Questions for the ladies

[Ava]

Hi, everyone

I will take two summer classes this year, so I will have 91 credits by August. To graduate with a Bachelor in Accounting, you need 122 credits.
So, I've realized I am getting close to graduation date. I am shooting for May 2012, but maybe it will have to be a little later. It depends on how my school schedules the classes I need.
Next month I will go to a seminar for the first time, and it's time to start networking and reinventing myself.
I've never taken good care of my personal appearance, just the basics like washing my face and cleaning my teeth.
But now I want to look good. I feel my life is about to change for the better.
I want to feel good and also to get the kind of confidence that comes from knowing you are taking pride in your appearance and presentation.
So my question is; what products you ladies recommend?
I am talking about hair care, skin care, makeup, etc.
It has to be budget-friendly.
Input appreciated.

[Elizabeth]

Oh I'm so happy you posted this. I LOVE talking about cosmetics.! I was a make-up artist while I was in college, so talking about cosmetics and skincare is like second nature to me.

Anyhow, I really love the Olay products when it comes to skin care on a budget. It's not the cheapest, but they do have coupons quite often in the Sunday paper or online coupon sites. Also, L'Oreal and Neutrogena are good for skincare too. You are going to want to have a cleanser, an exfoliator (all 3 companies mentioned above have good combo cleansing exfoliating scrubs), and a moisturizer. The kind of products you want are going to depend on your age and what you want to manage. For me, I have been using anti-aging products since I was 25 to prevent wrinkles, and I'm now 30.
I do understand that a full face of make-up isn't for everyone, but even a little 5-minute face can do wonders to polish your appearance. First, remember that your eyebrows are the frame for your face. Spend the money every few weeks to have them professionally waxed. I get mine done for like $8.00. Then just maintain the shape with your tweezers. If there are sparse areas, fill them in with a powder that matches your brow color and an angled brush.
The other things that I believe are a must are a foundation (tinted moisturizer works well for a more natural look), blush because it really wakes up the face, mascara, and lip gloss. Since this is all relatively new for you, I would recommend you go to a make-up counter like Clinique. They will do a make over for free and show you how to apply the products. They are one of the least expensive lines and also have great gifts with purchase so you can try some new things with a minimum purchase of like $20 or something like that.
Once you have your routine and colors down, you can shop at the drug store for your cosmetics using sales and coupons. Here is an interesting tidbit- L'Oreal is made by the same company that produces Lancome products, and Revlon is made by the same company as Estee Lauder and Clinique. It's very possible to look your best on a budget, and you will be surprised at how gorgeous you can feel. I hope this helps.

[daylight]

There is very little to add to what Elizabeth shared with you. I'd just like to emphasize that seeing a beautician is money well-spent. My mom is not big on make-up, consequently both my sister and I had a hard time finding out about all the stuff you are mentioning. I thought that using a foundation at age 16 was well, essential and wandered into HS with lips painted in ridiculously bright colors for a (then) 18 year old.
When a friend at university pointed out that I could have a much better make-up, I finally saw a beautician - a friend of a friend. She cleaned my face professionally, told me what colors suit me and showed me (and I did take notes!) how I can look my best with a make-up (within 5-10 minutes). It was probably the best way I could have spent that money on myself. A professional can help you decide the colors you need to pick - and that can save you a lot of bucks in and itself.

As for hair, I went with conventional wisdom - I asked a friend, whose hair always looked great and neat who her hair-dresser was. The hair-dresser is phenomenal, needs no instructions and still comes up with the best possible cut and/or color for you (me). I've been receiving compliments for my hair ever since, sometimes just a day before I see my hair-dresser again (every 3 months). His fees are middle-ranged in my COLA, but I'm okay with it, since his work is awesome and everyone else is complaining about hair-dressers all the time around me.

There is a lot you can DIY, but I'd definitely think you should at the very least visit that Clinique make-up counter that Elizabeth recommended. And you may end up enjoying this stuff.
And I'm probably going to be busted for saying this, but it's also very important to know that every brand has lower cost products -the connections that Elizabeth told you are vital. You and your skin and hair will be absolutely okay using a budget friendly line.

[bobosensei]

I second the suggestion to go to a makeup counter for a makeover, but make sure to tell them you need a look for work and that you want to keep things simple enough to recreate at home. Right now finding the right colors and porducts is going to be more important than saving money. I use cetaphil for normal to dry skin to clean my face, olay daily moisturizer with SPF, l'oreal powder foundation and eye shadow, MAC blush, maybelline lash finder mascara, and my lipstick is everything from clinique, chanel, and revlon. I also like mary kay skin care and makeup products. I use their brushes.

[zibazinski]

Teeth whitened also is a good idea and look at your wardrobe. You don't need to spend a fortune but get some good basic pieces.

[bobbysgirl]

Are you interested in what is suitable to wear for your new life? I would suggest great undies (VS) not too sexy and frilly, but ones that give you a feeling of confidence. Socks and stockings are important too because they help with the confidence factor. There's nothing like socks that you are always pulling up to ruin a business image. Get quality here too.

Use muted colors when looking for suits, but color is good. Camis under the suits work well, but again nothing revealing or too frilly if your goal is to be taken seriously. Lean looking pants in black, grey, and browns are good basics. I seldom wore skirts because the opposite sex can be distracted and begin the process of not taking you seriously. Simple jewelery such as small diamond studs and a delicate necklace.

If you don't have a full length mirror, find one and check yourself out. How do others perceive you? Sit, stand, smile, frown and do everything you normally do. If the result is unpleasant, practice other options. When you find a personal action that is flattering, make it yours by practicing it.

The last bit of advice would be not to talk too much. Listen to others and speak when you have something profound to offer. This guarantees you will always be listened to. But, on the other hand know how to socialize verbally. This is the time you do speak to carry on a conversation.

Oh and shoes? This is the area you can demonstrate your personality. There's many styles out there that are business appropriate and a bit sexy.

Good luck. Just to let you know it's wise to think of all of this now. It will take time to develop your business persona.

[HappyLady]

I'm a huge fan of CoverGirl Foundation--I've been wearing it since I was a teen. Everyone always asks me if I wear any and what I use--expecting it's very expensive make-up, but is floored when they find out it's CoverGirl foundation.

I also use Olay for a clenaser/exfoliator, and moisturizer.

I tend to be a fan of the more expensive shampoos and conditioners, but the cheapest one that I do really like is the "Brilliant Brunette" line by John Frieda.

[Deleted]

Have you taken a speech class or tried the toastmasters? It's done wonders for DH in terms of self-confidence in public speaking.

Flip through women's magazines for fashion looks that aren't super trendy - magazines like Health, All You or Redbook.

Build a basic work/interview wardrobe that fits you well - just being off by a size can make you look sloppy or unattractive. Something like a grey suit (matching slacks, skirt and blazer), a couple more bottoms in work neutrals, and a few shirts that can mix in with the bottoms. A patterned top peeking out from under a blazer can soften a suit and make you look younger and more stylish. A few well chosen accessories will make your look more polished - like a scarf or chunky necklace.

If you go into a women's clothing store ask if they've been trained in wardrobing - it used to be standard in nicer stores but I don't know if it is now. That's when they help you build a wardrobe with different looks based off a few basics.

[Cookies Galore]

For skin care, I rotate between Mario Badescu glycolic acid wash and Cetaphil. The MB wash is not on the cheap side ($15), but it does an amazing job and the bottle lasts almost a year. I also started seeing a dermatologist in 2009 and she has done wonders for my skin. My moisturizer is Olay with SPF.
I use Cover Girl Clean foundation and I mix it with my moisturizer to make my own tinted moisturizer. A little concealer works wonders under the eyes and in the corners of the nose. Mascara is L'Oreal, my eyeshadows are Smashbox and Ulta minerals, and on my lips I just use Burt's Bees lip balm and a lip stain.
I'm a big fan of Redken hair care products, but I think Dove is a fantastic drug store brand. You can get a great shampoo and conditioner for less than $5 apiece.
As for work clothing, my style is basic clothing, amazing accessories. I will wear a simple black skirt and black blouse or sweater, but I'll pair that outfit with a vivid necklace, like a chunky strand of turquoise. I am kind of known around the office for my necklaces and scarves.
I love a well-fitting black business suit because you can accessorize it so well with a pop of color in your blouse, shoes, or jewelry.

[chiver78]

I've got extremely sensitive skin, and can't use anything in the Cover Girl or Noxzema brands. I've found that the Almay line is the kindest to my skin, and you can find the entire line at Walmart and Target for pretty decent prices. you can find coupons in the Sunday paper for Almay products pretty regularly, too.

as far as hair care, I swear by Suave's knockoff on Nexxus. I fry my hair almost daily with a flat iron, only get to the salon twice a year for cut/color, and my hairdresser still tells me my hair is in excellent shape. I just picked up a family-size bottle of conditioner at Walmart for $3. I've got a pretty basic cut, and highlights that blend into my natural color (which has natural highlights of its own) very well. my hairdresser does a great job with the foils so that I don't have to go more than twice a year.

[Deleted]

It's not just the right products for hair. If you want a properly polished look you need a good cut AND you must style it each day. You need to blow dry and straighten or curl it. It is almost impossible to get the smooth shiny look without doing that. It can be time consuming at first but after some practice you can get it down to about 15 minutes.

[zibazinski]

Or get those keratin treatments and your hair is just about wash and wear.

[Cookies Galore]

Feb 27, 2011 11:06:00 GMT -5 @justaposter said:

It's not just the right products for hair. If you want a properly polished look you need a good cut AND you must style it each day. You need to blow dry and straighten or curl it. It is almost impossible to get the smooth shiny look without doing that. It can be time consuming at first but after some practice you can get it down to about 15 minutes.

Yes! I have very wavy hair and my cut allows me to wear my hair straight or wavy, and it looks good every time. I found the best way to do my hair is to wash it, wrap it in a towel, sit on the couch to watch cooking shows, fall asleep, and wake up two hours later with tame waves. Sadly, that only works on Saturdays and not the rest of the week.
I would recommend going to a salon (ask someone you know who has great hair where they go, if you already don't have a good salon) and consulting with a stylist. A good stylist will be able to work with your hair texture and not what looks good in a magazine. When I first starting seeing my styling, I talked to her about what I was looking for in a cut and she played around with my texture and asked questions about my lifestyle and hair routine.
I go to an Aveda salon, as does my sister who lives in a different area, and we both love our respective salons. I am a fan for life.

[wvugurl26]

I used Clinique when I first started wearing makeup. I think it was helpful to talk to a professional. After a couple years I started mixing more drug store stuff into the mix. I still used the city base foundation. I timed the purchase to when one of the department stores was offering a gift with purchase.
CoverGirl came out with Aqua Smooth foundation about that time and I switched. It felt much lighter and it was cheaper. Friends got my Bare Minerals for college graduation in 2006 and I've used it since then. My eyes weren't liking covergirl eye shadows anymore so I went to the bare minerals store and had a makeover.
I use Physicians Formula eyeliner and concealer, Maybelline mascara, BareMinerals blush, eyeshadow, foundation, eye primer, and Mac bronzer. I use Clinique eye moisturizer, Olay moisturizer, and St Ives apricot scrub. I never go out of the house without foundation unless I'm tanned but it makes a difference when I add the other stuff.

[Deleted]

IMO if you have good coloring and healthy skin, you don't need a faceful of makeup all the time. Also a lot depends on your skin type. My skin is oily, shiny, and prone to occassional breakouts. I found that most makeups actually make my skin even more prone to breakouts. For work (when I have enough time, which is rare now ) I brush on the smallest bit of Bare Minerals foundation. That's it! And just that alone evens out my skin pretty well. It wasn't cheap (around $30), but it will last for a long time and the quality is good. Hair is a whole different monster for me. I'm black and I relax (straighten) my hair on a regular basis, so I pay about $90 at the salon every 8 weeks. I just started using Carol's Daughter hair care products. Not cheap, but the products don't have any parabens or silicones which most other products have -- not to mention they work great and smell wonderful! For ladies who like that straight hair look, I highly recommend Phyto phytodefrisant straightening balm. Again, not cheap ($30 for a maybe 8oz tube) but it straightens like a dream and makes the hair wonderfully soft and silky. Sorry these aren't that budget friendly, but I've tried to go cheap on my personal care and it didn't work too well. Some things you just have to splurge on.

[Deleted]

I use bare essentials, very expensive to start but lasts forever. I look for sales at both the store and on qvc.com. I also when shopping at qvc, shop through the upromise link to get some cash back.

[swamp]

I don't use makeup, and have some troll hair issues, so I can't help you out there.

For the clothes, though, if you want some advice, I highly recommend watching a bunch of back episodes of What Not to Wear. You can see them on TLC.com. They give great advice on finding professional clothes that fit your body type.

[Formerly SK]

I strongly recommend the book "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" by Paula Begoun. She gives excellent general info about skin care and then assesses tons of different products. Your library should have it.

[lurkyloo]

I'm the original low-maintenance girl, but I've found as I age (mid-30s now) that foundation makes a huge difference. One other tip that no one else has mentioned (perhaps because it may lead to more expense) is that if you have a local Sephora store, you can go around and try everything in the store--they have little stations with lighted mirrors, makeup remover, Qtips and whatnot. I found it very helpful because I had a hard time matching a foundation to my pale skin. In your case, it might be nice to go play on your own after you get a beauty lesson so's you get a feel for what you like and what you think looks good.

[Anne_in_VA]

I'm a bit older than you but I use the Olay Pro-X line of moisturizing products as well as for fighting wrinkles. I use Elizabeth Arden foundation and powder and MAC blush. I do cheap out on eyeliner and eyeshadow since I only use a little bit of that. One thing I always do is clean my face every evening and moisturize before going to bed. I've found that helps my skin look good and helps with the wrinkles.

A good hairdresser is a must. Ask someone who has hair that always looks good and find out who they go to. I will echo others who said go for a consultation with a hairdresser and ask lots of questions. I have thick, wavy hair and for me, a good cut is a must. I go every 6 weeks or so for color and a cut (I have mostly grey hair - but then, I'm 63). I use Matrix by Biolage products and love them!

You should also get a few wardrobe pieces, I prefer black and navy that you can pair with a great top, scarf or necklace. A few pretty tops with a couple of suits in black, navy will get you through many occasions. And get the best shoes you can afford. I have problem feet and wear Clark's shoes in black and navy, but if you don't have problems with your feet, you'll have many more options. Depending upon the type of business; if it's very conservative, I'd stick with a neutral pump. Not too high a heel if you want to be taken seriously. If the business environment is less conservative, you can get away with sling-back or peep-toe shoes.

Also, buy the very best pocketbook you can afford - but I stick to a really good plain pocketbook. It's amazing to me how many people I see at functions who have these really huge glitzy pocketbooks with everything but the kitchen sink in it. Find one that will coordinate or match your shoes and will fit your wallet, a lipstick, etc.

Don't forget business cards if you have them when you go to the seminar. If you don't have any, have some plain ones printed up with your name, and email address on them. They're pretty cheap and will come in handy when networking.

Good Luck!

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Be aware that what one person suggests may not work for you. There are certain products that I cannot use (i.e. Clinique caused some of my worst acne ever) and many people have to find out what works for them empirically. Keep an eye out for coupons and try things out, you'll want at the very least a good moisturizer with a decent SPF. Sample sizes will also allow you to try some out and see what will work for you.

Find yourself a good hairdresser and stick with them like glue. A good hairdresser will give you cuts where you don't have to do battle with your hair. If your hair doesn't want to do something, seriously......don't fight it. I spent years trying to make my perfectly straight hair curly when I had to destroy it to get any curl. My hairdresser finally got pissed at me and told me that I was wasting my money, the best thing I could do was to take advantage of my straight hair and not fight it. He was absolutely right.....a good hairdresser can give you a timeless style that takes minimal work.

For your clothes, buy the best classics that you can afford. A very well cut pair of black wool slacks can get you almost anywhere. Take care of your shoes, nothing looks worse than scuffed up shoes. Shoes are another place where I do not skimp because painful shoes are not good deals, regardless of how cheap they are.

[TD2K]

For the clothes, though, if you want some advice, I highly recommend watching a bunch of back episodes of What Not to Wear. You can see them on TLC.com. They give great advice on finding professional clothes that fit your body type.

I'm going to chime in as a guy. I watch What Not to Wear every so often and the makeup person Carmindy does a great job working with the various people's skin and tones. If you don't do a lot of makeup, ask around and see if there are some recommendations for people to sit down with and go over makeup with you.

[Ava]

Thank you for all the good responses.
I've been looking in the internet for product reviews, but everywhere you find good reviews and horrible reviews of the same products. I think it depends on the reviewer's expectations.
But I came here because I feel like I "know" you, and also I trust your opinions.
Very good ideas; like finding a good hairdresser, and paying attention to wardrobe and accessories.
It doesn't have to cost a fortune, but I think it pays to plan ahead and be organized.
Some of the ideas I have already put to practice; I am using Olay products, and I think they are good.
Another thing I found and it's really good are Broadway nails in the very short version. These nails stick for around five days if you follow the instructions. I know fake nails are not the best way to go, because your real nail is not breathing and may get fungus. But these look very professional, in a way that my natural nails would never look.
I also agree with the idea of getting professional eyebrow waxing. I have been doing my own eyebrows for years, so they look ok. But maybe it's time to turn to a professional.
If you guys have more ideas or recommendations, please post them.
Thank you.

[swamp]

Go with the professional eyebrow waxing. It costs me an extra $6 to have my eyebrows waxed whenever I have my hair done. Well worth it.

Oh, and your purse should not match your shoes, it should "go with you outfit." Matchy-matchy is very dated looking.

[debtheaven]

I can't believe I am actually posting here because I am so "low maintenance", frankly, I am probably TOO "low maintenance". I guess I am posting because I am significantly older than you.

I am proud of you for deciding this is important. It is. I cringed when I read that another poster's mom never taught her to apply make-up, because my DD went through the same thing. I did try to teach her but my make-up skills weren't good enough so she went to a friend.

When doing your wardrobe, check the sales and buy quality basics. If you don't have a lot of money, and you don't really like it, don't buy it. If you buy things you don't like, you won't wear them. Pick one or two color palettes, ideally, compatible ones.

Wear sunscreen.

Lastly, keep your weight under control. This may sound ridiculous, but I've been here long enough to read about people who keep three different wardrobes in the same closet. I am NOT judging on weight I am just saying that if you GLOBALLY maintain the same weight, you can save money by buying quality items you can continue to wear, rather than having to find that same item (ie black dress pants) in three different sizes. Plus, you'll look better, feel happier, and be healthier.

I don't know what climate you are in, but if you are in a temporate climate, you should have at least one "casual" winter coat and one more formal, classic winter coat. Buy quality at the end of the season.

The idea is to own quality items that will last for years, AND to be able to "update" your wardrobe easily and cheaply with other, trendier items.

Best of luck to you!

[Deleted]

Also you don`t need a lot of variety in your wardrobe. People will notice you look good, not how often you wear a certain skirt or pair of pants. Invest in dress guards. The less often you need to launder clothing the longer it will last for you.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

I've been looking in the internet for product reviews, but everywhere you find good reviews and horrible reviews of the same products. I think it depends on the reviewer's expectations.

No, it's probably more due to individual differences. While some people can use some products, others find that they do not work for their skin. Like I said earlier, I have a friend that adores Clinique and it works beautifully for her. Clinique only gives me acne. That's why you need to find what works best for you and you need to just do it by trying it.

I've had good results with Neutrogena, Murad and Mario Badescu products. Clinique breaks me out. I don't like the smell of other products. I did use Prescriptives, but it's got difficult for me to find. I like Bare Minerals products and use them, but prefer an Ulta brand mascara.

Be aware if you go to a makeup counter, you'll likely get a hard sale for their cosmetics and you'll find that you're a couple hundred $$ down very quickly. I don't know anyone who uses only one product line, most people tend to mix and match the products that they like.

[Frugal Nurse]

Feb 27, 2011 16:37:42 GMT -5 Ava said:

Another thing I found and it's really good are Broadway nails in the very short version. These nails stick for around five days if you follow the instructions. I know fake nails are not the best way to go, because your real nail is not breathing and may get fungus. But these look very professional, in a way that my natural nails would never look.

No,no,no,no...!!! Please, please don't use fake nails! The only women these look "professional" on are strippers!And trust, me, people can tell. Instead, invest about $10 in a manicure kit and take care of your nails. File them, buff them out, polish them to a nice shine (with a polishing file- I'm not talking about nail polish). Rub a little cuticle oil on and your nails will look great.

[Frugal Nurse]

For make-up: I have very sensitive skin. I really like MAC cosmetics, because they stay put all day (I work 12 hour days and having a makeup that lasts is important). MAC is expensive though. For a cheaper foundation, I like Cover Girl. I remember reading a few years ago that Cover Girl foundations were the same formula as clinique. Make sure that you use a foundation color that blends in with your skin, you don't want to be able to tell that you're wearing make-up. After you've applied foundation, be sure to "set" it with a dusting of loose powder. I have had friends that use baby powder for this. I prefer an actual face powder, but to each his own.
If your skin tone is anything lighter than brown, I also recommend using a bronzer on your cheeks (under blush) and a little right above your eyes near your temples (again, try to make it look natural, not like a big streak). For your cheeks, a little dusting of blush.

Be sure to always curl your lashes before applying mascara- it will give your eyes that something extra.

[Cookies Galore]

Feb 27, 2011 19:51:27 GMT -5 Frugal Nurse said:

Feb 27, 2011 16:37:42 GMT -5 Ava said:

Another thing I found and it's really good are Broadway nails in the very short version. These nails stick for around five days if you follow the instructions. I know fake nails are not the best way to go, because your real nail is not breathing and may get fungus. But these look very professional, in a way that my natural nails would never look.

No,no,no,no...!!! Please, please don't use fake nails! The only women these look "professional" on are strippers!And trust, me, people can tell. Instead, invest about $10 in a manicure kit and take care of your nails. File them, buff them out, polish them to a nice shine (with a polishing file- I'm not talking about nail polish). Rub a little cuticle oil on and your nails will look great.

I need to agree with frugalnurse. Please do NOT use fake nails! They do NOT look good on anyone who isn't wearing translucent lucite heels. Just take care of your natural nails. Sally Hansen makes great products; I swear by Nail Growth Miracle.