tint my eyebrows at home which is easy and subtle - takes 5 mins and I do it about once a month.

For work it's foundation, mascara and a lipstick which is a 'my lips but better' that was colour matched in Boots on their little machine thingy. I have ok skin blemish wise so just need evening up and find concealer cakey hence why foundation only. I'm a good few years older than you (early 40s) so don't too much powder based make up any more.

Takes less than 5 minutes and gives the right amount of polish

Short shellac nails on hands, non chipped polish on toes
Dry my hair with a babyliss big hair so it looks naturally curly rather than frizzy
Simple jewellery
Leather handbag
Subtle Botox
Ironed clothes. Cheap clothes look a million times better if pressed
Shaped eyebrows
Plain colours with minimal print. I look at the cut, collar and hem of everything

Yes other things I'd noticed now you've all mentioned it is her hair (in a messy bun but somehow looks casual chic) and a signature lippy (always wears an orangey colour one, and no gloss which I've realised I always wear...)

Don't get me wrong I don't want to be a clone of her but would love for people to look at me and think 'ooo she looks put together!'

My hair is coloured and trimmed regularly, think I need to get myself on Pinterest for an easy style idea that I can do on a morning. Might take myself to Boots for a new foundation and lipstick too!

Buy a size up-can be tricky for trousers but for tops and dresses I always always buy a size up
The clothes then hang better and can make even the cheapest teeshirt from a high street shop look far more expensive

Eyebrows-threaded

Makeup-BB cream, mascara, touch of blusher, and a lipstick that is almost identical in shade to your own lip colour

Slatternsdelight I always size up with clothes. I think a lot of them are cut small and I like a slightly looser fit. No underwear lines and they fit better. Short, neat nails, neat eyebrows, lipstick, plain bag, as folks have said above.

Hair for me is the main thing, if I've blow dried and straightened it I definitely feel a lot more groomed than if it's up in a bun. I only wash it twice a week so doesn't take much time in the morning, just a quick brush and straighten of the under layers.

Minimal but decent make up - I'd recommend Bare Minerals and a decent mascara.

Yes to brows, I get mine tinted and shaped once a month and I always feel a bit ungroomed when they need doing.

Nails is one thing I haven't mastered as they always chip when I paint them (I've had gel on occasion but I find the upkeep/cost is a lot) so I tend to have mine polish free and a decent length so at least they look tidy.

Blow dried hair with a babyliss big hair
Eyeliner and mascara
Clean clothes that fit and flatter
Eyebrows threaded

Accessories. A statement necklace or earrings (not both though) can make a plain outfit look interesting.

Also agree with bold lipstick, although it needs to suit your skin tone. I always wear a blue-red or bright pink (I have light, fair skin and light blonde hair).

Good skin, good smooth hair, good teeth, good nails. IMO you have to wear makeup to look groomed. The women who dont or wear very minimal makeup dont look groomed.

^ disclosure I dont have the time to look groomed atm but the above distinguishes/defines the groomed women in my opinion.

For me, properly dried hair is 100% of the difference between messy and well-put-together. Clean, ironed, not too tight clothes also massively help.