Hi Moms, I'm 46 years old and have 2 and 3 year old sons. I work full-time, commute 2 hours a day, and try to manage to fit in running 3-4 times per week. I really need to face the fact that I'm not looking as good as I should these days. Although running keeps me in great shape, I look tired and, well, like I'm 46. I've never been one for fashion or makeup and so these things are really lacking. I do wear makeup and it helps but not that dramatically. My worst feature is my hair which is baby fine, dull brown, and wavy. I keep it short because I have a long, thin face and neck and when it gets to shoulder length it just looks terrible - stringy and thin. Anyway, you all get the point.
I need help and I don't even know where to start. We are on a VERY low budget. Any suggestions? Is there some place I can go for help?
Thank you Everyone! I got so much great advice, I really appreciate it. I am going to go check out the Bobbi Brown counter, among other things. Thanks again!
Hi,
What if you tried to contact a local cosmetology school? I have been told by a lot of people here where I live they often call and make an appointment and get nice, inexpensive cuts & colors. I have also heard Sephora (usually in malls) does make overs for free.
Hope this helps!
I'm a stylist. I would love to see some pics and can give you a free consult on what to do with your hair and make-up.
From what I can tell from what you say though, is your very fine, dull and wavy hair would look great in a modern shag/bob with a few thin highlights + lowlights through out the top.
Highlights add height especially when paired with a few well placed low lights because it creates and optical illusion, it also roughens up the texture of your hair just a bit enough to create some much needed height and texture.
The modern shag would look great to not only frame your face, but it would work perfectly with that fine wavy texture. I would love to see how you do your bangs, keeping them side swept and low can help emphasize any texture you can get in the scalp area by a little bit of teasing. Just use a fit of thickening foam or mouse and some light hairspray to hold the style. you don't want too much products in there, otherwise it will weigh it down. If you can afford it, the Sebastion Body Double line is wonderful for your texture, has an amazing citrus scent, but gets a little pricey.
http://www.haircareusa.com/sebastian_body_double_thick_ha...
I'm thinking the first one here:
http://2010-hairtrends.blogspot.com/2009/09/2010-short-sh...
top two cuts here as well:
http://justabouthair.com/medium-hair-cuts/
As for make-up d you do your brows? I find, that having a full and great arch, with filled in with just a bit of liner if you need and a lightener (Covergirl Champagne eyeshadow) just under the brow work miracles for a face. Here is a blog post I wrote about the eyes:
http://littlelovables.blogspot.com/2009/09/smokin-hot-eye...
Drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep. You probably don't have many blemishes, but may have tired, ruddy skin? I would suggest a good spf moisturizer and bare minerals powder. They have a concealer and a finishing powder called mineral veil and those are also spf. They run about $25 each, but they last a long time. I usually get those for my face make-up, then use less expensive grocery store brands for other make-up. Going to Mary Kay or a Bobbi Brown counter will only get you to spend more money on many things you don't actually need, but they will be able to show you some tips/tricks that look good on you.
I would use a lash curler and mascara in a deep black or deep brown, and some light white liner in the rim of your lower lashes to brighten tired eyes.
For a tight budget, I would go to a local beauty school, or some med-end salons have apprentices (who are fully licensed) that do great hair for relatively cheap. Call around the salons in your hair.
I would get a great pair of jeans, a nice vneck and some cute shoes and long earrings that peak out from your hair and you will feel like a million bucks.
Learning how to dress to accentuate your curves and hide problems areas is what I do. Same with make-up, I accentuate my eyes to take the focus off of my not so great skin.
Also, when I go out, I put on make-up, and don't always have time to do my hair, but it's pretty easy to make a shorter cut look attractive with just some bobby pins pinning the bangs area back like this:
http://www.etsy.com/transaction/10120342
But, I'm a hairstylist and makeup artist, so those are my things! I do not have a perfect body, or skin or hair, but learning how to maximize your strengths and minimize your weak areas are what is key.
http://www.style-makeover-hq.com/body-shape.html
For a tummy (like many moms have) a nice form flattering shirt, with maybe some rushing and detail around the chest, and a light drape and some looseness around the waist area, will really hide that pouch.
Jeans can really make any figure look hot, you just have to know what is right for your shape. This is one of the best guides out there. There are several articles, but it tells you what to shop for, what brands/lengths/colors/pocket styles work best for your figure...
http://www.oprah.com/style/The-Jean-Buying-Fit-Guide/1
My first advice is to get to the Bobbi Brown make up counter (Nordstroms/Macys I know sell her). Her entire line is great for a no-makeup makeup look which is appropriate for your age. Get a complimentary makeover. With this they will give you advice and training on how to use makeup. You don't have to buy it all either-there are great drugstore dupes for many things. Go to www.makeupalley.com and ask on their makeup board....they are super knowledgable about this kind of thing.
Checkout this website for dressing www.youlookfab.com. Angie has tons of "formulas" that she has put together for wardrobes and she really addresses REAL women and their needs. Plus their forum is super supportive and you can post pictures for advice.
You sound like you need to work on your skin. I would advise you to go to a medical spa where you can get a free evaluation. I went to one and they took this special photo that showed sun damage, wrinkle %, etc. They then advised me on products and services to help. you can then look online and find the products for much cheaper than they sell them for!
If you can't get to a medical spa then maybe try the Olay Pro X line. I hear great things about it.
As for hair...very hard to help without seeing you. At the you look fab website I mentioned they are always helping eachother with hairstyle advice. I would ask there. If you have good bone structure maybe a pixie cut? Very 'of the moment' and easy to care for.
I hear you! I'm turning 43, and after basically giving the beauty industry the cold shoulder for the last 25 years, I'm starting to look at what it can do for me now . . . ugh. I'd suggest getting a good cut at a good salon initially, and then having your less expensive, local person maintain it. That way, you can just go to the great salon once per year. I'm so glad you are getting some exercise -- a strong, healthy body will go a long way! Keep it up!
Modeling trick:
When you're hung over, haven't eaten in 3 days, and running around like crazy trying to get work... you look like medusa. Most companies don't hire medusa. And you also about 20 years older than you should. Which is another big no-no in modeling when you're really supposed to look like an adolescent boy. AND you're "not allowed" to wear makeup during interviews (or you weren't 15 years ago... god only knows what the standard is these days)
Anyhow... here's the trick (unless you're of African/Caribbean/Australian aborig descent):
- Coverup under your eyes and at the corners of your mouth (most people get dark there as well when they're sleepy, but it's subtler).
- BLUSH (not normal blush, but VERY LIGHT and kind of bright PINK blush... to find the shade, match it to your -or your child's- bare lips). Use your finger and swipe it across the bridge of your nose. Then on the TOP of your cheekbones with a brush, not the apple. You want this blush where the sun would hit you. So imagine where you get sunburned, it's just not red. Also a bit right on your chin. THEN flex your neck and run the brush over your sternoclemastoids (the cords that run from the back of your ear to your sternum... the actual name is a combo of sternum-clavical-mastoid, brestbone, collar bone, jaw).
The entire effect is so subtle that most people's eyes don't see it... because it creates the illusion of RESTED & "has been out in the sun"/sun kissed (but not burned)... which translates to the human eye as rested and young. I finally got my 60yo mum to start doing this and it peeled 15 years off of her :) :) :) It also takes approximately 20 seconds to apply. (She saw me one morning after being up with my sick son all night, and after coming out of the bathroom 2 minutes later asked me what on earth I did, since I "didn't have makeup on" haha! I do mum, just not warpaint)
If you're going to fully war-paint your face, do the concealer first, and the blush last. Yes. Even after your regular blush that goes on the apple of your cheek. Regular blush creates shadow and makes your face thinner. This blush adds "life" your face.
Of course, regular sleep and REAL time out in the sun is best. But in my state the sun doesn't even come out before or after work hours, and is hidden by clouds 8 mo of the year in any event.
I was surprised how much better I looked when I got my brows "done" (including dye). Eyebrow pencil works too.
I rarely do anything more than eyeliner, mascara, and lipgloss. I never wear foundation. Some days, when it's been awhile since I could get my brows shaped & dyed, I do the brow pencil too. And sometimes that is ALL I do!
The browliner can double as eyeliner so there's a savings (eyeliner doesn't seem to be able to double as brow liner though).
People often think that I am about 10 years younger than I am. I believe that keeping make-up REALLY low-key keeps us younger looking. And really, if you've never been big on wearing it, how likely are you to go all-out now?
I am afraid the only hair advice I have is to ask people you see with great hair where they get it cut. Could be pricey, but maybe not. The best salon I have found costs $35/cut in a city where $70 is standard. A good haircut goes a loooooooooooong way in making me feel good about how I look!
With the hair, if you have been wearing it short for a long time, now may be the time to let it grow longer and have it cut in layers or an asymetrical cut. What about bangs, they can look great too. It is hard to tell without seeing you.
I would try on several different wigs to find a style that works and then go to a beauty school to get them to do that style on you. Also your syling products may be dulling your hair. A great cut and color will work wonders.
Bobbi Brown make up would probably be best for you since they keep it more natural. Mary Kay seems more over done to me and may just be overwhelming for you.
Concealer is your friend to hide discolorations in your face. Drink plenty of water and are you taking vitamins and getting plenty of sleep. Lack of sleep, water and nutrition will show on your face. Also protect your face with an SPF. I'm wishing you success on looking better.
Try getting a weave (with 2-3 colors that compliment each other) it can do wonders for boosting your looks. Ask someone whose hair you like where they get it done, if you can find someone who does hair out of their home it is usually much cheaper. Or you could look to see if there is a beauty school in your town, and you can get a very reduced price there. You could also try a hair straightner or fat curling iron to smooth your hair or flip up the ends for a little kick.
For makeup, consider having someone with a program like Mary Kay come over and do yours for you. You could also select a makeup counter at a dept. store that caters to woman in our age range (40s). Plan on buying one product or two, but just don't invest in any expensive "systems." You'll get some great tips for how to look your best and maybe find one great product that really helps.
As far as hair cuts, ask people you know for referrals. Not everyone goes to expensive salons and you may learn of an inexpensive salon that does great work. Also consider beauty schools where you can get a deal and a great new look.
Good luck!
