Never worn make up....

[pigsinmud]

I'm 36 and never worn any make up ever. However with 4 children to run around after I now look knackered. I have a wedding to go to in a few weeks. It's a whole weekend wedding with guests and couple staying in same small hotel. I'd like to look a bit better and think I need some light make up. I don't know how to start though - let alone apply it. I have an idea I'll look like a 5 year old playing around with make up.

I'm fairly pale, with a few freckles. Blue eyes and my hair (I need help with that too!) is shoulder length, straight & light brown. My skin has gone to pot lately so I need to hide my blemishes!

Help. Some simple tips would be greatly appreciated.

The best thing you can do for your skin is exfoliate. This one leaves your skin really smooth.

Are you on a tight budget? If not then get yourself down to the Clarins counter for a tinted moisturiser that won't clog your pores.

Mascara will really open your eyes. The best mascara is Long Pretty Lashes by Clinique. It's about £11.00 but worth every penny! It doesn't clog. You honestly can't go wrong with it. Buy the black/brown one as black might look a little harsh on pale skin.

If you've got a spare hour most department store make-up counters will give you tips on how to apply and what colours suit you. Best to go on a weekday mid afternoon when they're not busy.

Go and have a makeover at a Bobbie Brown counter - for people who don;t use make up regularly they are great.

And I swear by Estee Lauder Revelation Face Cream to make myself look fresh and sparkly without having to resort to foundation - it has a little sparkle in it that is imperceptible close up but really makes you glow.

And treat yourself to a really good haircut at Sachs or Toni & Guy - will knock years off.

Hope you have a fab time.

I reckon you shouldn't aim to go from no make up to a full face of slap because you'll just feel uncomfortable and not like 'you'.

I recommend mineral foundation powder if you've got a few blemishes and you're scared of foundation. You can order a few sample pots from www.lilylolo.com. Get a good brush. Then just swirl it on to hide blemishes.

A touch of cream blusher will add a bit of colour and take years off. Clinique do a nice one but I've recently got MaxFactor Magic Creme Blush (or something like that) and it works just as well and only cost something like £6.

Clinique Naturally Glossy Mascara is brilliant if you're not used to wearing lots of make up.

Add a dab of lipgloss and you're away!

My hair's a bit of a state myself so I can't give any good advice other than to get yourself a good cut or at least a nice blowdry before the wedding.

Let us know how you get on!

Thanks for the tips. Certainly don't want a full face of slap Just something to make me look less knackered. I don't think I'm brave enough to venture near a makeup counter for a makeover!

Have a look at the Clarins Colour Tint. It sounds like just the right product for you. Non-fussy and as easy to apply as a moisturiser.

i get a bit spotty but just use a little spot cover over the nasty bits and skip the foundation, might be an idea.

can a friend give you a makeover? they'll know what you feel comfortable with. i just weat eyeliner and mascara, don't have to bother re-applying like lippy.

I've just come back from a Bobbi Brown make up lesson and I feel amazing. I hardly ever wear (lots of) make up but I'm getting married in 4 weeks and needed some advice, mainly so I can politely tell the make up girl in Vegas to STOP before she makes me look like a total whore... it's really not too scary at all, and it was free. I ended up buying some stuff but there was no pressure, this was at House of Fraser. Even if you don't want all the palaver of concealers, bronzer etc it will be cool to see how someone else can make you look!

You could also think about getting your eyelashes dyed. It adds definition to your eyes without making you look obviously made up, and makes mascara look better if you choose to wear it.

I went to Body Ship before my own wedding. A bit less intimidating than makeup counters and free.

I never wear makeup - well not since blue eyeshadow aged 14 and a bit of mascara in my early 20s. My skin is also very dry and sensitive.

They talked me through all the steps and products they used and finished up with a lovely not-very-made-up-at-all look which I liked. I then had the choice what to buy or not (I bought most but not all of the products). I did it myself for the wedding and a few occasions since... but still have the whole lot in a bag, nearly 9 years on!

Oops - meant Body Shop

That'll learn me not to preview posts!

You need expert guidance if starting from scratch, honest. I did this a few years ago. Went to Mac counter and said, help me, am pathetic makeup virgin.

Girl did a no-makeup makeover on me in about 10 mins. Twas marvellous. I looked significantly more 'put-together', but not necessarily as if I was wearing slap.

Bought the primer, foundation (incredibly light and sheer so you really don't feel it on your skin) and eyeshadow in Shroom, but it all lasts for ages, so good investment.

For blusher, I commend Benetint, very easy to get right, and health-giving. Don't bother with spendy mascara, I like the cheapo Rimmel comb one that look like a torture instrument -- less clogging.

Thank you thank you thank you. I do need guidance myeye, you're absolutely right. I had a look online last night and my head was reeling ...foundation, concealer ......

I'm going shopping with my mum on Friday (3 children at school and dh has day off so he has the youngest)so I'll try and get the confidence to go and ask for help! I usually panic at the sight of made up, dressed up make up counter women, but I'll try and be brave.

Have considered asking friends, but 2 main candidates wear a lot of makeup so not sure if they'd get the minimal makeup idea.