How to Do Your Own Makeover For Women

Get ready for your new look.

When you're tired of your look or when you realize that you've had the same hair and makeup styles since high school, it's time for a makeover. Although you can spend thousands of dollars to have a professional stylist help you with a makeover, there's no need to spend that kind of money. You can do your own makeover at home and spend very little money in the process.

Things You'll Need

• Camera
• Fashion magazines and books
• Hair styling products
• Makeup

Instructions

1. Take a before picture. You'll have a true record of your makeover if you take before and after pictures. Make sure that your before picture is a true representation of your current look. Don't try to exaggerate anything or hide anything.

2. 

   Invest some time in research.

   Explore current styles, especially if you haven't paid attention for a while. Go to the library and check out fashion magazines and books about hair, makeup and fashion. Take the stack of magazines and books home and set aside an hour or two to explore the latest styles. When you see something you like, bookmark the page so you can come back to it later.

3. 

   Pay close attention to how the stylist does your hair so you can repeat it at home.

   Start with your hair. Take your favorite pictures of hairstyles to a hair salon and ask the stylist if she thinks it would work well with your face and hair type. Tell her that you're looking for a whole new look. She should be able to help you meld your ideas with what will work best with your face and hair. Ask for styling tips, especially if your new style is unfamiliar and you're unclear about how to style your hair. When you get home, practice the new techniques you've learned.

4. 

   Try new shades of eye shadow and lipstick for a new look.

   Work with makeup. Go through your books and magazines again, scrutinizing the makeup you like. If the colors differ from what you already own, go shopping for inexpensive colors in the new shades you like. Refer to styling tips from the books and magazines you checked out, and don't be afraid to apply your makeup in new ways. If you don't like it, you can always wash it off and try again.

5. 

   Don't keep clothing that makes you feel dumpy.

   Go through your closet. Spending time with the fashion magazines should help you to know what's currently in style. If a current trend doesn't look good on you, however, don't try to wear it just to fit in. Keep clothes that make you feel confident and good about yourself. Allow yourself to get rid of clothes that make you feel fat, that you've owned for too many years or that are worn out. Make a list of items you'd like to add to your wardrobe, and add them to your collection over time. There's no need to buy everything new right now.

6. Take an after picture with your new hair and makeup styles and in your newly revamped clothing. Compare it with your after picture. Your friends may want you to help them with makeovers of their own.

Tips & Warnings

• Undertake your makeover project with a friend. You may have more ideas for each other than you have for yourselves.

• Be brave, and remember that the changes aren't permanent in case you don't like them.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Haircuts That Take Off 10 Years
• Oprah: Heat-to-Toe Makeovers
• Garment Care: Give Your Wardrobe a Makeover

Resources

• Fitness Magazine: "You Can Do It!" Makeover
• Mary Kay: Virtual Makeover