STUCK IN A BEAUTY RUT?

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Has your look not changed in the last five years? Since high school perhaps?

Are you still buying the same shades of lipstick, blusher and eye shadow that you have been using for years? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are stuck in a beauty rut.

Those who find themselves following the same daily routine when applying makeup should ask themselves – am I fed up with my looks? Am I bored by my make-up routine? Am I a little out of step with the times? If the answer to any of these questions is also a resounding ‘yes’ – then it is time for a break.

You have to recognise that two major things have changed in the last few years – one is your looks and the other is fashion – to ignore these issues and continue with the same routine, colours and finishes day after day, simply doesn’t do you any favours.

Your makeup should complement, not fight, your age. For instance, if you have been wearing a pinkish foundation thinking that it gives you a youthful glow, it is time to switch to one of the newer foundations with more natural-looking yellow undertones.

Throw away that dark eyebrow pencil – these days, an eyeliner brush dipped in a dry, dark brown eye shadow is a more subtle way to fill in and define brows. It is also time for your frosted lipsticks to go into retirement. Switch to a shimmery lipstick or a gloss that is sheer enough to let your lips show through.

If you don’t know where to start, go through a few magazines and look at the latest trends in make-up. Cut out any pictures that inspire you. Look for images of models that have a similar complexion, hair and eye colour to yours and draw inspiration from what you see.

Next, visit your favourite makeup counter and ask a makeup artist to show you how to enhance your best features. This is a great time to experiment with new colours and formulas that you would not ordinarily try on your own. Do not be afraid to ask questions so that you know exactly how to re-create your new, up to date look at home.

Updating your make-up means buying colours and finishes outside of your comfort zone. For instance, if you are still using powder eye shadows, switch to cream shadows - they are softer and do not crease. You may also need to change the way you do certain things – for example, we used to think that a thin eyebrow arch was best, but nowadays the brow shape is more natural and soft.

Browse magazines for images of hairstyles too. Ask trusted friends and family members for ideas and advice on what they feel would suit you. If you have long hair and are loathed to cut it short, perhaps a funky updo would re-vamp your look without the need for scissors. At sites like Hair Updos you’ll find the best hair updos images so that you can begin to experiement.

Many women, at some time in their life, get into a hair and makeup rut and although they want a new look, they tend to hold on to old-fashioned, comfortable and ‘safe’ ideas.

However, to update your look, you must throw away the old routines and products and open yourself to discovering a new, modern and beautiful you.