I need a boost to my self-esteem. Come talk bra's and makeup

[AreYouCallingMeDarling]

I need new bra's and have heard that bravissimo is good? Recomendations?

I don't wear makeup unless I am having one of my 2 nights out a year

I want to start (slowly - don't want everyone at work dieing of shock at the sudden change in appearance). Bit of mascara? Tiny bit of lippy? Don't have great skin so maybe I need to do something about that first?

I got measured at Bravissimo recently. Went in 36DD, came out 32F! They are so right, it makes a huge difference wearing a properly fitting bra. If you are larger than a C cup I would definitely recommend them - and if you think you are a C cup you are most likely a DD!
I started a thread about make a couple of weeks back and got some really helpful advice will try to link.

Yes, a good bra helps. When i got properly measured (thought i was 36B, was 30E) the bra felt good and the boobies are back up where they should be BUT i have a huge unsightly overhang just under my armpits and above the strap at the back. I'm slim so this pisses me off and i continue to wear wrong sized bras. Vain , I know.

And always wear mascara. I don't wear make up everyday but i always wear mascara. And choose a good one, one that won't clump or smudge on the lower lashes.

What else, Lippy? I can;t remember the brand make but there's a range that is natural and they group them together accoring to hair colour - a range form brunettes, blondes, etc. they're excellent if you don't want to go all out on colour.

Make-up wise i'd start with the following:

• tinted moisturiser
• little bit of concealer for under eyes, round nose
• blusher
• tinted lip balm
• taupe eye-shadow - sort of colour your eyelids should be
• mascara

But the main thing i'd do is pop along to a good counter (bobbi brown or laura mercier) and ask them to create a very easy/natural look.

And then i'd go home and practice.

You just want to look a bit more polished - like a better version of you iykwim not caked in make up.

Regarding bras - also get some nice matching knickers. Nice underwear that matches is fab for self esteem.

Also some nice smellies - a nice bath oil, a body scrub and some body lotion.

Good luck and have fun.

which mascara - what brands do you all love?

I am strapped financially a bit, but am willing to spend for the right one in this.

Oh and thank you all.

Bravissimo it is then (was F when pg, now 2 years later they are less, erm, upstanding, but still not inconsiderable! and DD seems to be the way I fit them now)

Well i'm using dior iconic at the moment which is very good and natural but also rate maybelline.

Just go easy on the mascara if you're not wearing any other make-up though.

I swear by Lancome's Hypnose (pricey but worth it, especially if you get it on offer with an eye liner and make up remover). I recently bought a new mascara (the one with Penelope Cruz, where you put the white stuff on first then the mascara) RUBBISH. Waste of a tenner. Went back to what I've used for years.

And as Traceybath says, Practice. I'm not that good at make up but I'm better than i was a few years ago. A nice pale peachy eyeshadow colour (Bourjoius rose is nice, says Rose but is more peachy) with taupe along the creases in a V shape is natural and not showey (i wear that to work).

Good luck with the new look. It's fun trying new styles and looks.