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New job - Time for a new look

13 replies

Catspyjamas424 · 13/03/2021 19:09

Hello

I was wondering if any of you could help me, as I’ve got no idea where to start!

For the past two years, I’ve worked in a job I hate, I’ve not worn makeup, had my hair in a ponytail, and worn coloured jeans / jeggings with a jumper and ankle boots. I’ve put deodorant on, but definitely no perfume... basically I’ve really let myself go.

I’ve just got a new job, it’s a great career opportunity for me, with loads of room to grow, and I’m really excited! I want to look professional, I’m fed up of looking like I don’t care. I’ve been told the dress code is smart casual.
Firstly, I want to buy a perfume. I’m on a really tight budget, so don’t want to spend much at all, and I like light, floral scents. Any suggestions?

Secondly, I need to buy some makeup. I don’t want to wear foundation, and I remember I previously had an amazing tinted moisturiser from Bobby Brown, but I think that’s probably out of my price range now! I’m also trying to buy more ethical, non animal testing products. I’m planning on just wearing tinted moisturiser, mascara and doing my eyebrows- any cheap but good product suggestions (I’m incredibly pale, so really need something with spf in)

Finally, clothes. I want to buy a few nice blouses, with long sleeves as I hate my arms, that are comfy and plain, in more neutral colours, that are easy to move round in, and long enough so no risk of coming untucked! I also need to find some nice smart casual trousers.

Any tips, help or suggestions?

Thank you!

OP posts:
oohmyback · 13/03/2021 20:05

Make up- I use a lot of boots No 7 and Rimmel because I refuse to spend a lot! I also have a few primark bits. My bronzer and highlighter I got in home bargains!

You mainly need a good concealer and mascara, neat eyebrows and everything else can be anything as far as I'm concerned!

Perfume I get in the perfume shop
And get what's on offer from what I like. I like kenzo, ghost (any if the scents) very wang Princess, Marc jacobs. But Ive also have a couple of lovely ones from Asda and primark when I've been skint!

With clothes I tend to go fit smart fitted trousers, non iron blouse or jersey top and atm I have a selection of "coatigans" but that's cos I'm a teacher and I have to have the windows open! A relaxed blazer is also nice. I wear lace ups, ballet pumps or loafers and not heels because I have fibromyalgia and heels hurt but tbh I always wore mainly flats to work!

I shop at m and s, h and m, primark and supermarkets mainly.

oohmyback · 13/03/2021 20:06

Oh forgot to say I use BBcream instead if foundation. Got some in Aldi last time I bought and I really like it!

oohmyback · 13/03/2021 20:08

Nest does good length for blouses but I also have some wrap style and tie front blouses which I don't have to tuck in. I got those in yours (I'm a 16) and warehouse

SarBear1980 · 14/03/2021 07:32

If you want to make ethical choices on a budget then Superdrug range is your friend - all their own brand perfume is lovely and cruelty free. They also stock Revolution make up which is cheap and cruelty free - also try Primark gold tube mascara. If you want to continue your ethical choices into clothes avoid fast fashion shops and supermarket clothes - M&S has the best (but not perfect) commitments to fair wages, cotton supply and supply chain openess. I use an app called Good on You to ensure I make more ethical choices. eBay is also your friend...you will get loads on there still with tags and it’s better than it ends up in landfill. Good Luck with your new job 😊

Crappyfridays7 · 14/03/2021 07:36

Elf makeup is lovely as is their skincare
Next do lovely perfumes & sprays is use Sainsbury’s etc for clothes you can build up once you’re in the job and see what everyone else wears. Good luck 🤞

Fluffycloudland77 · 14/03/2021 07:52

M&S do cruelty free perfume, as does Stella McCartney.

SpeckledyHen · 14/03/2021 07:58

Ditto everything said by Crappyfrudays7

bonfireheart · 14/03/2021 11:45

Perfume on a budget - Next
Eyeliner - Rimmel
Mascara - revolution (superdrug) or primary
Make up - revolution
Skincare - superdrug own brand
Clothes - the big supermarkets do nice stuff, try tesco, Sainsburys, Asda.

bonfireheart · 14/03/2021 11:46

*primark not primary

Catspyjamas424 · 14/03/2021 16:33

Thank you all so much- some really really good tips!!!

I do want to try and buy only ethical clothing as well as beauty products and food, but it’s currently the one thing I’m a bit behind on- it’s all so expensive! I try with underwear and socks etc, but I just can’t afford £20/30 for a top unfortunately. Can’t wait for charity shops to reopen!! When I start earning a bit more I plan to buy only ethical clothes but until then I’ll just try my best☺️

Definitely a good idea re a relaxed blazer, then I can just put that over blouses.

I’ve just done my Aldi shop, but I’ll have a look out for their bb cream next week- it sounds good! And very useful to know about super drug as well!

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 14/03/2021 16:36

Ethical make up etc is mostly own brand stuff so it’s quite cheap.

It’s clothes that cost a fortune.

Bobbybobbins · 14/03/2021 16:40

I don't like wearing foundation so I use a concealer and a tinted moisturiser with SPF. I find H&M is good for work clothes.

RobinRose · 14/03/2021 16:55

This is great if you don't want to wear foundation, lasts ages too! www.boots.com/dr-jart-cicapair-tiger-grass-colour-correcting-treatment-15ml-10292010

Zara for perfume
Or marc jacobs daisy (try ebay)

All my work trousers are from Zara, they do lots of different styles, the 'jogger waist' ones are good.. And most of my shirts are from zara too actually 🙄🤦🏼‍♀️

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