Are you bored with the way you look? Would you like a makeover but are limited by an unhealthy bank balance?
If so, why not consider making a few simple changes to improve your image? There is nothing like changing your hair colour to brighten up your appearance, add character to your overall look and give yourself a boost.
Hair colour has become a fashion accessory. People use it to give dull, natural hair a lift or to add interest through highlights of two or more natural looking shades.
If you are getting a few grey ribs then covering the grey can make you feel younger. Or if you go for a complete change the new look can make you feel like a different person.
However, the hair colour you were born with usually aligns with your complexion so when you add colour to your hair take your skin tones into consideration.
A drastic change of colour may mean stepping outside your usual personality so be prepared for what that entails!
Choosing a colour
If your skin tone is cool and muted your hair may have been blonde as a child and perhaps turned mousy later. Ash blonde colouring will enhance your hair and skin tones.
If your skin tone is warm and muted you probably have blonde or brown hair with natural red tints. Golden hair tones - auburn, red and warm brown - will enhance your skin whereas ash tones may make your look pale and uninteresting.
Your natural hair colouring may be golden blonde or brown if your skin tone is warm and clear. All warm colours will make you look good from flaxen blonde to golden brown and through to copper hues.
Once you have decided to enhance your hair colour you will need to decide whether you want a temporary or permanent change and whether you want to intensify the shade by adding colour or make it paler by removing it.
Either way, all your hair need not be coloured at once. Sections can be singled out or highlighted to give a variance of colour.
Make-up
Make-up gives us the freedom to develop our own sense of style and individuality with artful disguise or eye-catching emphasis. It is a good morale booster too.
Together with stylish clothes, a flattering hairstyle and healthy skin make-up contributes the final polish by adding to your confidence.
If you have been using the same type of cosmetics for years then it is high time to experiment with new shades. Visit a beauty therapist and learn new ways to apply make-up. You will be amazed at the results.
Experiment with different foundations at home and see what you can achieve. You can mix two together to get the perfect match. Choose a foundation that suits your skin type. Medicated foundations are good for spot-prone skin. Anti-shine water based matt foundations are best for oily skin.
Style tips for great looks
You do not need to spend a fortune to look great. Just a few well-chosen items can revitalise your wardrobe. Classic shapes and a simple palette are the key to looking good either for work or play.
A casual wardrobe
* Black jeans or pencil slim trousers
* Jaunty jacket with a small collar
* Black rucksack style bag
* Matching T-shirt and cardigan
A working wardrobe
* Two or three suits preferably with both skirts and trousers
* Several shirts and T-shirts
* A good coat
* Three pairs of shoes - flat, medium and high heeled
* A number of pairs of opaque tights plus sheers
* A classy handbag
* A stylish belt
The perfect footwear wardrobe
* Black court shoes with smart but comfortable heels
* Black high heels
* Brown court shoes
* Ankle boots with a kitten heel
* Good quality knee-high boots in black or brown
How to look your best
* Be prepared to pay a little more for clothes which do not skimp on cut
* If you are pear shaped keep darker clothes for the lower half of your body
* Stripes are flattering for fuller figures but make sure you steer clear of horizontal stripes
* Avoid belts unless you are slim as they may appear to cut you in half making you look rounded
* A colourful T-shirt will revitalise last year’s skirt and jacket
* Minimal jewellery often looks best - one or two pieces at most
* A scarf is an ideal way to add style and colour to an outfit
* It is important to buy the correct sized garment and not to attempt to squeeze yourself into something which is too small. Equally, do not make the mistake of buying too large and trying to hide away in tent-like outfits. Remember comfort is essential for confidence.
* If you tend to be a plus size keep patterns small as a rule so they do not overwhelm you and do not over accessorise. Consider wearing simple earrings and a pearl necklace, for example.
* If you are petite aim for clothes which do not swamp you. Go for clean, uncluttered lines - a cropped jacket and one-colour suits give an illusion of height. Wear prints in moderation. A print jacket or scarf over a solid colour looks great and draws attention to your face. Avoid styles that overwhelm, such as fussy necklines or shaggy or fluffy coats. Definite no-nos include oversized T-shirts, multicoloured outfits, large prints, strong bold colours and frills/flounces.
* Buy shoes at the end of the day. By then, there is a good chance that your feet will be weary - they can expand up to half a size from physical stress, pressure and temperature. Shoe experts say your longest toe should have about half an inch of space at the end of your shoe and you should be able to wiggle all your toes comfortably. Your heel should not slip in and out of the shoe either. If shoes pinch or rub your foot do not buy them. Many of us make bad choices in the belief that we will break the shoes in eventually. This is not always the case.
