Some advice if I may?

[H0CUSPOCUS]

I'm 48. I did look okay for my age but I've had a really stressful year with my child in hospital and I looked in the mirror this morning and thought God, what's happened??

I've never worn much make up, mascara and a bit of bronzer usually.

I feel like such an amateur at all this.

How can I make myself look presentable? I feel like I didn't used to need to make much effort but looking in the mirror makes me sad.

I'm looking tired, my skin is sagging and pale

Any suggestions? I was wondering about a tinted moisturiser? Where do I find one that is right for my skin?

Have you thought about booking in with a makeup consultant at Boots or a department store? It could be helpful.

Having had a similar identity crisis and being similarly amateur in the make up department, I've been using this recently and have been complemented on how well I look several times. Have also found that using a radiant primer has worked well. No. 7 counter did a good job of matching to my skin tone, although I went one shade warmer than the exact match and I'm glad I did.

https://www.boots.com/no7-radiance-and-foundation-cream-10349205

I’m sorry you’ve had a tough year.

My advice would be to really concentrate on your skincare. There is only so much make up can do if the skin beneath isn’t as good as it could be. That said, the No 7 foundations (there is one in a blue tube and one orange) are both excellent.

There are lots of skincare threads on here, but my advice would be something like

AM (looks a lot, but takes 2 minutes)
Cerave hydrating cleanser
Spritz of Curel deep moisture spray
Hada Labo Hyaluronic
Another spritz moisture spray
Vitamin C
Moisturiser
SPF

PM
Cleanser
Medik8 Retinal

I’ve been doing this religiously for a year or two now and my skin is the best it’s ever been. Make up looks so much better on my skin now than it’s ever done before.

Sounds incredibly tough OP, you deserve to treat yourself.

If funds allow, I'd suggest: hair cut and colour, professional eyebrow shape, and teeth whitening (as long as you've got the go ahead from your dentist).

These are my favourite budget skincare picks: Bioderma micellar water, Cerave hydrating cleaner, Byoma gel moisturiser, Hero sunscreen, Beauty of Joseon retinal eye cream (I use this all over my face at night only).

Other things that might be worth considering: satin pillowcase

Healthwise: upping water intake, vitamins or daily smoothie (at least two types of veg)

Rose hip oil, tret, Cerave face wash , hyalonuric acid.

Ha I came on as I thought you were offering advice!

I like Nars tinted moisturiser which is good for most skin types and comes in lots of shades.

Could try a blusher, maybe one of the combined lip/cheek ones like Bobbi Brown or Stila. I look like death warmed up without make up, especially at this time of year.

Bronzing drops that you put in your moisturiser might be a good option too.

If you’ve had a stressful year you probably haven’t been eating as well as you could?

Repeating myself, I know, but unless you’re growing your own fruit and vegetables you would almost certainly benefit from increasing your intake. If you could order a weekly veg box - and make sure to consume everything in it - you’d soon notice some improvement in your skin. Salmon and oily fish are also an excellent way to boost health and well being.

Presumably you also haven’t been getting as much good quality sleep as you need? And what about fresh air and a bit of exercise. (Not so much a gym as somewhere green and calm maybe?)

These honestly are things worth addressing - otherwise any money spent on products will largely be wasted.

I have changed my make-up application as I've reached 46. Lisa Eldridge videos are great. I'm also being much more thorough in my skin care.

Her make up is also amazing but quite pricey