Hi everyone
My apologies as this will be a long one but I am (and always have been) completely clueless on all things beauty and fashion related. This was fine when I was young enough to get away with it but have just hit mid 50's and am starting to scare young children. I've been picking up tips / recommendations from previous posts but just wanted feedback before I start ordering things. As someone who has never worn foundation, wouldn't have a clue how to apply blusher, has a limited budget and is self aware enough to realise that my morning and evening skin routine will need to be 10 minutes or less, please could you give thoughts on the following:
Neck: Does anything actually work? I'm sagging like a turkey and have jowls like Geoffrey Palmer. Have tried Prai before but then just had flaky neck skin for the rest of the day. Anyone tried Boost Lab Neck Firming Serum?
Hair: I'm giving up on highlights and trying natural grey for a change. I hate the texture of grey hair though. I've treated myself to the Cornish Seaweed Super Nutrient Purple shampoo and conditioner but it is early days. Any thoughts on a serum that might help with the frizz?
Face: At the moment I just slap on a spf day cream (Olay or Clarins) and exfoliate once a week. I keep getting ads for Nip & Fab though (Peptide finishing oil + Vitamin C oil) to add to this. Any thoughts? Also - facial hair...do people really shave? I'm just fluffy all over and the hair is getting longer. I can't see well enough to use tweezers but am terrified of starting with a razor and ending up with a 5 oclock shadow each day...
Body: I think I could do with a dry body brush (Bare Botanics?). I moisturize my legs each morning but thinking of trying This Works Perfect Legs for the summer. Last year I also used Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil in the evenings, which I loved because of the smell but I just can't afford it on a regular basis. Anything similiar but cheaper?
Make up: This is the biggie. It needs to be simple and easy so like the idea of Burts Bees tinted lip balm, plus mascara (Elf?) plus an eye pencil. I do need something to even out my skin tone though. I've tried a tinted moisterizer in the past but, no matter how much I moisturize, the area around my nose just flakes. I did pop into Liberty's at Christmas and someone from the Hourglass counter mixed a primer with a tint with something else - it looked amazing, and stayed in place all day. But 3 different things and I can't afford any of them! Is primer the key? I saw Erborian CC cream recommended but don't know what a cc cream is or if this would help?
General: I'm getting spammed at the moment with videos of women's morning routines which include multiple supplements and smoothies or coffees with loads of powders added. What are these things and do they help? I have tried Ancient and Brave, but only for a while and wonder if I should go back to it? I don't put much store in vitamins but vit d seems recommended for older women. I'm already on HRT which feels more than enough for the moment. (NB I'm a pescatarian with a healthy diet but very low iron levels).
Also, compression socks...I'm obviously a sucker for a Facebook ad but apparently everyone over 50 should be wearing them to help circulation and support heart health. More importantly, they apparently prevent 'concrete legs' and seem to take inches off your calf width. Am I being an idiot to fall for this?
Finally, I need to up my stakes with professional dressing. I'm fine with shirts, jackets and handbags but need some really good, smart, comfortable bottoms and some clue with shoes. I'm good with boots for the winter but what to wear for the rest of the year when you can't do heels??
Thank you if you have made it this far. You don't need to comment on all of the above but any game changer tips you can offer would be really appreciated.