Well, as pathetic as it sounds...I'm a 31yr old woman who doesn't know all that much about being a woman <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />

My mom died when I was 4.5 and there really haven't been a major prominant female figures in my life to teach me the basics of makeup, hair, etc...

Our 10 year anniversary is in a couple of weeks, and I'd really like to WOW hubby. I've got a dress ordered (if I'm daring enough to wear it!!!), and some new undergarments but I need some help in the smaller details.

For one thing...is there someplace a gal can go where they could help me to figure out a better makeup look? Would those stinky places I usually avoid in the mall stores (like Younkers or Dillards) do that? It always seems like they want to sell you a thousand dollars worth of putty and paint...but hey, you get a free gift. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" />

Also hair. What I need is someone to help me with a STYLE, not just cut it like the JC Penny's catalog clipout I brought in. I would bet some color would help too...since I'm turning very grey (**SOB**). Do I need to find a botique or something...who the heck do I go see??

And this one will gross out the guys if they read...but it REALLLLLY BUGS ME!!! How on EARTH do you get your legs smooth and hair free without taking off a layer of skin??? I've done waxing (OWWWWIE) and that left my legs very nice for a couple of weeks...but in order to get that look again I had to grow it all out again...so I was a monster for another week. I usually use a razor, but I can't stay stubble free for more than a day, and it usually causes me to break out in a rash. Hardly the attractive look I was going for. Do cremes like Nair actually work??

And lastly...any tips on a quick tummy firming exercise that might help me? I have a little extra baggage in that area that I'd like to work on if I'm going to put on that dress in a couple of weeks. I know I can't work miracles in just 2 weeks...but if I can do tummy crunches a couple of times a day or something and it would help, I'd do it.

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Hope, <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

How about a guy's help, even though you did not ask for it. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

What about the Mary Kay makeup. At the parties they give free makeovers. Maybe it is worth a try.

My wife gets her hair done at one of those fancy places. She gets it colored and all. It looks fabulous. They put highlights in her hair to give it more of a natural look and to give her hair appearance of body. Be carefull though, she spent many a day crying over a bad hair cut, so do not be afraid to spend some money ($150 or so.) <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" />

Sorry I can't help you on the shaving part.

Crunches are the best for tummy shaping fast. It is important you concentrate on pulling yourself up by your stomache muscles ONLY. It will not work as good otherwise. Three sets of these a night for two weeks out to help alot, but nothing helps better than to loose 4 or 5 pounds. That is quite a bit, and can be done in two weeks.

Good luck. I am glad you are doing something nice for the H.

I quit drinking pop and have substituted with water...that should help. If I do ANY exercises I should easily be able to lose a few pounds.

When you say three sets...how many are in a set? I'm going to be a hurtin unit for a while I think.

$150 for a hairdo? Are you SERIOUS? Cripes...maybe I'll just go throw myself in front of a weedwacker and hope for the best. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

I spent WAAAAY too much on the dress (and I'm NOT a dress wearin gal, so this will probably be about the ONLY time I'll ever wear it). But...I guess...it's all in the name of science. LOL!

I'm not a Mary Kay fan. As nice as their stuff is...the dealers are NOT cosmotologists...they're just well meaning neighbors and friends. I want some good stuff that will accentuate the features I have. I'm just not sure if those places in the mall stores are just basically more expensive Mary Kay type dealers...or if they really know what they're doing.

Anyway..thanks for the tips!

Wow,
What a request, I was just watching "A Makeover Story" on TV as I read this. They would LOVE to get their hands on you!

I will give you some advice but with the disclaimer that i'm a "girlie" type. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

Let's start with hair. Did you already get it cut? If not, ask some girls with good looking hair where they go. Make an appt. and tell them that you need a good cut, and styling instruction so you can do it at home. If your graying I would color, that's what it's for! Again, let them know that you are new to this and need extra time for advice. Salons have lots of great styling books you can look through and find something that works with your hair type.

Makeup? Your comments about "stinky" department stores lead me to believe that you are more comfortable with a natural look. In my opinion, most women still need makeup to enhance their looks even if they want to look natural. The ladies at those counters usually have on too much makeup and fragrance, but go ahead and go to the counter for a makeup application. Be sure to let them know that you don't want too much and that you want lots of tips! You don't have to wear your own the way they do it, but you will learn something and of course get that "gift"!

Don't forget your nails, if you are comfortable with it I would suggest a manicure and pedicure. Men love sexy looking feet!

Shaving...AHHH the age old dilemma. There are plenty of products out there that promise hair free skin for weeks, but I personally have not found anything to be as good as a razor. I shave my legs everyday in the shower, just takes 2 min. or so and feels so good! Be sure to put on some silky lotion right out of the shower. Maybe other stuff that works, but i'm not willing to pull my skin off to get rid of the hair! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" />

You sound like you have a desire to change your look and feel more attractive, that's great! I have found that when I look my best I am more confidant and my H really appreciates the effort.

This might be too personal, but if you want to tell us where you live there might be some here who could offer specific suggestions for salons, shopping etc.

Good luck to you!

No, not the weedwacker... not unless you want to look like Meg Ryan! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" />

Hope,

Get over to Dillards or Younkers and have one of those make up ladies TEACH you how to appy your makeup. They are pros and that is where I learned how to do it. Lancome, Clarins or Estee Lauder seem to be the best trained.

On second thought, don't go to Estee Lauder but go to Lancome. You are too young for EL. If Lancome does your makeup, the only thing I would buy would be the foundation they suggest and maybe eyeshadow. They also make GREAT mascara, Defincils. Everything else you can get cheaper and just as good at Walmart. Just be sure and remember thier color and application suggestions.

lmao@ weedwacker.....
Department stores are great places to learn...I've found that the Clinique counter is the place for me...I like a natural soft look. Go to a good hair salon for a consultation. A good stylist will take the time to help you with a style that suits you. If you are feeling bold...they will help with the colour as well! Definite yes to a pedicure and manicure, they always make me feel prettier and well-kept! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> . As for body hair...hmmmm, tough choice. I do wax, but understand it's not for everyone. It's really a matter of personal preference. One tip: if you use a depilitory cream (ie. Nair), where gloves. The chemicals will also break down your nails. As for new dress...go for it! I have a feeling that H will love it and you will feel sexy and beautiful in it. Don't be afraid to show a little skin. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Hope,
I hit "reply" and I'm sitting here thinking I don't know a dang thing either <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> .

There's a scene in the movie THE OTHER SISTER where Juliette Lewis goes into a dept store for a makeover and they only do half her face! So, be certain you're getting the whole face done. Look at the person doing the makeover, if you don't like their makeup on them, you likely won't like it on you.

I don't know how you would find one, but I had a nice makeover with a COLOR ME BEAUTIFUL clinician, $30, though, now I know why I look like death in baby blue <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" /> and fantastic in red <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> .

Hair--I wear my hair long, mid-back, I'm scared of hairdressers, and actually in the last year have had my teenagers trim it, and my 14 year old is very creative with clips & twists, so no help with that. Any teenagers in your house or neighborhood?

I've colored my own hair off & on for 15-20 years, Garnier Nutrisse is my favorite brand because it doesn't smell too odd afterward. I think they have the shampoo out in a month or so kind as well.

I'm allergic to the hair removal stuff I've tried, don't need any more pain so haven't tried waxing etc...but there's some product on infomercials that is sold in my local Walgreens that is wipe-off. The people on TV look happy with it....

Tummy, in addition to upper crunches, lay on back, legs in air, lift hips for lower abs. I also like the ab roller thing that is a wheel with handles, and you slide forward. I find a stairmaster seems to tighten up my abs as well. Even walking 30-40 minutes every day for 2 weeks will help a little. If you check out any women's fitness mag, they almost always have exercises for abs, every month.

I've been working out at the gym now for 8 weeks for a Sept beach vacation...but then, I'm 42 and nothing tightens up as fast any more.

Good luck and have fun <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

AHHHHHH, finally something I think I know something about!!! Okay, where to start.....hair, because all else depends on this! I what City do you live? If you are in Houston or Cleveland, I can recommend a few. A pricey salon may hurt the pocket book, but it really does make a difference. They will tell you what color/higlights/style will look best on you. The place I have my hair colored runs about $100 and a cut, which is separate, runs $70. BUT, they know the most current styles, techniques, etc. Tell them exactly what you said here in your post and leave it in their hands.....

Next, makeup. Different skin undertones and hair colors look better in different colors of makeup. As much as you don't like the idea, the makeup counters at Dillards, etc. are the best place to start. I prefer Prescriptives for two reasons. First, they evaluate what colors are best for your skin tone and hair color and guide you in the proper direction. Also, they are a very natural look, so you won't look like a kewpie doll. They will make you up and show you exactly how to do it.

With regard to the legs....I have done both shaving and waxing. I find that even if I wax, I still have to shave because I get the stragglers, so I just stick with shaving (ugh!!!).

Finally, I had a baby 9 months ago today and weighed 190 the day I delivered him. Today, I weigh 120 and wear between a size 2 and 4. The best things I have found are The Zone diet, including Zone bars which are sold in most grocery stores, and stomach crunches. Lie flat on your back with your arms at your side and, without using your arms to help you, lift your legs up in the air so they create a 90 degree arc and are now perpendicular with the rest of your body. D0 three sets of 10 repetitions. They work wonders!!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! Keep the ideas coming!!!

I'm going to just get a catalog out and find a hair place in the city and give them a call. I'll just tell them I need someone who can give me a style that would be fun and easy to style. I've colored and had some pretty good cuts in the past...so it's not that I don't have SOME idea what looks good on me...I just could REALLY use some training in upkeep and such. The only reason I quit coloring was because I just don't keep it up like I'm supposed to...then it looks REALLY bad when it starts growing out. Maybe I just need to start scheduling it in under "maintanence".

I'll try one of the stinky counters and see what they can do. Actually they did that to Genine Gurafallo (sp??) in The Truth about Cats and Dogs. I laughed so hard at that movie! That'd be you and me Ladysing! I'm the good ol' reliably pretty but dumpy one :-)

The dress...yea...it shows some skin. I've got a really nice sized bossom and I've always thought with a little extra "lift" I could pull off one of those flirty low cut numbers. Well...I hope so cause it's on it's way! It's red too...so for the night I'll be the lady in red!!

So what razor do you use Lady? I've gotten the best results from the Personal Touch...but I'd be willing to try something else. Am I getting rashy because I use soap to shave with? Should I be using a shaving gel or something?

Thanks again!

Oh yea...and the nails. When I hit my "30 year transition" phase a couple of years ago (aka third year crisis!!!) I actually bought myself some perfume and started painting my nails. I don't have them "done" but I grow out some pretty nice looking ones naturally and I do try to put a coat of something pretty on them every now and then.

I'm not opposed to looking like a girl...just haven't got the skills to pull it off very well. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" />

please give mary kay atry. I sell it and use everything and it is a great product. they just came out with a lot of new colors and the women that make it a career do have training and really can help you. it's probably alot less expensive than the counter stuff and better quality. also some of the women were cosmotologists before getting into mary kay. check out their website-marykay.com, you can also find a consultant in your area. look for a sales director, they know the most. thanks for listening and good luck! have fun with whatever you do.

Nope, not in any of those cities. I'm in the backwoods of NE! The nearest city is 80 miles from me...but that'll work. I doubt I'll have near the choices as to stinky makeup counters to choose from (Dillards and Younkers are the only two I know of)...but if they can atleast get me started I can go for a full overhaul sometime later. The next largest city that would have any kind of real selection would be 3 hours away!!

I'm not going to get too worried over the dress yet. I ordered it from Victoria Secret, but it's not available until the 20th...there's a good chance it won't be here in time (Aug 1). I guess we'll see! Off to CRUNCH!!! (should I take the tylenol before the pain begins or wait until I can barely move??? LOL!!)

Yes, use shaving cream if you shave. I have found that Nair does work on the bikini area rather nicely, without leaving the rash

Exercise, I get fast results with Callanetics. It is a tape, I exercise in my own home. The first 4 days are killers. The tape I have I don't recall the exact title, but it is something about looking 10 years younger in 10 hours. So withing 10 yours of exercise you should see result. My H saw that my butt was smaller within 2 weeks, I noticed that the tummy was getting smaller. I have heard good things about the Zone diet. I recently took a nutrition class, this instructor is against fad diets, from what she read, she says it sounds practical. She does not get into buying the Zone "food", she thinks following the advise is good enough.

I heard that you can look 5 - 10 pounds thiner within a week if you eliminate all pop.

As far as hair and makeup, I'm not an expert on that. I practiced since I was a teenager, and do what i like. I do color my hair. I do it myself. I kept with my natural hair color. I started out using the temporary color until I found the one I liked the most. Then I found which one was equivilant in the permanent color. But you don't have time for that, so I would go to a pro. Ask friends where they go.

Just my two cents...try Merle Norman for makeup, if you have one near you. They can give you a day or evening look and don't pressure you into buying everything under the sun! You could even go in a few hours before your big night and they would make you up to look fabulous! You won't believe the subtle changes they can make on your face! You'll really WOW your H! Good luck with your big evening - enjoy it! You deserve it!

I am addicted the that show, Makeover Stories, on TLC. My mom was a hairdresser, I learned a lot about hair and makeup from her. Mary Kay is a good product, my sister sells it.

As far as getting highlights, depends on your coloring (skin), and the color of your natural hair. If your hair is thick or thin, long or short... all play into what you should do with it also.

Go with a soft natural look on the makeup, men like that... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

Hope............I am just what you need......I know the whole bit about being a woman...my favorite saying is..."I Love being a girl!".....Hair nails make-up AND shaving ...all of it! Still interested? Email me
Msmyra54@aol.com

<small>[ July 17, 2002, 01:28 PM: Message edited by: Discovery2000 ]</small>

Don't feel bad...my mom never wore a thing but lipstick, and so I had to learn all this on my own too. Lots of time with magazines as a teen!!!

Lancome counter is a good suggestion...they do nice makeovers. You can buy stuff or not...or tell them you want to wear the look the rest of the day and then decide, so you may come back tomorrow...this give you a chance to see it on normal daylight, see how well it lasts on your skin, etc.

I found a great hair person by asking a friend who cut her hair. She is $35 for a cut (and I live in a major city), so you don't have to spend tons, but be sure you get a good recommendation. Color and perms are pricey almost anywhere. I have brown hair, and have used a reddish brown color semi-permanent one on it for years...I do it myself...it's not hard at all, and the color even adds a little body to fine hair. (but don't try highlights or bleaching yourself, I've seen some bad results!).

The suggestion to try Mary Kay is also good. They even have an 800 # to find a nearby consultant. The downside here is that many consultants are great, some are not (but that's true of other places too, I suppose).

Shaving, I use a Venus razor with shave gel on legs and, uhm, elsewhere. The grow-out period and the discomfort of waxing dissuaded me from it, and Nair just doesn't work that well on me. I just shave daily, and my legs do not complain. The "bikini" area did get a rash at first, but quickly adjusted in a few days..

Good luck...

Kathi

<small>[ July 17, 2002, 01:28 PM: Message edited by: kam6318 ]</small>

Hey Hope. All the advice sounds great. I'm sure your husband will love what you have planned for him.

I have to give my vote for a manicure and pedicure, especially if you are wearing shoes that show your toes.

The dress sounds like a total winner. Do you have a Dino Palmeri Salon near you? That could be a Cleveland thing, but just a thought. They did a fabulous job with my hair when I finally agreed to get it chopped (5 + inches - all damaged).

As for the shaving, the best I can give is definately use a shave gel or cream of some sort for a smoother shave. My suggestion for razor, Mach III - it's a man's razor but they are great. Besides, if it can work great on the face of someone, what about our legs!? I use that and I like it.

That's about all I have to offer you. Good luck and be sure to keep us posted. Take care.