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Style and beauty

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Your one top tip for your own personal style and beauty

38 replies

FourSeasonsLobelia · 20/12/2025 08:03

I was brought up to think that caring about your appearance was nothing more than vanity. So I never really paid attention, and have always struggled to just 'get' what other people seem to get about how to dress, present yourself etc. I'm 52 now and just want to go from scruffy dumpy to chic elegant older woman. I am successfully overhauling my diet so that's a start, and I religiously have ironed matching clothes (A little boring to be fair as I stick to neutral colours to be on the safe side).

So- what is your single top tip? My resolution for 2026 is to regularly get my eyebrows attended to and professionally shaped (they are big and bushY). What other things can I add? I love a list!!

Thank you in advance!

OP posts:
Purplecatshopaholic · 20/12/2025 14:47

Well groomed brows - they frame the face (YouTube videos! Caroline Barnes, Charlotte Holcroft, Gemma at Pampered Wolf, etc). Mascara on upper lashes but go easy on lower lashes, and for goodness sake don’t do the heavy eyeliner on lower lash line (like we all did when younger) - it works at 22, 32, but defo not 52 - you want peoples eyes to focus up the way, not down. Tinted moisturiser rather than foundation - I like Erborian CC crème.
Dress for your shape - I too love Dark Academia - I too am not the shape for it, lol.
And enjoy the process op. Clothes, make up, etc, help you good about yourself and are some of life’s pleasures.

xmasstress12 · 20/12/2025 14:48

Work p/t, it just makes for a far more stress free life which is reflected on your face.

UpToonGirl · 20/12/2025 14:50

Spritz of face tanner every couple of days. I'm very pale and it just gives me a lift. Key is to just use it lightly and make sure you are nice and noisturised. I also dye my brows every few weeks.

Earrings every day. I've got some lovely expensive ones but I've also got some that look just as good from TKMaxx.

Illegally18 · 20/12/2025 17:15

Alexadidzammomarryjackie · 20/12/2025 08:07

Wear a slip under skirts/dresses.

100% agree!

TinselTarts · 20/12/2025 17:30

Get into a skincare routine. including retinol. It doesn't have to be expensive products if you don't have a big budget.

Also, get nails done if you can. I have BIAB gel done once a month. It makes me feel so much more put together

Illegally18 · 20/12/2025 17:31

FourSeasonsLobelia · 20/12/2025 08:03

I was brought up to think that caring about your appearance was nothing more than vanity. So I never really paid attention, and have always struggled to just 'get' what other people seem to get about how to dress, present yourself etc. I'm 52 now and just want to go from scruffy dumpy to chic elegant older woman. I am successfully overhauling my diet so that's a start, and I religiously have ironed matching clothes (A little boring to be fair as I stick to neutral colours to be on the safe side).

So- what is your single top tip? My resolution for 2026 is to regularly get my eyebrows attended to and professionally shaped (they are big and bushY). What other things can I add? I love a list!!

Thank you in advance!

Personally I find lipstick is always very becoming, and always notice it when other women wear it. A well chosen one brightens the face. If you're not used to lipstick, you have to adjust to seeing yourself with it.

HotAsSatansBalls · 20/12/2025 17:44

ittakes2 · 20/12/2025 09:12

get your colours done. Finding the colours that suit you is an investment you can buy clothes with confidence / it’s easier to put outfits together as the colours that suit you will all suit each other. Saves money and time as you don’t consider clothes in colours you have learnt don’t suit you

This is excellent advice! It’s certainly one of the best investments I’ve made. It’s not just about clothes and accessories: you’ll get a personalised assessment on which makeup and lipstick colours suit you as an individual. Some colour consultants offer style consultations too which is very useful if you’re not sure what looks good on you.

Raisondeetre · 21/12/2025 06:58

Take care of your skin. Pluck eyebrows , file nails . Style your hair . Wear tinted moisturiser . Polish shoes and iron clothes. Yoga and drink lots of water. Don’t drink fizzy drinks or alcohol or eat processed food. Sugar is very ageing in all forms. Exercise regularly.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 21/12/2025 07:10

Lovely thread.

My tip is to invest in coats and boots, as we spend so much of the year in them. A bright wool coat is a lovely thing to own, as it can make a boring outfit look intentional and interesting. I’d also suggest getting a couple of great scarves to go with your coats - my favourites are a huge All Saints one and a Vivienne Westwood one.

sammyspoon · 21/12/2025 09:17

Nifty50something · 20/12/2025 14:38

Tight line your eyes. It looks way better than the way I used to apply eyeliner and really draws attention to the eyes yet looks subtle.

A word of warning. I was tight lining my eyes and it caused blepharitis and now I struggle to wear eye make up at all as it flares up.

Nifty50something · 21/12/2025 10:20

Thank you @sammyspoon I didn't realise it was dangerous!

Mysteise · 21/12/2025 11:18

You don’t have to pay professionals to look polished if you can’t afford it. With so many tutorials and tips online now, it’s easy to learn how to do your own nail polish, dye and shape your brows, and style your hair at home. The key is keeping on top of these maintenance things regularly, not just once in a blue moon, as consistency makes far more difference than the occasional big effort.

These steps go a long way in helping you look put-together without a huge amount of time or money. You just need a small initial spend on the right products and tools, plus a bit of practice. Of course, professional treatments will usually look “better,” but you can do a perfectly good job by learning a few skills yourself.

Stick to classic nail colours like red or nude, keep brows close to your natural shape and enhance them with something like Eyelure Dyebrow, and invest in a curling iron or a decent hair dryer and round brush to do your hair.

Skincare also makes a big difference. You don’t need anything complicated — cleanse your face, moisturise daily, and use a gentle liquid exfoliator a few times a week (for example, ones like The Ordinary or Pixi Glow). Healthy, hydrated skin instantly makes everything else look better, even with minimal makeup.

It isn’t rocket science. While you could spend a small fortune on hair dye, Botox, fillers, lash extensions and endless treatments, you really don’t have to. Simple routines done consistently are what actually make the difference.

Shittyyear2025 · 21/12/2025 11:30

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