Single Mom or not, the only thing that gets in the way of being the better version of ourselves is the lack of trust in our own beauty and strength to overcome the challenges we women encounter in our careers, family life and personal goals. You don’t need to dig too deep to find confidence. You just have to look the part and everything follows suit. Here’s how:
1) Balance & Symmetry – fashion icons have said it in more ways than one and the key to beauty is simpler than luxurious makeup and skincare products, expensive clothes or even rigorous procedures. Each person has a unique face shape and body type – WORK WITH IT. Soften strong lines around your face such as a long chin or high cheek bones with layered hair or softer makeup hues; create lines to balance out rounder features like wide foreheads and short necks with straight or wispy cuts with a side part across the forehead or by wearing longer necklaces or deeper necklines; turn wide hips to sexy curves by hugging them with pencil cut skirts instead of hiding under wide pants or balancing your bottom with a bulky layered top. The key is in giving the illusion that you look proportionate from head to toe because hardly anyone is.
2) Skincare trumps Makeup – playing with makeup is fun but it’s also tedious when overly done. Preserve your youthful glow and you won’t look haggard at all. Know your skin type and check with your dermatologist for what kind of maintenance routine you need to keep instead of going for what your kumares buy (a check up with the derma should be covered by a regular HMO, look into it!) Once you’ve found what facial wash, toner, moisturizer, deodorant and body lotion you’re hiyang to, stick to it so you can jot it down on your grocery budget and you’ll hardly find the need to experiment on expensive makeup trends.
3) Organize your Closet – if you haven’t worn it for over 6 months, you probably won’t wear it at all. Weed your closet into those that you really need and use and get rid of those that you don’t by selling them so you have space for your hard-earned investments. Make sure that nothing goes in that closet without you fitting it beforehand. Fix it by color, type of clothing piece and length. Find out which ones go with what hanger and which ones you can fold. Press your tailored pieces to truly impress when the occasion counts and don’t scrimp on underwear and pantyhose. Remember: if it fits well (not a size smaller or bigger), if the colors and patterns compliment your body type, taste and most occasions you’ll need it for then it belongs in there. Otherwise, throw ‘em out.
4) Where and What to Buy – if you must buy, try looking in Greenhills for cheaper alternatives or having something made for yourself before heading out to the expensive brands. As long as you’ve invested in the right underwear and reliable bags and shoes, you’ll look great in anything you wear regardless of the price tag that went with it (if you got a piece that fits you and your body type right).
5) Value Me Time – no amount of money can erase the past or make you happy unless you know how to use it wisely. After a hard day’s work or a long week, don’t beat yourself up by stressing over things that don’t matter. Spend time and money on what can truly make you happy – just you. Whether it’s sitting in a coffee shop with your favourite read or getting a massage and a mani and pedi to boot, you deserve it and no one else has to know but you. Once you’ve done that, you’ll have the attitude to don your most stylish getup and flaunt the fabulous single mom in you.
If you need help on curating your makeup kit, weeding your closet, finding out how to work around your unique face shape, body type, skin type, etc. set a one-on-one appointment with me. Details at jasminemendiola.com or contact through Twitter, Facebook or info@jasminemendiola.com :)
