If you always look good....

[AutumnShades]

Tell me your secrets! By secrets I mean tell me what you do when - your daily, weekly monthly routine so that when a party invite comes your way you are confident you can look your best etc.

I currently colour my hair every four weeks.
I hot cloth cleanse etc morning and night.
I do a weekly face mask.
That's it.

I want to overhaul my beauty maintenance so that I look groomed most of the time rather than panic at peak times - Christmas, New Year, Weddings, parties and special events.

So what do I need to do daily, weekly, monthly etc to feel more prepared?

From low maintenance to high maintenance tell me your secrets please!

For me (am aware this is all totally personal) I don't colour my hair, or get manicures or pedicures, get my hair cut twice a year but I do focus on the following things:

1. Harley St dermatologist to keep my skin in top condition
2. I apply hand and foot cream every evening and my nails on both are always buffed and trimmed
3. moisturise after every bath, use Korean Italy cloths once a week

Clothes

1. Got my HoC colours done - am a leaf Autumn - was one of the best things I ever did
2. Take time to figure out what suits me. Am a slim, tall hourglass so the Dior New Look (slim skirts, not full) suits me best.
3. Am never afraid of drama: big capes, nipped waists, bright colours. Fuckit - life is short, don't keep things 'for best'.
4. I buy sparing but excellent quality, natural fibres. Often vintage from 40s and 50s.

Those are the key things for me. Oh, and to stay out of the sun! Factor 46 for me on the face every day which is apparently yielding benefits in terms of relative collagen levels (for my age).

I get my nails done (Gel) every 10 days so they always look smart, although they are short as normally I am a biter and can't grow them). Not fussed about colour, currently they are a bright sparkly red for Christmas). No nail art, or different colours on different fingers and absolutely no picking / peeling them. If I could grow them long I think I would have them bare.

I have my (very dark brown) hair cut and coloured every 5 weeks.

I always polish my shoes / boots.

Thanks for your replies!

I don't colour my hair even though I am 80% grey at 34. Hair mask once a week. I rarely wear makeup and when I do it's only ever blush, mascara and a little consealer. I prefer to focus on skincare using retinol and SPF. No nail polish, just kept neatly trimmed.
I have a formula for my wardrobe which is my tops are all black and I co-ordinate with colour with my bottoms and a scarf. Tops in every sleeve length and neckline but all in black (which I redye when they start to look faded). Couple of different colours of jeans, trousers, tailored shorts and skirts in every length in nice colours or patterns. I'll wear skirts/shorts with tights in the winter/spring and looser trousers in the summer/autumn. Scarves in every weight and every colour that suits.
Most of my wardrobe is second hand to buy quality items at a much lower price but it must fit perfectly for me to keep it so I don't buy often even though I am looking all to time.

Thankyou for sharing that Sitranced!

I don’t do this currently but a good light subtle self tan makes a big difference to my fair but yellow based skin.

Eyebrows tinted and threaded and not overplucked so they look good with no products.

Also like to tint my eyelashes as they are very light at the ends but actually quite long and full. Also having the roots dyed adds a bit of contracts in your lash line which makes you look better too.

Acid timers changed my skin. As someone who suffered with congested and rough skin that never felt moisturised despite slathering it on, using a glycolic acid toner has just transformed it.

SPF is a must. I’m only 25 but am trying to avoid damage. BB cream is great for adding a little bit of coverage and glow as well as the skincare benefits.

This will depend on your hair texture but for me growing out my hair makes it look way better with minimal effort. I had to get mine chopped short to get rid of damage but it’s been growing out since January and because it’s thick and wavy looks much better with length to weight it down a bit. I like a beach natural wave look with lots of movement, it’s easily achievable by washing, adding some hair spray, putting in a loose bun and brushing it out in the morning - minimal effort.

Honestly if you have a bit of self tan, lashes done, brows done and easy to style hair it’s so nice to be able to pop on a slick on lip balm and feel “done”.

Sorry that should say acid toner *

I don't look good all the time but when I imo do look good it's sleep. Sleep makes all the bloody difference!

Stay slim
Drink water
Eat well - this means low carb, lots of veggies
Fake tan
Wear colours that suit me
Good bag, good shoes, good jeans, cheaper tops
Nails painted coral colour couple of times a week
Lots of moisturiser

God yes sleep

As much as you can

Highlights and haircut twice a year.
Moisturiser- my indulgence.
Soap, water.
Pale lipstick.
A touch of mascara.
No smoking.
Exercise - walking/swimming.
Good dental care.
Minimal sun.
Classic clothing - dress and jackets for work.
Minimal Jewellery and classics only.
Good shoes.
Alternatively dog walking clothes of Seasalt tunics and leggings with muck boots when walking the dog. Down bodywarmer or waterproof.

God sleep makes a huge difference, a study has actually been done and the side by side pictures of the poor sleep vs enough sleep have a huge difference between them!

Haircut every 6 weeks and colour every 8 weeks
Drinking water
Yoga
Healthy diet
Staying slim
Exercise
Tidy brows
Botox on no 11s
Teeth whitening strips
Mani/pedi
Sheet masques
Face scrubs