Adding a quality new look to your repertoire and getting noticed has never been easier.
With online shopping websites offering a range of original and lovingly made bespoke quality items, you don’t even have to leave home to go shopping.
Of course, that spoils the sense of occasion.
Going to town and exploring the shops – “licking the windows,” as the French would say, is often an essential part of finding any new look.
One of the most popular and most powerful ways to get a new look is to start by getting a new hairstyle.
Our hair is our crowning glory – and having your hair in fresh fashion can make or break your style makeover.
Maybe you’ve always had long flowing locks and fancy a bob cut – or, having always been brunette, you quite like the idea of seeing if blondes really do have more fun.
Getting a bocka (as they say in Victoria) is the first step in stomping all over your old look.
Once you’ve got your bonza new locks, it’s time to match the makeup.
Do you love wearing makeup but hate the hassle of searching for the right products? Or maybe you’ve tried several different brands and just can’t find the right product?
Well, finding your perfect match doesn’t have to be complicated.
The first step to choosing the best brand is understanding exactly what you’re looking for.
The key criteria when selecting foundation is coverage, colour and texture.
What kind of skin tone are you? Do you have dry/oily skin? How much sun exposure do you have? What type of environment do you spend the most time in? Are you going out all day or staying inside?
These are some examples of questions you may ask yourself before making a purchase.
Once you’ve decided on a brand and style, it’s time to move on to the next part – you need to pick a shade that matches your skin tone.
This is one area where shopping around really pays off. There are lots of websites like Sephora, Ry and Adore Beauty that let you search for specific shades based on your skin tone.
Some sites also let you “try on” the colours with some clever software where you can put a photo of yourself up and digitally apply the makeup to see what it looks like before purchasing.
It’s more likely that you’d prefer to go into stores where they have samples, so you can experiment with the different textures and finishes and see how they feel on your face.
After picking your base shade, you’ll need to decide between matte and dewy formulas. Matte foundations tend to give a smooth finish, whereas dewy formulas are meant to leave a natural glow.
Matte formulas can sometimes come with a slight sheen to them, so you may want to test these out as well. Some people like both finishes, but dewy formulations do seem to provide the best coverage.
Now that you’ve chosen your base shade, it’s time to apply it properly. Start by applying your foundation, blending it outwards, starting from your jawline.
Blend upwards toward your forehead, cheekbones and nose, and blend outward again along your jawline. Once blended throughout, pat your face until completely covered.
Now you’re ready to rock that makeup.
Mistakes to avoid
A common mistake people make when wearing makeup is forgetting to prime their faces beforehand. This is especially true for oily skin, so avoid touching your face for a few hours after you put on your makeup.
This allows your skin to breathe and absorb oil evenly. The last thing you want is clogged pores.
To ensure your makeup lasts all day, you’ll also want to invest in a primer. Primers seal in moisture, prevent creasing and add shine without being too shiny.
They’re great for keeping makeup from migrating under eye bags, around fine lines and wrinkles, and even under sunscreen for extra protection.
In short, knowing your skin type, skin care preferences, lifestyle needs and budget will help you achieve the perfect makeup application every time.
Then it’s time for the accessories.
If you’ve always worn glasses, it might be the perfect time to sort out some new frames – different colours, different styles, different vibes.
You might even want to ditch the glasses altogether and go for contact lenses.
You can buy contact lenses online Australia wide now, not just in opticians.
There is a massive range of coloured contact lenses, so you can even match your eyeshadow with your pupil colour, for example.
The effect can be really striking, and colour eye contacts Australia style are really catching on now.
According to one of Australia’s largest optical suppliers; “People who do not require sight correction can wear coloured lenses, however an eye examination is still required prior to fitting. If you wear or require contact lenses for sight correction, then a prescription will be required. If you are in any doubt, please consult your optometrist.”
The next touch to your quality new look is the accessories.
This is where you can have fun.
How about a Panama hat or a Stetson, finished off with a cigar?
You don’t necessarily need a horse or a Boveda – although if you do decide to take up smoking the odd Havana, you might want to invest in a cigar humidor, to keep your cigars fresh.
Finally, it’s time to sort out some new clothes to match your makeover.
There are plenty of options out there. Finding the right combination for yourself can be tough. Here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for clothing:
Having a trusted fashion advisor on hand can make all the difference. Finding a store that caters to your specific tastes and preferences also makes things much simpler.
Many stores now hire personal stylists whose job is to guide customers through the process of picking out outfits based on their individual needs and taste.
You’re looking for something that flatters your figure, accentuates your best features, and matches your lifestyle. Once you understand what you like, it becomes easier to shop for clothing that reflects that.
Trendy items usually come back around every few years, but before you buy anything, try to catch a trend early on.
Trying on fresh pieces first can give you a clearer idea of what will actually suit you. When you put on a jacket or pair of pants, you can judge whether it fits properly, whether it feels comfortable, and whether it suits your body type.
Also, you can feel confident that you won’t end up buying something that doesn’t flatter your shape or complement your skin tone.
Don’t expect to find everything you’re looking to buy instantly. Sometimes, it takes several visits to a store to find what you’re after and sometimes you have to wait until sales begin. This is when you can make significant savings.
Being patient pays off in the long run.