Caring a bit more for appearance

[MalcolmsBrokenWalrusMoneybox]

I'm having more "I should try and look more like a grown up" moments. Or "I should look as if I value myself and look after myself".

Mainly 2 things - hair, and makeup.

I agonise about going to the hairdresser and don't go. I have fine (THIN) hair, round face, growing-out fringe has reached the stage where I resemble a rock hopper penguin whilst going for a jog - or probably mere minutes after closing the front door. I want to keep it long though, to donate before it reaches the >10% grey limit.

Then I think about posting on here and whilst tapping away I think "so just go and get a fringe put in, why do you need some kindly stylish Internet strangers to tell you the same thing?!"
It's because I would like to be a bit more stylish, so random approval from someone on a style and beauty section is required in my thoughts!

Make up.
Make up make up make up.
I don't wear any. I'm 40 and don't know what I'm doing with it. Any good make up counter experiences? Would I be laughed at if I turned up at debenhams makeup section for example and said that I'd like to start to wear natural looking makeup? I don't know what my "true match" is or anything.

Thanks for reading, I'm aware this doesn't amount to a pile of beans.

Manicure wouldn't go amiss either. I just don't book them.

For makeup, youtube is your friend, my friend....

For makeup, I would recommend starting at YouTube. Search 'simple makeup looks'. And then from there, it will be a case of you trying out different concealers/foundations/mascaras and seeing which ones you like/suit you. Have fun with it.

Ooh I feel exactly the same, after years of child induced sleep deprivation plus the onset of wrinkles and grey hair am trying to turn myself back into a human and rediscover a sense of style. I third YouTube, in particular Lisa Eldridge, she has a great natural make-up tutorial I've adopted. Watching thread for any other tips I can pick up...

Try a simple hair styler? Its basically a funny shaped hairdryer, or the lovechild of a brush and a hairdryer. Just brush as you dry ypur hair with a little bit of smoothening stuff brushed through while wet (i use 'get sleek' by....someone, v cheap at morrisons) and it just makes your hair look tidy and groomed with very little extra effort!

There's an element of helping yourself isn't there - if you want a manicure either buy the stuff and do it or book one! It won't happen otherwise.

Make up - Space NK are great at giving impartial make up advice as they select the right products for you from across the ranges (albeit limited and expensive ones) they have in store.

Watching with interest. I have the same problem!

I am in the same boat. I had my mum bob cut into something more exciting and had some highlights put in. I had my eye brows shaped and tinted this has made a big difference.
I rarely had time or could be bothered to wear make up but have joined beauty pie, apparently high end make up at supermarket prices. I now wear a tinted moisturizer, mascara, a little blusher and a very neutral lipstick. Now I am practised it takes 5 mins tops.

I also bought some good skin care and it has really improved my skin. I do actually feel loads better.

Now I am feeling better in myself I am working on my weight and clothes. I don't think make up/hair stuff has made me feel better but more that I am taking the time for myself and prioritising me a little bit ifyswim.

Go to the counters for foundation samples. Ask for a sample & don't buy anything until you've tried it at home, seen it in natural daylight & seen how it wears through the day. I love a tinted moisturiser - Eve Lom for £££ or Boots seventeen for £. Both great.

Red lipstick is what perks me up

I did two makeup lessons and they were a game-changer for me.

Thank you for your suggestions - I'd not thought about sampling first! That makes sense.
I tend to wish there was a "buy this, it's all you need" product without having to think about it.
Have hair appt booked.
Using up some face cream.

The only local makeup class I found is £60 for 2 hours - that seems a lot!

I totally recommend going to a makeup counter in a department store. I was just browsing Bare Minerals in Debenhams and the woman was so helpful - I didn’t feel patronised or anything when I said I was aiming for “more alive looking” and there was no pressure to buy on the spot. I got comments about how well I looked for the whole rest of the day after she sampled some of the products on me

I'm the same. Trying to take a bit more care of myself as I emerge from the sleep deprived child focused years...
I target the less 'scarily' made up ladies at the make up counters / SpaceNK. Someone who looks a bit like I want to look (presentable, not perfect!!!). There always a few, and I've found them to be really approachable, helpful and not at all pushy. I tell them what my budget is, and what I'm after, but they show me other stuff I might like too and I ask them for a tester and to write it down for me and I often buy the next time.
I read the skincare posts on S&B, I watch YouTube make up tutorials and have found a skincare and makeup routine that works for me (after a few false starts!).
My hair is a different matter - next year's project!!!