Hi Group! I've been through lots of positive changes in my life in the last few months, in many different ways. I'm a much more happy person that I was let's say 6 months ago. I decided to take time for myself, and tada! I became the new me. My original goal was to be more healthier so that I would have more energy to do things. I feel like I'm at that point. I lost the extra weight, I walk on a regular basis, I do weight training, and I do cardio training once in a blue moon. I'm starting to see some muscles starting to build, and I'm quite proud of that. Ok, so what does beauty have to do with this? Well, although I feel great about the way I feel now, and the way I look (thinner, more muscular), I feel that I would need a makeover. I don't feel good looking.  And I'm always looking for a challenge, it keeps me motivated. So here are the things I don't like about myself: 1. I hate my nose, but unless I can come up with a large sum of money to get a nose job, I'm stuck with it. 2. Acne. Comes and goes with my cycle 3. Thin and greasy hair. 4. Ugly legs 5. Some unwanted hair (I know that sounds really bad, but I'm not that ugly. I'm just being extremely critical, here. I will provide a picture to prove it!) Nothing can be done with 1, but I need some advice on 2 to 5 2. Acne. I use Mary Kay products, but I admit that I don't use them on a regular basis. I've been doing this for years, though, and I'm thinking that I might be willing to try something new. I know nothing will work perfectly if I don't do it on a regular basis, but I'm willing to put the time and effort. Until I'm convinced about some other product, I'm going to put my time and effort using the Mary Kay products, and it might actually clear up things. But suggestions are welcome! 3. Hair: I have brown hair with blonde highlights (this would be so much easier if I had a picture. Wait a sec, DH borrow his dad's digital camera. I'll make sure he takes a picture before e have to return it). Shoulder lenght. Completely straight. No body. The hair gets greasy really quick, and the ends dry up really quick too. So unless I use really good conditioner, I end up with enormous knots in my hair. Oh, and it has to be for colour treated hair. I used AG shampoo, but it was only good at first. Right now, I have L'Oreal profesionnal edition (only sold by hair dressers), and although I don't get the big knots, my hair is kind of greasy. I blow dry my hair every second day. I put mousse to try to give it some body, and I put a bit of hairspray to keep the hair out of my face. Any hair tips anyone? 4. Legs. I don't know, it's like the skin looks old on my legs, uneven colour, kind of screwed up. I figure that a good moisturizer should help, but I don't know. I'm occasionally use a kiwi moisturizer, and sometimes a cream with Vitamin E. Any idea what would help? 5. I hate shaving. I only shave my underarms and my bikini line. I juse an epilatory machine for my legs. Could that be contributing to #4? I often wear pants because I'm too lazy. I used to do the Nair thing, but I'm concerned about what it could do to my skin. I refuse to shave, simply because I'd have to do it more often than I do the epilating. I don't think I'd be able to bring myself to do my own waxing, but I'd consider getting it done regularly. Has anyone gotten their underarms waxed? How painful is it compared to legs and/or bikini line? (yes, I've done that once: the week before the wedding. Wanted to get my legs done and the woman convinced me to do my bikini line (and a bit more!) and I stupidly agreed. Ouch! It's taken me almost three years to consider maybe getting it done again, simply because it lasts so much longer, unlike shaving. Does anyone here get that done regularly by someone? Do you feel that it's worth the cost? The last unwanted hair is my upper lip. It doesnt' bother me much, but DH commented about it a few times, so now I'm paranoid about it. Electrolysis? Bleaching? Waxing? I've never gotten any facial hair removed, so I need advice here. Whew. That was long. If you're still reading, wow. I'm obviously pretty new at this and would need some advice. Thanks in advance! Michelle

Whew. That was long. If you're still reading, wow. I'm obviously pretty new at this and would need some advice. Don't know if I've given you much in the way of advice.  At best I've just given you a few other things to try. Jan

1. I hate my nose, but unless I can come up with a large sum of money to get a nose job, I'm stuck with it. 2. Acne. Comes and goes with my cycle 3. Thin and greasy hair. 4. Ugly legs 5. Some unwanted hair (I know that sounds really bad, but I'm not that ugly. I'm just being extremely critical, here. I will provide a picture to prove it!)         Actually, it doesn't sound at all bad to me.  It sounds normal.   Not that making yourself look better is a bad idea, just that I don't think you're starting from behind the pack. Kris

Whew. That was long. If you're still reading, wow. I'm obviously pretty new at this and would need some advice.      Don't worry about it, that's what we're all here for.  I love talking about things like this...(can you tell?)  In fact, I'd rather talk about it here than over on alt.fashion because I'm not into the has to be real expensive and come from a department store or it's no good mindset that they can be in over there.   Lynn

2. Acne. I use Mary Kay products, but I admit that I don't use them on a regular basis. An important thing

talking about things like this...(can you tell?)  In fact, I'd rather talk about it here than over on alt.fashion because I'm not into the has to be real expensive and come from a department store or it's no good mindset that they can be in over there. I don't contribute much over there...but then again, I don't want to sound like a shill for my company. What lipstick are *you* wearing?   What perfume are *you* wearing?  I'd sound like a broken record....although it is true. I do miss when alt.fashion used to be more fashion and less makeup.     - Jennifer in Delaware