t special times of the year we find ourselves in need of a new look. This especially applies to the ladies, but is not limited to them. Some of us can afford to head to the spa for a new tan, makeup and hairstyle, to the mall for a new wardrobe and all the accessories. Others of us do not have the extra resources to do this and sometimes struggle to attain a new 'us.'
Makeup
Many department stores offer professional makeup application right on the premises. Clinique and Lancome are popular companies with trained associates. They can teach you the newest makeup techniques for daytime and evening. Their products are available for purchase immediately. Merle Norman and Body Works offer the same service and are located in many malls. Take a friend with you. BOTH of you try outrageous things, sedate things, sexy things.....laugh together and enjoy the adventure!
Mary Kay and BeautiControl are two companies that offer home parties for the purpose of selling makeup. This is another way to learn about the right colors and newest makeup styles. A trained representative offers instruction to the group while everyone practices application.
Avon representatives are a great source of personal assistance. Many still visit in the home and can offer a wide range of makeup products. Avon products must be ordered so expect a delay between learning about makeup and actually having it for practice.
Gather your friends and have them bring their favorite makeup. The group can offer suggestions to each member as they share their own makeup tips. A good point to this exercise is that your friends have seen you at your best and your worst and may have considered ideas in the past.
Approach someone whose makeup you admire. Ask her if she would be willing to chat with you about hints to improve your own makeup style.
Magazines are always offering articles on new makeup tips and the newest products. If your budget is particularly tight the library might offer current magazines in their periodicals section.
Some pharmacies have a 'no questions' refund policy on makeup. This might make it easier to be creative with new products and new colors. Trying something new would not be a total loss if it turns out the color doesn't work for you. You could return the mistake for a better color choice and not add it to a pile of unwanted, unused beauty products.
A few of the better hair salons offer complimentary makeup after a cut and style. Some Aveda salons do this.
Hairstyle
Beauty schools often offer services at very low prices. It would be worthwhile to look in the yellow pages for schools and to make a few calls to see what their price ranges are. A haircut can be had for $10 or less and a cut and color in the $20 range. Don't be alarmed at the thought of students turning your hair into a green haystack. The students have been tested and are watched closely by instructors who check every step taken.
Trade services with a beautician by offering a valuable service that they might need such as babysitting, sewing, or cooking in exchange for a haircut or new style.
Visit a beauty supply store and see if they have a bulletin board of services or ask if someone knows of a talented individual who might offer services at lower prices.
Some of your friends who have a talent with hairstyles might be willing to offer some advice on new styles or even be willing to cut your hair. Of course, you probably should be adventurous and willing to suffer a failure in that case. Ask friends whose hair styles you like about their beauticians.
When asked what you want for birthdays and gift giving occasions, tell friends and relatives you would like a gift certificate to a spa or salon.
Wardrobe
New advertisements for Goodwill Industries stores show that they carry designer labels and would be worth a few visits to search out gently used items at affordable prices.
Vintage clothing stores carry a wide range of styles at less than new prices. eBay carries new and used clothing at bargain prices. It takes patience to sift through the items but eventually something you like will be listed in your size at a price you can afford.
Trade with friends who are tired of their wardrobes but might be interested in something of which you have tired. Invite friends to look through your closets and suggest pairing items differently. Sometimes it only takes a person with a new point of view to rediscover your wardrobe.
Invite a friend whose fashion sense you trust to look through your closets and then shop with you to find new pieces to augment your existing wardrobe. Think about accessorizing with hats, scarves or belts to spice up a boring closet. Become adventurous and try on clothing you wouldn't normally buy. Model new things for each other and share your opinions.
Look through catalogs from Sears, Spiegel, Talbots, Chadwicks, etc., to find a new style. Choose a few outfits you really like, then attempt to duplicate them at Salvation Army or consignment stores. Consider adopting new colors and styles.
If you sew, you know how inexpensively you can make new, well-fitting articles of clothing for yourself. Remember that you can get a new look by changing the buttons or trims on existing wardrobe pieces.
Scents
Instead of a dresser top filled with many colognes or perfumes, consider adopting a daytime scent and an evening scent and making them your signature scents. Signature scents are very personal. Visit the perfume counter at department stores. Trained associates will take the time to discuss your own personal style with you and help you discover new scents.
There are many perfumeries that offer knock-offs of the more expensive perfumes. Many of the associates in these stores are also trained to help you discover the right new scent for your personality.
Other
To update your shoes there are shoe dyes you can use to turn a pair of light colored shoes into a pair that match a particular outfit. Many shoe stores also carry clip-on jewels, flowers and novelties to attach to shoes and boots to give them a different personality. Crafters will find inspiration at craft stores like Michael's for items that can be added to sneakers and shoes to give them new life.
Visit the local library for self-help, self-improvement types of books and magazines. Borrow or trade with friends who have purchased books. Discuss articles and books with friends before making a purchase.
If you are looking for a total body makeover, don't pay for a gym. Some schools offer the use of the school pool or exercise room to the public free or very inexpensively. Swimming is one of the best exercises around. Many public parks now offer walking and biking paths that are clean and safe for use.
Occasionally tanning salons or spas offer get-acquainted offers to bring in new customers. Look for these offers in your area to get lower prices for a limited number of sessions.
