Ah grooming. It’s one of those ‘chores’ that many people avoid a lot of the time. I mean who likes ironing? Who loves blowdrying their hair? And if I had a dollar for every woman who’d said to me she doesn’t have time to apply any makeup …. well I’d have at least $789.
Yet, when you see any makeover, a large part of the transformation is down to a flattering hairstyle and makeup.
Grooming is the first thing that goes when we are sick (or tired). We just can’t be bothered if we’re not feeling great.
It’s an important part of our self-care routine, which should also include doing some sort of exercise and eating a reasonably healthy diet. And I know from seeing the reactions of those who even spend a little time each day on putting together their outfits for my Evolve Your Style challenge that doing this has a positive knock on effect on the rest of their lives.
Yet good grooming says that we are “together” mentally. That we are in control of our life.
Poor grooming can say we are sloppy or lazy. Is that the message you want to give out?
Think of someone you would consider stylish …. now tell me are they well groomed or not?
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Clean out your makeup cupboard. There is no point in having lots of makeup in colours that don’t flatter you. If you have a colour palette hold it up and compare it to the makeup. If the colours don’t work together then the makeup is the wrong colour for you. Makeup will be more muted in general than your palette, but it should be in the same undertone spectrum.
Learn to apply makeup in a quick and easy way for you. There are so many makeup videos on the internet to use as guidance. I’ve got my 5 minute makeup routine plus some tips on choosing makeup colours from foundationto the sheen level
Consider your hairstyle. Is it fast and easy to do (I have a 3 minute maximum for my hair)? If not, book an appointment and talk to your hairdresser about a better style that works with your hair rather than against it. Then commit to spending that 3 minutes (or whatever it is) a day to do it.
Further Reading
Thoughts on Maintenance from Une Femme
Sharon the Makeup Artist has heaps of makeup tips and tutorials to check out
How does your hairstyle interact with your outfit from Already Pretty
Re: makeup, men aren’t expected to wear any. I refuse to wear makeup, not because I don’t like being well-groomed, but because I do not endorse double standards. Besides, I don’t find it obligatory to apply chemicals on my face.
I know some very well-groomed women (and men) who wear no makeup.
double standards… oh dear… you may have been very lucky in the genetic lottery so you can get away with no make-up, but I have rather unfortunate facial features that make-up helps disguise/de-emphasise. I am only talking about a five-minute make-up routine too… there is a noticeable difference in how people treat me on a make-up vs no make-up day. it’s all largely subconscious of course, but I don’t think this will ever change. people prefer attractive over unattractive. vast majority of women are simply not pretty enough to be able to do without make-up if they want to get the most out of their appearance.
I am enamored with this necklace you are wearing. Of course, the article is right on and I agree completely with the points you are making, BUT I am completely distracted by this incredible, gorgeous statement necklace…LOVE
Thanks for writing this post. It is a good reminder that grooming is important, but the level of grooming is determined by personality and lifestyle. As long as I look and feel good/presentable/like the best version of myself, whatever grooming I choose is right. Something for me to remember 🙂
I have to agree with others who have said that applying make up is NOT good grooming….for everyone.
It’s not essential of course!
Its so true Imogen.
Regardless, you’ve always got to make an effort.
So true Imogen! I have been letting the grooming go and allowing the business of life take over. This week I booked in my nail appointment and felt like a million bucks. Then I snagged a hairdressers appointment for tomorrow too! Whole new woman!
Fresh hair is always fab
I have to agree that grooming makes a difference in the total look. On makeup Vs non – I think Susie got it right. Some people won the genetic lottery and some not. This also changes with time. I remember how I swore I would NOT dye my hair when I got older. Unfortunately as a medium/low contrast person grey hair makes me look washed out and haggard. After I dyed my hair a 7 year old told me I looked “so much better”. Ouch.
Thank you and Greetings from San Francisco, Imogen! Happy to have discovered you through google and am absorbing your blogs and videos… . Your ideas are practical common sense and work! I wear a monochromatic color theme in my daily life. Lots of leggings, lightweight waterfall cardigans, trench coats, bright tights….got inspired by you to wear a bright red shirt under my yellow trench coat now am going to link on how to break the cycle of shopping too much!