Makeovers

Not a full make over but did have a make up class at Lancome in Paris many moons ago, v good. I think you have to tell them what you want though, a natural- day look or glam- evening look, maybe take photos. A great hairdresser who listens is a godsend. A personal stylist, yes why not! Go for it !!!!

In 1987 I featured in a Woman’s Own makeover, had a fabulous day, wore a £2,000 Zandra Rhodes gown and had my long red hair cut into a pixie cut by a Vidal Sassoon stylist. I’ve kept it short ever since so yes it did change my life!

Did you get to keep the dress, NemoNanna?

Marydoll Sadly not, but it was stunning to wear!

About forty years ago my husband gave me a Zandra Rhodes silk scarf as a gift and I felt so sophisticated. I have to stress he got it a cost price from a colleague , who had contacts. I was actually looking at it the other day and it as good as new.

I too had long, thick red hair in those days, it took hours to dry!!!

i had my hair and make up done professionally for my daughters wedding, hair took forever and lots of pins but it looked wonderfully , the make up was applied with a air spray, it made a huge difference and stayed on all day. i would have it done everyday if i could

For those of you who aren't aware, the girls in the big department stores don't actually have any training for makeup make overs, they simply do them in the hope of selling you the products. You might be lucky and get someone who is actually skilled at doing makeup on all ages, or you might get someone who has only ever done makeup on themselves until they went to work in the store. I know, because I used to work for one of them, and in all honesty now that I am an older lady myself, I realise just how different our skin is to that of most of the youngsters on the counters, which is why all too often if you have your makeup done in store, you come away desperate to clean it off and do it yourself. If you do fancy having a free makeup done in store, I would suggest choosing a salesgirl who's 'look' you like, rather than going for a cosmetic brand that you fancy, as if you choose someone who is heavily made up because you fancy that brand, you may come away feeling like a 'tart' for want of a better expression. Alternatively, if you go for someone who doesn't appear to be wearing much make up, but you prefer a stronger look, then you're likely to come away feeling washed out, and desperate to put on a stronger lippie, more blush and eyeshadow, etc.

Hilarybee

Naninka. There’s a lot on the internet about posing for photos. The one I use a lot now is when you are facing the camera push your head forward, like a tortoise. This gets rid of a bit extra chin and although it feels silly it doesn’t show in photos. If you have a phone with a camera practice taking photos of yourself There is also a lot of advice on body poses on the internet too

Thank you, Hilarybee. I will check this out. Very kind of you to answer. xx

Once my adult youngsters got a bit older in my 40s I started to look at my selfcare and how I looked. It is nor shallow to want to make the best of yourself.

I have a good skin routine I do morning and night with weekly facemasks and a weekly pamper night which includes also doing my waxing, threading, hair with treatment and so on.

I've learnt about the best looks makeup wise through YouTube and using make up makeovers in local stores.

Clothes wise I'm very quirky/Boho and into colour. I see my hairdressers 6 weekly and have my roots done 6 weekly.

I'm a deep intense purple right now. Working at looking my best, being young in style but not mutton dressed as lamb people take me formidable to late 40s. That's part good genetics as well.

Go for it. Find out what works for you. Its not shallow to want to look your best

Above should say "for middle to late 40s" when I am now 59 + 1 ?

I think the essentials are: clean, straight teeth, regular hair cuts, clothes that suit your body shape, fit properly and are in good condition ie not bobbled or faded. Make up that makes you feel confident not overly done.
Oh and no fleece which I think adds 20 years!

My local college cries out for older ladies to practice on as our skin tones and textures are different to the usual models (other students). The students benefit from our experience too and if you find one who is good, you may be their first paying customer out of college!

Maybe a bit different but I went for a boudoir photo shoot about 4 years ago (I'm now 57) which included hair and make-up and I was stunned at the results.

I was in need of a confidence boost and boy did this work. It was a wonderful experience and very tastefully done too. I have some lovely photos as a memento too. Would recommend it to anyone

Coconut and gran16, it sounds just like the one I had . I have some fab photos to look back on. Never felt so glamourous!
I'd recommend having one just for the experience!