I need a new look

[Pear21]

Where should I start? I have neglected myself during lockdown and prior to that was either pregnant or on maternity leave. I feel a bit unsure where to start.

I probably need -

A whole new wardrobe
Hair cut and colour
New glasses
New make up

Which should I do first?

Any tips?

I’m really nervous about where to start. I’m nervous about going up to a make up counter and saying hi please can I get a new look, suitable for going to soft play and standing in the playground with (haha)

Anyone?

I’d do a little bit of everything! Starting with some cheap and cheerful things before going full throttle.

Start with a good foundation for your skin; you could go and get a fancy shmancy one but I’ve tried a fair few and I like revlon colourstay, good coverage, good range of colours, goes on well, often on 3 for 2. You could also get a peachy blush and some photo ready primer if it is on 3 for 2 as they’ll help!

Next I’d pop on a

Hair and glasses are the easiest, and will make the most instant impact.

Maybe some of the at home try on type glasses retailers? I recently had a specsavers eye test but really struggled to choose glasses in the store, so I ordered some to try from Bloobloom and ace & tate. I'm really pleased with mine and already feel more stylish without changing anything else.

Thanks that’s great. Yeah I think I need a bit of all the elements.

Hmmm, yes I do like my current glasses but I’ve had them quite a few years. Think I might change glasses first - could be expensive and I’ll have them a few years whereas hair could be more easily changed I guess?

Start with hair!
I’m very similar. I seem to have neglected myself, been trying to “find my style” again but a year in and I’m not sure I’ve cracked it yet.

I used to love clothes and would know when something was “me”. Now I’m like ‘oh that will fit me’ (thanks to lockdown stone) which is totally uninspiring.

I’m determined (any day now!) to get a day wandering about the shops and not to go to the shops I shop online in… I am in need of inspiration for it to fall into place.

I used to love Anthropologie for so so much, and I’d “back up” outfits from there with other bits from Selected, Levi… anywhere online really... But lately I’ve been buying from boden, Reiss, JL, and I’ve just lost myself along the way.

I found emptying my wardrobe of ‘for the charity shop’, and a separate “maybe will fit again one day” but removed from wardrobe, has cleared up space so I can see what I’ve actually got. And most of it is terrible…

Hoping for help too form other posters!

I tend to think you should start from the base up ie skincare, then any facial grooming, then hair grooming. Makeup would come after hair, wardrobe last, glasses as soon as you like.

I say wardrobe last, but that I think is the fun bit, I'm over on the Princessing 2022 thread, having a 2022 makeover myself. I've started with supplements, and skincare, teeth whitening, better diet etc. Next on list microblading and hair, then will be nails and eyelash extensions. I have started on buying my new wardrobe of clothes and jewellery but will only put it all together when the rest is complete.

Oh wow. I’m surprised most people are saying make up etc first.

Hmmm, okay, any tips on how to get better make up?

When I go to the make up counter I usually come back with new foundation and eye shadow but I look pretty much the same as before??? Not sure where I’m going wrong really?! Do I need to buy all the ‘extras’ such as highlighter etc to actually look any better? I need a quick and easy daytime look basically. Thanks

Hi OP, I would say first start with hair. My DM was a hairdresser, so maybe I am biased, but I always think hair is the first thing we notice in people. I got my hair done last week, cut and colour - I didn't even need make-up to look great. If you get a great cut, it is easier to manage, especially when you are running around after young children.

After that, go with clothes, then make-up then glasses.

I think for make-up, keep it simple for every day, so tinted moisturiser or BB cream, mascara and, only if you have dark shadows, some concealer. Good to go.

Don't bother with foundation unless you are going to an event or work - really, foundation looks too overdone at soft play or mum and baby groups.

Start with the hair. A change of colour wll affect what colour spex, make-up and clothes

I'd start with hair too - it influences what glasses and make up you buy and it's the most dramatic change. I'd also get eyebrows threaded/dyed and nails done, since these are smaller, less expensive things but do make a big difference.

Thanks everyone.

In my mind I was thinking glasses first as that’s the bigger purchase compared to hair?

I signed up to stich fix - it's like an online personal shopper. They send you 5 items and you can keep what you like and send back (for free) what you don't. My first two deliveries were amazing and I kept all of the items. The third I sent 4 of them back so it is a bit hit and miss sometimes. However, It's amazing what a few new items of clothing can do for your confidence.

And it encouraged me to get rid of all the clothes I was hoping to fit into again (but never will as my body shape has completely changed since I had my children) which was very refreshing. It made me feel much better about myself as I didn't have the constant reminder of how great I looked before my children completely ravaged my body!

Start with hair.

Maybe treat yourself to a facial and get eyebrows waxed and lashes and eyebrows tinted if you fancy.

Maybe have a look at beauty and the boutique on Facebook for make up. They have some quick make up staples that look natural. I bought the cream to even out complexion, Daniel Sandler liquid blusher (lasts for ages) and and the concealer stick. I have my own mascara and use a Clinique chubby stick in a natural shade. I bought online and sent them a scary photo of my pale face with no make up and greying hair. I was very pleased with products and they make me feel and look more alive.

Book an appointment with a personal shopper at John Lewis and explain what you want and if the first rack of clothes isn’t right don’t be afraid of telling them and why. I have always been very pleased when I have done this and not necessarily for a special event.

Also treat yourself to some new under wear, a nice body lotion and a new perfume if you can.

Drink plenty of water and get out in the fresh air for a good walk every day.

All these things will make a difference.

Sorry I forgot glasses.

I would start at the top, hair, make up, glasses, clothes.

Wow that’s really good advice thank you! I definitely need to build up the confidence to try all these ideas.

Will definitely look at stitch fix and John Lewis and make up. Thank you!!

Echoing posters saying hair first. You wear your hair every day! (And if you wear glasses, likewise.) You are much more likely to feel confident at a makeup counter with fabulous hair.

In terms of clothes I would have a think about what you like to wear, then order a load of stuff on eg ASOS to try on/send back at home. If you wear jeans a lot I would focus on getting one really, really great pair and some tops to go with them as a starting point. M&S jeans actually get a very good press on here, and Who, What, Wear have featured them recently too.

@Judystilldreamsofhorses

Echoing posters saying hair first. You wear your hair every day! (And if you wear glasses, likewise.) You are much more likely to feel confident at a makeup counter with fabulous hair.

In terms of clothes I would have a think about what you like to wear, then order a load of stuff on eg ASOS to try on/send back at home. If you wear jeans a lot I would focus on getting one really, really great pair and some tops to go with them as a starting point. M&S jeans actually get a very good press on here, and Who, What, Wear have featured them recently too.

go to a good independent optician and try some frames. I like cat eye ones myself. Spend some time and get some pics taken. Glasses are everyday for me so I like to wear decent ones. Despite needing varifocals....

I would say glasses first, because your hairdresser will then cut your hair taking your glasses into account.