Proof any over-40 can go from frumpy to fab for New Year's Eve in ONE day

From one girl who had given up on her seems to be, to a different who misplaced confidence after a divorce, listed here are some useful methods to really feel glamorous once more... 

'I FELT UNATTRACTIVE AND FAT'  

Michelle Atkin, 48, a therapist, lives in Darwen, Lancashire, along with her associate Lindsay, 62, a retired policeman.

'I'd been a measurement 10 my complete grownup life, so it's an unwelcome shock to have gained virtually two stone in two years, due to middle-aged unfold.

'I really feel frumpy. My pores and skin's sallow and I've had the identical coiffure for a decade. As for garments, I'm struggling.

'I don't need to look 20 once more; I need to look one of the best I can for my age.'

Michelle Atkin, 48, a therapist, lives in Darwen, Lancashire, along with her associate Lindsay, 62, a retired policeman. She mentioned: 'I really feel frumpy. My pores and skin's sallow and I've had the identical coiffure for a decade.' After her transformation, she mentioned: 'After I posted a photograph on social media, a number of mates commented that I look ten years youthful'

THE EXPERTS SAY

DITCH THE BLONDE DYE

Superstar hairstylist Jamie Stevens says a number of girls make the error of clinging on to their blonde hair, however it may be ageing.

'Hair texture modifications as you age and bleach causes hair to interrupt and look thinner. After 40, it's time to take a tough look within the mirror and work out if it's nonetheless working for you.

'Blonde hair can even wash out pores and skin, highlighting wrinkles and luggage. Brunette hair is of course shinier and younger wanting.'

WAVE A SILICONE WAND

Make-up artist Virna Abis says: 'As we age, eyelashes grow to be extra sparse and stubby. A decade in the past, mascara might make this worse due to gloopy formulation, however at present's merchandise are massively improved. 

Choose a curling mascara to open up the eyes and a high-tech silicone wand.'

FLIRT WITH FULL LENGTH

Stylist Camilla Ridley-Day says: 'It's straightforward to get caught in a rut, so don't be afraid to replace your previous model. If you happen to've at all times been drawn to little black clothes, go for a contemporary black jumpsuit as an alternative.

'Michelle mentioned she'd by no means have worn a maxi-dress, however it's such a flattering silhouette in case you're carrying just a little weight and the size hides something from cankles to knobbly knees.'

Michelle's verdict: 'I'm so glad I gave Jamie carte blanche to do no matter he needed with my hair. It seems to be attractive with the costume.

'After I posted a photograph on social media, a number of mates commented that I look ten years youthful.'

'DIVORCE SAPPED MY CONFIDENCE' 

Helen Charnock, 42, is an accounts assistant. She is single and lives in Kent along with her two-year-old son.

'Till I had my son, I labored for a financial institution in Mayfair. I at all times wore heels and pencil skirts, plus mascara and a slick of lipstick.

'However since having my son, after which my relationship breaking apart, I've felt just like the token frumpy mum within the workplace. I haven't had my hair colored in years. At weekends, I put on trainers and denims. I simply haven't bought the center or the arrogance for the rest.'

Helen Charnock, 42, is an accounts assistant. She is single and lives in Kent along with her two-year-old son. Now, she says: 'The morning after the make-over, I needed to indicate off my coiffure'

THE EXPERTS SAY

YOU NEED THE CHOP AFTER 40

Hairdresser Jamie will get straight to the purpose: 'For most girls over 40, a shorter reduce is extra flattering. Hair thins as we age, so can look limp when lengthy. And highlighting methods referred to as strobing give a flattering gentle on the perimeter, including an additional raise.'

APPLY BROW GELS AND POWDER

'There's by no means been a lot give attention to brows,' says Virna. 'At the moment, you should buy every part from brow-boosting gels to thickening powders in any chemist. Helen's brows had nearly disappeared, so I gave them a lift.'

INVEST IN A PUSH-UP BRA

Camilla says: 'Helen mentioned she was acutely aware of being small-busted so we discovered an amazing push-up bra from M&S to assist add form to a glamorous robe. Fashionable shape-boosting bras are smooth and cozy.'

Helen's verdict: 'The morning after the make-over, I needed to indicate off my coiffure, so, for the primary time in years, I utilized lipstick and mascara and pencilled in my eyebrows. My colleagues have been astonished!

'Now, I need to rent a babysitter and exit — and maybe begin courting once more.'

'I LONGED TO FEEL SEXY AGAIN' 

Lisa Scaplehorn, 48, lives in Bristol along with her daughters Naomi, 24, Lauren, 20, and Yasmin, 5.

'The place has the glamorous, girl who by no means stepped out of the home with out immaculate hair and make-up disappeared to?

'Since having Yasmin at 43, I simply put on Primark leggings, trainers and sweaters with a hat to cover my thinning hair. She doesn't sleep nicely, so my power ranges are on the ground. After I catch sight of my reflection, my face is pale and drained. I'd like to really feel horny once more.'

Lisa Scaplehorn, 48, lives in Bristol along with her daughters Naomi, 24, Lauren, 20, and Yasmin, 5. After her makeover, she mentioned: 'I really feel assured for the primary time in years'

THE EXPERTS SAY

GET A 'BOTOX' FRINGE

Anxious a couple of wrinkled brow? Ask your hairdresser for a 'Botox' fringe because it's as flattering as having the process.

Jamie says: 'A sweep fringe is ok, however a blunt one which hides the forehead is extra flattering. I added a row of tape extensions across the perimeter to thicken her advantageous hair.'

GO GREEN TO HIDE EYEBAGS

There's nothing worse than eyebags, however color correcting make-up will help disguise them. Strive City Decay Color Correcting Fluid (£17). This concealer has a inexperienced tinge so when it's utilized earlier than basis, it really works to stability out the purple of luggage.

'It sounds unusual, however it actually works,' says Virna.

SPEND MORE

Camilla says: 'Lisa appears to buy largely in Primark, however it's much better to spend extra on fewer, better-made, well-fitting garments.

'Not solely are they extra flattering, however Excessive Avenue materials are sometimes too flimsy to go well with anybody however these underneath the age of 30.'

Lisa's verdict: 'I really like my new hair color and the aubergine eyeshadow Virna used made my inexperienced eyes stand out. I really feel assured for the primary time in years.

'As an alternative of throwing on my scruffy previous "mum coat", I've been carrying an expensive lengthy black coat that's languished in my wardrobe for years. This complete expertise has jogged my memory that I've nonetheless bought my sparkle — I simply wanted to search out it.'

'I ADMIT I'D GIVEN UP ON MY LOOKS' 

Kelly Brightman, 41, is a photographer and lives in Cardiff along with her husband Mark, 42, and son Daniel, virtually two.

'I'd describe my model as very informal. I work at home so I stay in free trousers and T-shirts.

'We had an extended wrestle to conceive our little boy by means of IVF and I turned so weary that I gave up on my look and ballooned to a measurement 16.

'Partly I don't care as a result of I'm simply so thrilled to be a mum, however I can't deny little bit of me has gone, and I really feel consumed by my weight achieve and tiredness.'

Kelly Brightman, 41, is a photographer and lives in Cardiff along with her husband Mark, 42, and son Daniel, virtually two. She mentioned of her transformation, 'I'm astonished that just by swapping my shapeless garments for lovely, fitted clothes, I have a look at least half a stone slimmer'

THE EXPERTS SAY

VOLUME IS KEY

Jamie says: 'Kelly's hair is ok and limp, however she mentioned she'd tried brief hair earlier than and wasn't eager. As an alternative, I used a texturising method referred to as feathering to provide the phantasm of quantity and stability out her shoulders.'

MAKE-UP SLIMS YOUR FACE

You should buy palettes (attempt Nars, £46) with three shades of basis — one matching, one darker and one lighter than your pores and skin tone. 'Apply the pale one the place gentle would fall, such because the bridge of the nostril, and the darkish one in areas of shade, comparable to cheek hollows,' says Virna. 'While you mix it nicely, it gives the look of a slimmer face.'

WATCH YOUR WAIST

If you happen to've placed on weight, it's straightforward to cover in shapeless clothes, 'however this may make you look greater,' says Camilla. 'Exhibit your waist — it's the slimmest half.'

Kelly's verdict: 'I look a lot more energizing. Most of all, I'm astonished that just by swapping my shapeless garments for lovely, fitted clothes, I have a look at least half a stone slimmer.'

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