Best Links and Suggestions for Revamping Your Appearance

[Silverbirch]

Okay, we all know that looks and appearance aren't everything. I spend half my life in a paddock so obviously don't wear makeup and bling all the time, but I do like to go out and put a little effort into making the most of what I do have BECAUSE IT HELPS ME TO FEEL GOOD. So for those of us who do an interest in that sort of thing, thought it might be an idea for people to post links to the sites which they have found most useful.

 

There is an Australian site I have found useful, Vogue Forums which is part of Vogue Magazine. If I want to know anything, usually somebody else has posted about it. There is currently a No-Spend Thread, where people have committed to not spending any more money for specified periods of time on clothing and makeup, and using up the products they already have. Some of the info may not be relevant for people outside of Australia, but probably most of it is relevant. Here's the link.

 

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There are a couple of others I'd like to find, but please feel free to post your links and suggestions.

[meoww]

Chemical peels!! just started using them and they are truly amazing.

[Silverbirch]

Do you make your own Meoww. I have been going to a doctor who told me to use Neo-Strata products which contain Glycolic Acid, and he prescribed prescription strength Vitamin A cream which I used. I did find though that I've had to go very slow as my face gets dry. Do you do your own Meoww?

 

Also, can anyone recommend the best sites where you upload your own photo and try on a virtual gallery of different hairstyles and makeup. I've seen a few. Some you have to pay for, and I wen to Clairol, but from what I could make out, and I'm likely wrong, you had to provide a U.S. address to join. I saw one site which had a $14 joining fee, but I'm sure there must be freebies out there.

[meoww]

on the chemical peels--yes, I do my own. It's very affordable and I'm really pleased with the results. I use glycolic acid at pretty low strength, but I'd like to work up to and switch over to 35% TCA peels, which will take some time. I've never tried the lactic acid peels, have you? I have some spots I want to fade, this might be wishful thinking but I was kind of hoping to find a peel that would work on the freckles on my arms. I use a great moisturizer as well, I'd give you the name but I don't have it on hand right now. It was a little expensive but is organic and smells wonderful!

 

My face gets dry, but the peels have helped so much in the end because the dry skin used to build up on my face and now it doesn't. This was a problem especially around my nose. My forehead is looking really smooth and my pores are getting visibly smaller after 2 months of use. not to mention I don't have sallow skin anymore. I had no idea this was possible!

[Silverbirch]

Hi Meoww, I've never used a peel before. The closest I have come to it is the Neo-Strata. I do know somebody who buys Glycolic Acid online very cheap and makes it up themselves, but I'm very cautious about doing anything like that. My skin is slightly mediterannean so don't have lots of freckles. Many years ago, I did try the Neo-Strata Fading Cream which does work, but as soon as you go in the sun again, they will darken unless you use a good SPF30. I find that there are several good SPF30's for the face, but unfortunately, I've had to try a couple as many are too greasey for me and give me blemishes. There was a brand I was very happy with, only around $10 which lasted the season, but they made changes to their product so I found something else. It's very much like a light tinted moisturiser. That's also good because you can see where you have put it. This summer, I will also try invisible zinc on my lips.

 

I know that as far as redness goes, especially from blemishes, you can make an excellent treatment from Aspirin. Try googling Michelle Phan Youtube, that's where I got it from.

 

I'm going to get back into the Neo-Strata and Vitamin A today. You just use such a small amount of the Vitamin A. You have to start using it just twice a week, and as your skin gets used to it, you use more. It definitely works as it causes the skin cells to reproduce faster.

[meoww]

thank you for the information! I'm just about to check out Michelle Phan's videos. I'm not familiar with neo strata but I'm looking it up now. I don't know if my skin is fair or not, I'm multiracial. I look caucasian with slightly olive skin that is pale in winter, so maybe we have somewhat similar skin types. This summer it's been very sensitive to sun exposure though! I've been getting self conscious about that.

 

I thought about using Retin A but I haven't looked into it so perhaps I'll look into Neo strata as an alternative. Do you need a prescription?

 

You can try a very light peel from boots for $15USD, it's just an over the counter product you can buy at stores like Target (not sure if you have this in Australia), even this can brighten your skin with continuous use. I used to be very laissez faire about my skin so I'm really enjoying experimenting with different products.

[BritterSweet]

It's important to consider how you already look. Choose what emphasizes your good attributes and hides your flaws.

 

For example, I have short legs with thick thighs like Tinkerbell. So short shorts and mini skirts would look awful. Instead I wear capris with heeled sandals to make my legs appear longer and compliment my slimmer ankles.

[gingerlemon]

I've recently changed to natural hair products, and I think it's done my hair good. It's got more life/ less frizz. I use a natural shampoo bar to wash my hair, and an ecologically friendly conditioner. Other things I use for my hair are apple cider vinegar rinses, honey, olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil and pure aloe vera gel. I also use olive oil as a skin moisturizer and it's been great for my face.

[Silverbirch]

Meoww, you don't need a prescription for Neo-Strata. You can buy it at a pharmacy or online. It's the one that contains Glycolic Acid. The Vitamin A I use is prescribed by a doctor, but I'm likely a lot older than you are so maybe you don't need it unless you have sun damage.

 

Hi Bittersweet and Gingerlemon! Gingerlemon, I have large aloe vera plants in my yard, but haven't used them for a while. I agree it is good.

 

Well, I think that hair probably makes the biggest difference to anyone. A couple of months ago, I began using products based on Morroccan Oil and I've been very happy with that. I did buy it on special though as it's quite expensive. I had a relaxant put in my hair so that I don't have to use a straightening iron which is damaging to the hair. The straightener they used in my hair puts a lot of condition back into the hair too.

 

Anyone know any links to free sites where you can upload you pic and try the various styles and colors??

[Silverbirch]

It's important to consider how you already look. Choose what emphasizes your good attributes and hides your flaws.

 

For example, I have short legs with thick thighs like Tinkerbell. So short shorts and mini skirts would look awful. Instead I wear capris with heeled sandals to make my legs appear longer and compliment my slimmer ankles.

 

Bittersweet, I would like to go to a private consult with a stylist for her to help me with this. We did a bit of it in the group workshop. She said I have an "hourglass figure" doesn't mean that it looks like Scarlett O'Hara's. I'm not very tall, but apparently, I'm neither high nor low waisted or legged. She did tell me that I need to wear less black and more colors around my face. In the city (nearby) where I live, the women are famous for wearing black, and the stylists/designers say it's been difficult to get them out of it. I do like a lot of bling though and have bought some scarves at her suggestion.

[Silverbirch]

Okay, I think I have found a free one that should work at Cosmopolitan. Just have to take a pic of my face. It's here:

 

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[Silverbirch]

I played around with the Cosmo site last night and it is great and lots of fun. You do have to edit your pic at times, but it really does show you the difference hair makes. I look best with Kate Winslet and Penelope Cruz's hair, and definitely cannot be red. You do get to see that it is the specific shade of either blonde or brunette or whatever which is most important. I can't go too blonde or too dark otherwise my skin tone looks horrible. I tried some short styles too, and would consider going short, straight and dark at a later time.

 

Hoping I hear from somebody else who tries it. I had a bit of trouble signing up too due to their features so I couldn't save the images unfortunately, otherwise I would have posted and asked for opinions.

[meoww]

I don't have any links to contribute, but I have some general beauty tips of my own:

 

I revamped my appearance by making an effort to attend to all the small details that contribute to an overall more polished, but very natural appearance. To me, that was an improvement because I now look like I spend less time on frivolous trends, and I look more feminine but down to earth at the same time.

 

-make sure you have good teeth. misaligned jaws can also create some distortions in your appearance and a flat appearance to your cheeks.

-address any skeletal issues, etc, that you can reasonably improve

-blush, shimmery makeup and pinks should be used sparingly

-staying hydrated really does make a visible contribution to the appearance of your skin

-your natural hair color is probably best, since it looks the shiniest and feels the softest

-don't over pluck your eyebrows, and most brow liners and powders look unnatural or harsh

-take good care of your hands, neck, and other exposed areas of your body

-limit sugar consumption

-be very careful about applying strong colors/unusual eyeshadows (these are probably not for everyday use

 

 

Style

 

-wedges are usually hideous

-so are epaulettes

-huge hardware on clothing or bags (like grommets) also looks a little intense

-don't be afraid to 'copy' others initially until you find your own style.

-flattering clothes do not have to be at all expensive, in fact, they usually are not

-abstract prints and unusual colors can be nice

-dress for the occasion

-be careful in choosing stripes

-it can be helpful to dress with trends in mind, but make an effort to look like you don't look like you really follow them.

-v necks are usually not flattering

-sweater dresses/ really long sweaters are also usually not good

[Silverbirch]

Sounds like all good advice Meoww. What is an epaulette?

 

I took my hair color back to a shade closer to my own today, and am happy with it.

[Alezia]

If you are young, I see no problem with pink or shimmery makeup. I do wear tons of peaches and pink which looks just fine, but I probably won't be wearing those at 35.

 

Past a certain age shimmery makeup does get stuck in your wrinkles.

[Mellie]

Excellent link, Silverbirch. I am having so much fun with this!

 

I did one of the paid ones a while back, and it wasn't a patch on this one.

 

Thanks for sharing

 

Okay, I think I have found a free one that should work at Cosmopolitan. Just have to take a pic of my face. It's here:

 

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[Silverbirch]

Hi Mellie,

Were you able to save your pics with the celebrity hairstyles. Unfortunately I had problems with this, but would so like to be able to. Some looked great, others looked amazingly terrible Which ones look the best on you? OMG, in one of the pics I looked like I'm Indian, others I look Latin, and then with some of the blonde hairstyles, I look very different again. I really liked some of the shorter straight dark hairstyles which surprised me. I was surprised how much I looked like 2 of my sisters - one with blonde hair, the other with short dark hair!

 

Hi Alezia, I had typed you a fairly long post, but unfortunately I lost it due to disconnection before I could submit it.

 

I am mature-aged and recently changed my make-up and very happy with the changes. One of the best things was that I have found Napolean Purdes SET tinted primer. I tried a couple and loved this one. It makes such a difference and make-up doesn't seem to go into the creases and look more ageing. Also, I now use Maybelline Age-Defying Foundation when I go out. It was also suggested to me to no longer use blusher, but to use a shimmering mineral bronzing powder. The one I have is Revlon, but Napolean Purdes make one which I think is probably even better. It has several depths of color throughout it, and people comment on how "well" I look when I wear it as it does give me a healthier glow. I wear a lighter, more natural shades of lipstick, and never wear black eyeliner any more - instead I used a brown pencil on the lower lids from halfway accross to the outside to just give a bit of subtle definition. These are fairly small things, but make a very big difference as they would to anyone. I also now use eye shadows. I had hardly worn them for years as I felt they made me look older, but with the primer, I now wear some nice browns and golds and neutral colors.

[meoww]

anyone have any advice on stretch marks? I am developing them for the first time in my life and I'm wondering if this is because my diet has been poorer than usual, or because I'm not getting enough exercise. Or is it mostly caused by weight gain? the stretch marks are white.

[Mellie]

Silverbirch, there does seem to be a blip with it - it saves all the make up items fine but the image looks weird when I log back in.

 

There only seems to be one style that suits me and it's pretty much what I have now - so not very exciting there. The make ups though - made me realise things I never imagined suited me look quite cool. The weird thing is, I always thought I was a cool skin tone, but all the warm stuff suited me better ???

[Silverbirch]

Hi Meoww, I know there are various products for stretch marks. I'm fairly certain there is an inexpensive but good one made by Mrs. Palmer's.

 

Hey thanks Mellie, I'll bet there are several which would suit you. Like I said, I could go either dark or blonde, but it seems to be specific shades. I'm fairly certian I am a warm. I have started wearing some silver jewellry, but it looks much better on me if it has sparkles in it.

 

Something else, I have found to light up my face is certain types of gold pendants. I posted a link to one a couple of weeks ago I love, but just a bit out of my price range atm. It's made by ?Swarkovski Crystals and is from there latest collection, but there is similar costume jewellry around. If you are a warm, I think this would look good on you too. I'll be back with a link to a photo.

 

Also, a girlfriend from work and I both love the same sort of bling and are now buying bits and pieces for each other. She started it! After the breakup and she saw me red-eyed all the time, she came into work with these gorgeous crystal earring for me which she told me she buys from Hong Kong and Ebay, and it is extremely inexpensive. Will see if I can find a link to that too.

[resilient7]

Where do you girls get the chemical peel at? and how many times a month do you employ it?.....oh yeah what are it's benefits?

[Silverbirch]

Hi Resilient,

One of the other girls will know more than I will as I only use Neo-Strata which isn't actually a "chemical peel" as such although it contains Glycolic Acid. The product I use though is much slower-acting. It's meant to be excellent for acne or just for getting a fresher appearance and gradually making lines finer. As I posted, I've been using mine with prescription strength Vitamin A for more youthful looking skin, but it would work for acne too. You have to use full protection sunscreen daily though when you use those products. It seems to be taking me a while though to get into using it at the strength the doctor told me to work up to as my skin has gotten a bit red and sore so I just cut back when that happens. I haven't found it terribly expensive. I got the Vitamin A Cream on prescription for around $35, but that will last ages and ages. The Neo-Strata products can be bought online ranging from around $25 - $50.

 

I think Meoww was saying she buys her Glycolic Acid on the net, and I know somebody else in the US who buys it like that too. I think it's under $10. I don't feel quite ready to be using it yet though. I'm a bit nervous it would be too harsh and burn my skin. My GP does professional chemical peels which he says will make a person look 10 years younger and the effects are very long-lasting - perhaps permanent. I recall an ENA member who had it done and judging from her pic, she did look a lot younger. To have it done here though in Melbourne was around $2,500. Maybe in a few years time I would consider it, and I'm not spring chicken. If a person did have fairly bad acne scarring though, it would definitely be worth looking into.

[Silverbirch]

Just wondering if it is popular where you are - Argan Oil otherwise known as Morroccan Oil Hair Products. It's meant to be THE best. I love it and will probably use it forever. I got Mum a kit for Mother's Day, and she only just started using it, and is raving, saying she is getting a lot of compliments. It's very good for dry or damaged hair. Yesterday, I was in at the hair product warehouse and tried on the tester of the spray on Argan Oil. I will definitely buy some. It is very worthwhile to look around and keep your ear to the ground in buying it. I can currently buy it in store for around $24 a bottle, but I've seen it being sold for as much as $90. The brand I use is called Nak Aromas. I cannot recommend it more highly.

 

I'm also going to start using a toner in my hair occasionally to keep any brassiness away. When I was a teenager, I recall people using Magic Silver White which was very messy, but there are better easier products now, and NAK make one in a small bottle for around $12 which will do your hair twice.

 

* * * * *

 

Also, unfortunately I can no longer find the pieces I was referring to from the 2011 Swarovski Crystal Jewellry Range. I'm certain it was a fairly limited edition, and I recall that when I had found it online, not all of it was available online then a few weeks ago. I did try the necklace on in a store, and it was lovely. I found that there are several people on Ebay who sell Swarovski jewellry set in gold for very, very reasonable prices, and I've been browsing today - the most gorgeous huggie earrrings for under $20 (that was in white gold). The original boxes are missing, but the seller has a very good reputation. I should buy up for Xmas gifts. In fact, there are lots of lovely gift ideas there.

[Silverbirch]

Here's a link to a pic of the white gold earrings for $17. They have them in yellow gold as well. Not in original packaging, but reliable seller. I have a similar pair and get a lot of compliments. I think ANYONE could wear them and they would look good. These are the ones I'm thinking I might give as Xmas gifts.

 

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[meoww]

Here's a link to a pic of the white gold earrings for $17. They have them in yellow gold as well. Not in original packaging, but reliable seller. I have a similar pair and get a lot of compliments. I think ANYONE could wear them and they would look good. These are the ones I'm thinking I might give as Xmas gifts.

 

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those are gorgeous. What a nice holiday gift