Do you need a break-up makeover? Here's a 5-step plan

Been through a tough break-up? A makeover might be the key to being happy again. Photo / Getty Images

From Pop's Cheryl and Liam to Love Island's Georgia and Josh, it is the week of break-ups. The end of any relationship is sad; tears are shed, hearts are broken. But, whether you're breaking up with a partner, leaving a job or moving house/city/country, any sort of dramatic ending can be eased by shedding the look that went with it and embracing a new one that's all about you.

Whether we're aware of it or not, many of us morph into the people around us. In some cases, you can track a woman's style evolution by the relationship she is in (Kimye – just saying). After all, they say you become the five people closest to you. The point is, our outer persona is a reflection of our inner self – how we put ourselves together reflects how we move in the world - from our clothes to our hair, complexion, makeup and posture. Most importantly, what we see in the mirror sends visual cues to our brain that, for better or worse, impacts our own sense of power and self-worth.

A successful breakup makeover can be as benign as returning to a look you once loved at a particularly happy time in your life and updating it for now; It could mean updating your makeup bag with a few experimental items that represent the new you. Or, if you're an all-or-nothing type of gal, re-vamp your hair as it's the most visceral signal that you're in charge and ready for change.

5 ways to break up with your old look (in order of priority)

1: Get in interview mode

When we dress for interviews, we carefully consider how we wear our hair and makeup. Does my look reflect my personality? Do I feel confident, groomed and put together? Is it too safe or too risky? Am I on-role? If you've lost your sense of self or merely bored of peddling the same old look, ask yourself some hard questions before you jump into a new style. Finding out who you are now – and how you wish to evolve – is the secret to nailing it. Trying to own a look that doesn't feel right is like squeezing into a pair of jeans that no longer fit you. It just doesn't work.

Does your look reflect your personality? Photo / Getty Images

2: Get your glow back

Breakups can sap the energy, not only from your spirit, but from your skin. "After a breakup, or any sudden shock, we become stressed and sleepless – the two main reasons that skin loses its glow," explains Sue Nabi, founder of clean luxury skincare line, Orveda. "Our skin loses water at night as part of the regeneration process and only rehydrates itself in the final two hours. When we miss out on those vital couple of hours of recovery time, we wake with skin that's thirsty and lacklustre."

Nabi recommends using a night serum that prevents moisture loss with pre-biotic ingredients that rebalance the skin's healthy bacteria. "Prebiotics act like makeup from within, restoring radiance for a naturally healthy glow," explains Nabi. I'm also fond of Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask to Quench Skin's Thirst, £26.50 ($27 at meccabeauty.co.nz).

3: Update your fragrance

Nothing is more emotive than scent. Just as one whiff of an ex's cologne can stop you in your tracks, a waft of night blooming jasmine can spark a happy vacation memory. Granted, this is an invisible tweak, but updating your fragrance will put a fresh spin on things, lending a new attitude to your style and outlook. If you were to go by the rules, citrus notes, such as mandarin, are known to be uplifting and promote happy vibes. However, my feeling is that fragrance is so much more subtle than a blend of notes, it's all about the vibe.

The best way to pick a scent that's you is to A) stop someone who's fragrance you love and ask them what they're wearing – introverts may scoff, but it's no different to picking the brains of your stylish friend for the latest denim recommendations. B) find out the perfumer of your current signature scent, Google what other fragrances he/she has created, then head to a fragrance hall to sample them. Or, get a fragrance coach, which any artisan perfumery will have on offer. This is by far the most fun as you will be lead on a sensory journey through a series of carefully constructed questions that will help you land on the new 'one.'

4: Makeover your make-up bag

Getting out of a makeup rut requires purchasing a product or two that your former self always wanted to try but didn't have the guts to do so. This usually means adding colour and a bright lipstick or eyeshadow is the easiest way to break out of the nude trap. Don't be shy of experimenting, the act of adding something bold boosts bravery and gets you in the habit of trying new things. Besides, it's all in the way you wear it - a slick red lip isn't so startling if worn against natural eye makeup and a sheer complexion. Most of us are more confident with accentuating lips or eyes, so choose the feature you like the most and adorn. MAC is great for up to the minute colour as is NARS and Chanel.

It's time to update your makeup bag. Wear the lippy you never thought you had the guts to wear previously. Photo / Getty Images

If you haven't done so already, invest in an eyebrow enhancer as defined brows create an air of confidence.

Skin, skin, skin. Most of us have a hard time trading in a trusty foundation. Yet, it's the one product that evolves more than any other as new technologies and increasingly nuanced shade selections make for better, more natural results. So, any makeover must include a new base. Foundations worth a whirl: La Mer Soft Fluid Longwear Foundation, £90 ($210 at meccabeauty.co.nz), has a luxury finish with SPF20 and Dior Backstage Face and Body Foundation £29 ($80 at sephora.nz), can't be beaten for its second skin finish that seamlessly covers imperfections. And finally…highlight, it will make you appear brighter. Try finding a highlighter that delicately accents cheek and brow bones for a grown-up glow.

5: Call your hairdresser, immediately

"Most people are stuck in a hair rut and they don't even know it - they pick a style when they're young and stick with it," says celebrity hairdresser Larry King. Yet, getting out of a rut doesn't have to be drastic – a few new details can make a huge difference to your style and confidence. "Whether you go for something subtle like a fringe or dive into a shorter cut, choose a shape that works with your natural texture. That way it looks new but effortless at the same time, as you can style it in a casual way that isn't forced," explains Larry.

When researching, don't pick a haircut without considering what's going on from the neck down. Analyse your overall style and co-create your new hair look with your hairdresser. The best cuts are not the ones that suit a certain face shape, they're the ones that enhance your best traits. "Anyone can have any cut, it's a matter of adapting it to suit you, so be instinctive when gathering images then discuss the options with your hairdresser – that way you'll come up with something modern that feels comfortable," explains Larry.