Makeover thread
 

Sisters, (Especially AOIIGal, AOIIAlum, and aoirose..thanks for the ego boost..I really needed it this week!!!) HELP. HELP. HELP.

Okay, here is the deal. My longest-time, bestus-ever, best friend is getting married in the next two weeks. I am the maid of honor.
I NEED A MAKE-OVER. PERIOD. NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

I have lost 15-16 pounds and toned up for this off-the-shoulder gown. That is the good part...

Now the bad..I need a hair coloring badly. I want to see about a legacy in the next few months and wondered if I should try to go red now rather than strawberry blonde (yes, there is a big difference on me.)
AND as most of you know, I NEVER wear make-up because I just don't know how to put it on. I have wrinkles..lots of DEEP worry lines on my forehead and bridge of my nose (I am quite sure that my dissertation has caused much of this.). So many wrinkles that one of my students asked me this week if I was 15 years older than I actually am. (Between my student and the McDonald's guy, I think I am getting a complex.....:rolleyes: ) Ideas? I try make-up, and it seems to make the wrinkles look worse! I don't have the money for botox or really anything other than maybe getting my hair fixed. I am allergic to everything under the sun. PLEASE help. Where can I go to get some make-up help. Is there some make-up that "floats" on the wrinkles instead of making them look worse? I am quite frankly scared to go around here...frizzy bleached blond hair and bright blue eyeshadow is not the look that I am going for....:rolleyes:

AOII Sisters help out a sister in need of a GC make-over!

Silver

I'm totally crashing! You should go to Prescriptives. They have a line filler that you put in your creases then you put on your makeup. Also their makeup is lighter than most brands and is very wearable. You won't feel like it's clogging your pores.

Silver, please forgive me for crashing, but may I make a suggestion? Since you're unsure of yourself when it comes to makeup, go to a department store (or two!) and look carefully at the cosmetologists who seem to be about your age. Look especially for one who has your coloring and whose "look" is the most like you'd want. Then, throw yourself at her mercy. Tell her what you'd like (simple, age-defiant) and what you wish to avoid (overly-dramatic, time consuming), and tell her that you want to watch her put it on - that you NEED to watch her put it on! Don't forget, you can always wash it off! Continue until you're happy with what you see - then buy the works. It's worth a try.

Good luck, and have fun!!


PS - Strawberry blonde is much kinder to age than Go-Go Red! ;)

Cosign....but I'd still go to Prescriptives! :)

Someone told me that Estee Lauder's Lucidity does some sort of reflecting bit that fills in and somehow glows in a discreet way. I'll have to check out Prescriptives! The MAC women at the local malls always look like they're training to be vampires, so I've never tried that, either. In the summer, I really prefer to wear a tinted sunscreen than actual foundation - but I really worry about the sun.

Re: Makeover thread
 

Since I'm not down there to help in person and can't afford either the time off or the plane fare to see you. . . .

I agree with the strawberry blonde rather than a more true red. Definitely talk to the person doing your hair (highlights, low-lights, etc).

Definitely go to a cosmetic counter or two - but make sure you are also clear with them what you like and what you don't like. If the person won't listen to anything you have to say (more natural versus dramatic, etc) feel free to get up out of the chair. Ask for samples. Ask for them to SHOW you what they are doing and help you to be able to repeat the look. My recommendations for 'counters' to work with are Lancome (obviously!), Aveda, Chanel, Bobbi Brown, and Trish McEvoy.

With regards to the lines, you may just need a good exfoliation. I would recommend a microdermabrasion (NOT at a dermatologist because those are just TOO expensive. I can send you a little one if you would like).

Let me know if I can help anymore!!

Love ya!!

Sarah

I still think you are beautiful, "disseration lines" or not!

I'll be honest, I can't even imagine you red. Strawberry blonde sounds perfect for you. Also, I would guess that red would mean serious root and conditioning maintenance?

Prescriptives is wonderful. They have gorgeous colors that go on like a dream. They also have almost unlimited foundation formulations and shades--which is a bonus! I'll be honest and tell you up front it's pricey. Personally I hate foundation. I hate it with a passion and have never found one I could stand wearing. I love love LOVE makeup, just hate foundation. Now, I like tinted moisturizers. They add a bit of color or "glow" and don't tend to crease or settle like a liquid foundation. Now that it's summer I will wear a powder bronzer, but if you try that make sure you pick a shade that complements your skin tone.

What about something like this from Origins (if you have a Origins counter near you?) I've never had a problem with anything from Origins.http://www.origins.com/templates/pro...UCT_ID=PROD123

Is there a Sephora store *anywhere* near you? If so, I suggest going there and telling them exactly what you told us. One opened up here recently and it's incredible.

Last question--what are you using for skin care? Do you use an exfoliating cleaner, or are they too rough on your skin? What about a facial mask? Sometimes we forget that exfoliating is a good thing as we get older. We just need something more gentle now. What about professional facials? Give one a try (making sure they know of any skin allergies or sensitivities first!) It's amazing what one professional facial can do for you AND your skin!

Hope some of this helps you a little bit. Remember, piling on the makeup will only make the lines and wrinkles more noticable. Also, the more you wear it the easier it gets. The right eyeliner and mascara with good lips can go a long way! Oh, another tip--we're not 18 any more, so stay away from the super shiny/shimmery/glossy lip look. A little shimmer is good, a lot just accents everything we want to minimize!

Much love and Roses!!!!!

Thanks!
 

I knew that I could count on my GC panhellenic sisters!

This sounds wonderful! If I can get to Nashville, this is the first thing that I am going to do!

Honey, this is hard to do around here. I have to go to Nashville for almost ANY of these counters, and most of the counters, in my humble opinion, seem to be staffed by ultra-skinny, ultra-young, I-am-an-aspiring-model/country-singer-so-I-am-disaffected types. I get SO nervous asking for help. Can you imagine me getting nervous asking anyone for anything? Geez, I think am "tanorexic" and "make-up-phobic.":rolleyes:

That is DEFINITELY not the look that I would be seeking for a formal southern wedding done in shades of "flamingo" and "fushia." Speaking of which, a la Margaret Swartz, anyone want to bet if the punch matches my bridesmaid shoes?

Honey, does this make you break-out?

Woo hoo. Beryana, this sounds complex..what is "microdermabrasion"? Does it involve some kind of machine?

Thanks, sweety, I needed that...truly...<Silver shudders at being asked if she wanted to order from the senior menu.>

I don't know about the maintenance on red color. This is going to sound totally ridiculous, I know, but I SWEAR that my natural hair color seems to have gotten darker since I had that female surgery. I have had to get some root touch-ups during the winter months on just my summer highlights!!! Since I want a legacy (soon!), I don't want to be coloring my hair all of the time, and I figured now was as good a time as any to "fix it." I really don't know if this darker color is really as bad as I think. I just guessed at red. Maybe strawberry blonde is my natural color now? I really can't imagine me with dark hair either, but Silver Mom's hair changed darker (to light brown from strawberry blonde) after she had all of her pregnancy trouble with me.

:( No. I had never heard of Sephora until I went to Las Vegas last year...

Ready for this? Dial soap. I am so allergic to everything that I STILL have not found a lotion or sunscreen that does not cause massive problems. Ditto on most skincare. I have tried wrinkle creams and 2-step "chemical peels." I see improvement in the wrinkles but, my skin goes into panic mode at being touched. I KNOW the just using Dial anit-bacterial soap cannot be the best answer...but, I don't even know how to exfoliate...Can you suggest something mild to try?
I won an auction at the panhellenic lunch for a chemical peel with a dermatologist. I have been scared to go because I do not know what to expect...Has anyone had a chemical peel? <Insert Silver's scary memories of chemically sterilizing test tubes in sulfuric acid in the lab.>
Where do you go to get a facial?

So I am not crazy that I look worse with my foundation.

Oh, this is a picture of my dress....except in RL, it has small train. I think it is very pretty for me. :)
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. PLEASE keep the suggestions coming.
Silver

Pardon the crash from a non-NPC sister.

You use Dial soap? That can be much too harsh. Johnson and Johnson makes a gentle soap called Purpose that is non-scented and doesn't tear your face to shreds. It can be found in most any drugstore.

As for a facial, have you tried any day spas in your area? Let them know that you have sensitive skin, and they'll tailor the facial to your needs.

Hope this helps!

In Greek sisterhood,

ragtimerose.

Well, Silver, I can only answer what I know about. I had a perfect complexion all through school, it wasn't until later that I started having the breakout or two - around the time the first time I found out I had skin cancer. I wash my face with Clinique's Rinse-Off, Foaming Cleanser Mousse, and use a prescription Retin-A formula at night. It's expensive, but lasts about 6 months. I haven't been able to find *the* perfect eye or wrinkle cream yet, but I've been fortunate (and have been carded three times in the past four years!) - they all seem to cause more harm than good.

As a foundation in the winter, I use Estee Lauder's Lucidity, but in the summer, I use a Clinique sun glow (?). It doesn't bronze, so much as just put color on my face, along with a good sunscreen. I then flick a tiny bit of Lucidity loose powder over the shiny parts, and the few wrinkles I have seem to go away. Neither make me break out, or they would have hit the trashbin long ago! I tried a Revlon brand of sunglow, and it was good, too - better than I had expected.

That bridesmaid dress is simply lovely, and I would think that you'll look gorgeous in it! Since it's such a beautiful shade of pink, I'd really stick with colors that are good for you, but lighter than most people would wear in the summer - it will pull the whole concept together. Some glow, a little blush, and taupes/light whatever color you like eyeshadow and mascara, along with a good lipstick will go a long way. Granted, I'm going by the two photos I've seen of you, and the fact that we seem to have very similar coloring. Check your PMs a little later!

Everyone's suggestions are great! I agree with everyone who says that tinted moisturizer is easier on the face during the summer than foundaton. Also, as far as cleansers, my dermatoligist got me using Cetaphyl when I was in High School because my skin is super dry and sensitive and I'm still amazed at what a good job it does!!! Perscriptives is a perfect place for you to start and like everyone has said, make sure they use the colors and items you are comfortable with. You may even want to take a picture of the dress color to the make-up counter when you go so that they can consider that when they are picking shades for you. Good luck and have fun with it!!!!!!!! :)

Roses,
Sarah

P.S. I wish all my bridesmaids dresses were as beautiful as that! I've been in 4 and soon to be 5 weddings and I don't know if any have been that pretty and flattering for everyone. That dress is going to be perfect for the wedding and easy to match make-up to.

Oh Silver, you're going to look fantastic in that dress! I love Honey's suggestion of Lucidity for you. Definitely check it out, I've used a similar product and it's very user-friendly!

Dial soap is horrible for your face!!! Good ditto on the Cetaphil, I've used it for a couple of years now and have been pleased. It comes in a regular (blue label) and sensitive skin (green label) formulation.

You WON a dermotologist peel? Silly girl, go on and make the appointment :) Of course, tell them about your skin issues up front in case they recommend something other than a peel in your situation (and of course apply the peel credit to the treatment they suggest!)

Wow! This is excellent advice, sisters! Thanks!

I really appreciate the compliments on my bridesmaid dress. I just love it. The color is lovely on me. I am perplexed as to why the train does not show up in the picture. The ladies at the bridal shop knew that it would have a small train. The little purse is so cute and has the same beaded detail as on the bodice. The wrap really makes this a nice package...not too young...not too old. (At first my friend asked if I could wear a halter dress...:eek: HHHMMM No! Not a good look on people of my body shape.) I just love the flattering shape of this gown!

Ragtimerose, this is exactly what my dermatologist recommended. Since you left this post, I went and dug out the samples that he gave me two months ago. So far, no major reactions! Woo hoo! They also make a sunscreen that he recommended. I still seem to break-out with it though.

HAHAHAHA--sorry, momentary lack of sanity. I am in the middle of no where. :p

Wow, Honey! Carded? I am SO jealous! I agree about the wrinkle creams and eye creams...just can't find anything super great. The best stuff that I have found so far, that I can afford, is a generic (at Wal-mart) of the Strivectin SD.

I looked WAY younger than my age until about four years ago...then wham. I have really excellent genes for young skin. Would anyone who knows Silver Mom/seen her picture guess that she is in her 60's?!?!

I really think grad school is evil...it takes your money ($900 per credit hour) and leaves you with wrinkles....

Okay, so I am going to try to find the Revlon glow, today.

What about this chemical peel? Worth trying or just too scary?

Silver

No way. I'd never guess that.

Not wrinkles, they are disseration lines.

Call their office and talk with them about it. Hopefully they'll give you good guidance, especially since the treatment is already paid for ;)

I've never used the Cetaphil cleanser, but I use its moisturizer for my hands & body - it's wonderful! I also have a moisturizer that a friend brought me from Israel, Avava, and I swear it's the only one I've ever used that didn't feel like I'm wearing moisturizer!

The only thing I've heard about the chemical peel (and remember, I come from the skin ca thing) was to have it in the fall or early winter, to give your face time out of the sun. After all, you're literally taking a few layers of your skin off, and it has to heal properly. But they can't be evil, or dermatologists wouldn't recommend them!

Step away from the Dial! If you feel that you need a soap try Dove or Ivory. I have sensitive skin too. For basic skin care, I have used L'Occitane en Provence without a problem. The Shea Butter Extra-Gentle Cleansing Milk and the Shea Butter Moisturizer with SPF 15 were my good friends. I still use all of the Honey Harvest products because they just have such a light fragrance and leave your skin very soft.

After I ran out of the basic stuff, I switched to Mary Kay because my needs changed.

I have been using some of their Time-Wise products inconjuction with their regular basic oil-free moisturizer. I use the Time-Wise 3 in 1 cleanser, the Day Solution With Sunscreen SPF 15* and Night Solution Set and the regular oil-free moisturizer. I also use the eye cream and the gel. Twice a week I use the microdermabrasion kit. I just can't say enough good things about it. I have been using all of these since April and I can see a difference. No, I don't look like a teenager but my fine lines are gone and I have a glow. OK, the glow may be due to the fact that I am pregnant but my skin looks really good.

As for color, I agree that you should find a counter, Avon Lady or Mary Kay lady. Nothing beats hands on training.

L'Occitane en Provence
http://www.qvc.com/asp/frameset.asp?...THEAD-_-BEAUTY
or
http://usa.loccitane.com/index.asp?ck=1

Mary Kay
http://www.marykay.com/productpromot...brasionSet.asp

I agree!! Step away from the soap!! LOL

Silver, not to completely plug myself, but I have some Mary Kay Timewise sample/travel sets at home that I am going to drop in the mail for you tomorrow as well as a sample of the Microderm (a very fine exfoliant which basically buffs away the dead surface cells). I'll also send you some look samples for you to try (they come with picture instructions!). Hands on training is still the best, though. :)

Alpha Love!!

Sarah

I will also suggest Perscriptives. It is what I use and it has been great. I LOVE their super line preventer (although it is very pricey). Don't get their tinted moisturizer though because I don't have sensitive skin and it gives me strange little bumps on my face (not pimples). I would suggest maybe Lancome or Clinique for that. I had them do my make-up at the counter, and show me how, because I don't wear a lot of make-up either. Investing in the brushes has really helped out my make-up application skills, so it may be a thought for you...

As for dying your hair, have you dyed it red before? I did mine about a year ago and had to abandon the idea of being a red head because the red dye doesn't cling to the hair as well as the other colors and it only lasted about 3 weeks which wasn't worth the time or the money to me.

Have you tried Clinique's sun screen? All their stuff is supposed to be hypo-allergenic. I also have a problem with putting sun screen on my face (feels like my face is going to burn off), but I just bought the new neutrogena and I really like it. Also, once it's rubbed in you can't even tell it's there.

I don't know about sensitive skin types, but I'm also using the Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer (w/spf 15) and Skin Brightening Daily Scrub and been VERY pleased. I love Cetaphil, but also need an exfoliating cleanser in my routine and this one is the best I think I've ever used.

I have to admit, I love all this makeover and cosmetic talk!!!

Some tips from a guerilla skin-care girl ...
 

If you can, try to pick up either last month's or this month's 'In Style' magazine - it had a FABULOUS section on 'what to wear' etc. for any age - hair, makeup, the lot..... the big thing is as you get more 'seasoned', it's best to leave the powder alone ... it makes lines deeper and they show more than less! As well, it allows your skin to breathe (and avoid those pesky breakouts - Hello? Am I thirteen again??? :mad: )

And for down the road, to get used to putting it on, even if it is for more special occasions only, just spend a night in, put on some music that rocks you out, and just PLAY ... (yep, seriously) - that's usually the best way to try a new look, or something you seen that you liked .... just be sure to cleanse REALLY well with your *new* cleanser and moisturize well before you go to bed...

And never, never go to bed with make-up on - I know it may not seem much, but it makes a big difference as sleep is when the skin repairs itself .....

Enjoy - just some tips from my g'ma, mum, and I.

another crash...
 

I'll go the J & J Purpose one better and say go over to the baby care aisle and get J & J Head To Toe Baby Wash. It is the exact same thing as Purpose but TWICE as much costs LESS.

Can't help ya
 

Sorry--but you know me--fashion and makeup challenged at best. Wish I could help ya, but I know nothing.

I still think you're B. E. A. YOOTIFUL!

Thanks, guys for the wonderful advice! Thanks, AOIIGal for the confidence booster....Here is where we are today...

I have new hair at my same color. The stylist thought that even darkening to strawberry blonde would be too much for me.

I have a tan. I can't believe it. Spray tans work and no sweating! :)

I have Purpose face bar. Excellent stuff.

I have Clinique tinted sunscreen.

Sarah, the magnificent, is sending me a box of goodies! Woo hoo!

I have a cowboy hat for the rehearsal dinner, and I am trying to find my white majorette boots. We were asked to wear dressy cowboy attire to the rehearsal dinner. I am wearing a pressed bandana wrap skirt, pressed/starched white shirt, white majorette boots with tassel and a cowboy hat. ;)

Lipstick seems to be the main issue now. Even with a tan, I am about four million shades lighter than paste. What is a good, cheap, happy lip color for a flamingo pink dress?

Silver

Hmmm, with your coloring and flamingo pink? Can you take a swatch of the dress into the Clinique counter and see what they say? I'm thinking something along the lines of their Bare Brilliance lipsticks--gorgeous but sheer color. Not exactly cheap, but GOOD stuff.

Hope we get to see pictures of the final "look" :D

Roses!!!

With the lipstick, like I told you during hour marathon phone call, don't overdo it! I actually sent you two different lipsticks (one for your rehearsal dinner outfit and then one for everyday and even possibly the wedding itself). You don't want to MATCH your lipstick to your dress unless it is a nice shade of pink (which flamingo usually isn't for a lipstick shade on most people. . . .). Anyway, you should get your 'box' in the next day or so. :) Have fun!

Sarah

P.S. Glad your hair isn't Fiona Orange! ;)

Yikes, I have to ask, but what kind of shade is Fiona Orange?

Neon Day Glo Orange when applied to blonde hair. Used in conjunction with 1980's prom gown to have a "Shrek" party for Silver-God-daughter. ;) To say the least, I was not thinking at the time that I sprayed it in my hair! Luckily, it came out with a LONG swim in a salt-water swimming pool.
Sarah, I totally did not catch that I am getting lipstick, too! I was trying to write everything down, but we were talking so much about EVERYTHING!!!!
Roses,
Silver

You should be getting it tomorrow if you didn't today. :) Yes, you are getting two lipsticks and a LOT of other fun stuff! Nothing too extreme, just stuff to ease you into wearing a little bit of make-up - but not LOOKING like you are wearing make-up. You know to call if you have any questions!

Sarah