Where should I spend my money?

[LagoDiComo]

I’m 43, reasonable amount of disposable income but no matter what style and beauty products I buy, I still don’t feel I am making the most of myself and look fairly worn out, haggard and dull. Where would you focus?

Hair? I have no grey hair and once a year in winter I get some blonde highlights, the rest of the time I rely on lightening products at home. Style is fairly meh, basically a lob, keen not to fall into the ‘she’s over x now, better cut it short’ trap as could make things worse. On the other hand having it just hanging there probably isn’t helpIng I guess. Hairdresser thinks I should go shorter.

Skincare? Have simplified my skincare regime so just use the French brands and a prescription strength retinoid. Not convinced it’s making my skin less aged but has stopped hormonal spots. Suspect it’s giving me a slightly waxy, shiny look, also taking all pigmentation from my skin when often in summer I look freckled, tanned and healthier (obviously an illusion skin care wise)

Makeup? Without make up I look like the girl with the pearl earring so it’s essential but feel like I'm in a rut. I can also look like it’s Halloween very easily. In particular my eyes never look right, have crepeyness so stopped wearing lots of eye make up, just cream shadow, mascara and a touch of liquid liner in the top waterline. But I also have hooded eyes so there’s no depth. Perhaps I need a make up lesson? My eyebrows are very sparse and can quickly look very fake drawn on. I struggle with lipstick as it seems to need constant reapplication. Maybe I need to be looking at microblading or eyelash tinting?

Clothes? I’ve had my colours done but even wearing the so called right ones doesn’t seem to light up my face any more. I essentially wear the same outfit every day, skinnies, top, cardigan which does suit me but losing touch with trends. Was thinking of HOC style as find it very difficult to find things that suit (inverted triangle with big norks on a tiny frame and hate anything high waisted)

Some of this stuff is pretty expensive and am fed up wasting money, so any suggestions or ideas welcome!

How’s your diet? Do you smoke? I find that a good diet is the key to a lovely, glowy skin. Personally, I also spend a bit on stronger face treatments like injectable stuff or vampire facials.

Do you find you’re happy with your hair beyond the first few weeks after your hairdresser appointment? It might look put together if it’s professionally done on a regular basis.
If you’ve got your style uniform, I probably wouldn’t be trying to change it now. You’ll always look better in something you’re comfortable in rather than trying to chase trends and feeling awkward in the stuff.

Go to your local beauty counter and get them to apply your make-up for you. Then buy some top of the range items (I use Dior) Also change your hair colour I have had red hair, brunette and I am blonde at the moment and blondes do really have more fun!

HoC style day and join the HoC Facebook groups .

I find using a bit of fake tan, a touch of blusher on my face and some lipstick works for me. I'm 60 and feel that less is more these days.