https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 06 May 2026 22:38:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy/page/2#post-155543 Wed, 12 May 2010 04:00:57 +0000 cciele 155543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Huh, I just realized from reading this thread that I am not comfortable wearing a significant amount of make-up. Even the amount that Penelope Cruz is wearing in April's example is too much, too "contrived natural," for me. </p> <p>I guess "polish" is not one of my style goals; it just doesn't feel like me. Clean, presentable, boho, edgy -- yes, but polished, not really. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy/page/2#post-155536 Wed, 12 May 2010 03:51:17 +0000 Anonymous 155536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a tough question Mac. I don't have time to read through all of your replys because it is almost beddy by time.<br /> I have been practicing and practicing to find that line between polished and natural but oh so good.<br /> I have finally gotten my makeup down to a little bit of this and a little bit of that and it makes a big difference in my face.<br /> I'm still working on the hair. I did get quite a boost today when I went for a haircut and was told that the way I had styled it before coming in looked nice.<br /> I will anxiously read all of the comments in the morning. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy/page/2#post-155528 Wed, 12 May 2010 03:46:10 +0000 Christie 155528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such an interesting topic! Since I wear my naturally curly hair in its "natural" state, I think it contributes to my overall natural look. However, I do apply natural product (homemade flax seed gel) to make it a more aesthetic natural, taming it, making the curls clump and spiral, rather than frizz and flyaway ... so its not "au natural!" Another way I keep it from being "au natural" is to keep it cut by a really good stylist, rather than big and mushroomy. If I'm going to a more formal event, I often wear it pulled into a loose chignon or french twist to keep it a bit more sleek. Not straight, mind you (that would take me an hour!), but loose curls pulled back for more sophistication. </p> <p>Another thing is that I don't wear obvious make-up with my curls. For some reason, that seems too tart for my tastes. I do wear mascara and lip gloss, and keep my brows shaped. My moisturizer is coconut oil. I keep it simple.</p> <p>My SAHM lifestyle is casual anyway, so my wardrobe fits my natural looks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy/page/2#post-155441 Wed, 12 May 2010 01:41:46 +0000 Angie 155441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenny, I don't watch tele (apart from Madmen and Seinfeld), so I had to google Gloria. She looks fabulous so why shouldn't she be your style idol :0)</p> <p>I think few people get away with unkempt hair. I love Kate Moss - and she gets away with it because - I hate to say it - but good genetics and fabulous style are what it takes. </p> <p>I think there is a difference between "the natural" look and the "au naturel" look. The former is you with a bit of polish, like April posted of Penelope Cruz. Whereas the latter is Julie Delpy and Gwyneth. I vote the former. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy/page/2#post-155397 Wed, 12 May 2010 00:25:48 +0000 Maya 155397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Mac, I didn't mean to dismiss your initial post. I was more referring to what the discussion has sort of evolved into. </p> <p>I guess I fall somewhere in between, as I mentioned, and that is basically my goal. I have no intention of achieving perfection. As I wrote in my comment on the blog today, I like being a little rough around the edges. But to me there are some basics that need to be addressed and combed hair is one of them. I have mentioned many times that I hate using lots of product due to the feel and the look, so my hair IS basically natural. It has just been dried smooth. I admitted my lack of makeup is a bit of an issue and I'll get around to that soon enough. Overall, no one would look at me and think "there's a high maintenance gal" or "poor thing, she didn't have time for a bath today." Sounds good to me... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy/page/2#post-155392 Wed, 12 May 2010 00:12:52 +0000 Mac 155392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the variety of aesthetic tastes represented in this thread! Jenny, I'm not sure we get "A Modern Family" on TV here in Canada, so of course I had to Google the character Gloria whom you mentioned. For all the rest of you who are in the dark, here are some photos of Gloria:</p> <p><a href="http://static.tvfanatic.com/images/gallery/sofia-vergara-as-gloria.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://static.tvfanatic.com/im.....gloria.jpg</a></p> <p><a href="http://media.daemonstv.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/MODERN-FAMILY-Changes-550x366.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://media.daemonstv.com/wp-.....50x366.jpg</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.areyouscreening.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/jay_gloria.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://www.areyouscreening.com.....gloria.jpg</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy/page/2#post-155384 Tue, 11 May 2010 23:50:10 +0000 Mac 155384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hahahaha, April. When I was looking for photos of women who I thought looked unkempt but pretty, I spotted that exact snapshot of Gwyneth and thought, WOW, she looks to unpolished even by MY standards. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy/page/2#post-155360 Tue, 11 May 2010 22:52:43 +0000 April 155360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here is an example of the type of "natural" that I prefer (even though I'm sure there is a great deal of makeup involved here): <a href="http://www.louloumagazine.com/english/images/beauty/lookbooks/dec07/peneloppe.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://www.louloumagazine.com/.....eloppe.jpg</a><br /> No exaggerated colors and not a heavily made-up look, but polished and "done."</p> <p>And here is an example of the type of natural that to me looks sloppy:<br /> <a href="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gawker/2008/07/gwyneth-paltrow-without-makeup.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://cache.gawker.com/assets.....makeup.jpg</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy/page/2#post-155255 Tue, 11 May 2010 19:04:15 +0000 taylor 155255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess I am with Jenny on this part.<br /> I like looking done and girly, natural is NOT my goal. My skin is not dark enough or the right shade of light, my eyes are not dark enough, or the right shade of light either to wear no make up. My brows have become non existent , so they don't frame my face. </p> <p>Not that I don't envy the rare ...just rolled out of bed, take me camping kind of girl, but that is just not me:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy/page/2#post-155217 Tue, 11 May 2010 18:03:03 +0000 JennyK (NC) 155217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a very interesting topic to me. My first thought when I saw the picture Mac linked was, "Why in the world would she go out without having even combed her hair!"</p> <p>"Natural," contrived or otherwise is not generally my priority. How far away I want to look from my natural state depends on what I'm doing, where I'm going, and/or my mood. I never, ever go past the end of my driveway without (at the very minimum) lipstick, blush and eyeliner. Generally I do more than that. I do put effort into my hair but I don't do an elaborate up-do every day. That's mostly because I am not a morning person and just don't get up early enough! LOL!</p> <p>I think I am really in the minority in this forum with my particular aesthetic (which is ok - variety is the spice, and all that). Natural is not my goal. I guess exaggerated femininity is. I love to see (and be) a woman with really red lips and big hair and clinging clothes. </p> <p>Here's a confession (you'll never see me the same way again!): The character Gloria from the U.S. television show Modern Family is my idol. I want to dress and look just like her!</p> <p>I don't have an answer to the first question, Mac. For the second question, the answer is YES! When I do try to "do less" and look more natural, I end up feeling naked and plain. And I guess the answer to the third question is that I don't really try to strike a balance. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy/page/2#post-155059 Tue, 11 May 2010 10:06:02 +0000 April 155059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, Mac, here goes:</p> <p>1. I think this is all in the grooming. "Natural" (or "effortless") to me doesn't mean you did nothing, it just means you didn't attempt a drastic change of what's already there. You merely tried to correct it. You groomed your brows, evened out your skin tone, finished your lips with something even if it's just a touch of shine. You didn't change your lips to a dramatic red, or create an elaborate smoky eye, but you cleaned things up a bit.</p> <p>2. Oh, yes. Usually when a change of lighting is involved. </p> <p>3. I'm still working on this one. What looks fine in my mirror at home often looks like too much or too little in the bathroom mirror at work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy/page/2#post-155038 Tue, 11 May 2010 08:04:26 +0000 Mac 155038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, my post was mostly geared towards trying to generate a conversation about polish, but I did pose 3 specific questions. They were:<br /> 1. When does hair or makeup cross the line from being prettily natural and relaxed to instead looking sloppy and unpolished?<br /> 2. Do you ever think you look beautifully undone and then later realise you instead merely look as though you simply didn't make an effort?<br /> 3. How do YOU manage to strike the balance? </p> <p>I liked the point MAya made about how, for her, the fly-aways was what took Julie Delpy's hair from prettily relaxed to sloppy. I often find that really bad roots (from dye jobs that haven't been updated recently enough) cab push "relaxed" into sloppy territory. </p> <p>I often think I look beautifully undone and then later catch sight of myself in the mirror and think, oh dear. But I'm not sure if that's about polish or if it's more that I often forget I'm no longer 25 years old and a size 6 until my reflection reminds me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy/page/2#post-154924 Tue, 11 May 2010 02:40:10 +0000 Maya 154924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I guess your question is why some women look great with the "natural" look while others look sloppy, and my honest answer is that I don't think any women look great that way. Her hair isn't halo-like to me. I think a lot of the effect has to do with the lighting in those pictures. I'm sure she doesn't look as glorious indoors. </p> <p>Ironically, to me it actually looks like her frazzled hair is the result of stress from coloring, heat, product, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy/page/2#post-154883 Tue, 11 May 2010 01:43:48 +0000 April 154883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Favorite quote from a recent favorite movie: "The illusion of effortlessness requires a great effort indeed." -- Helena Bonham-Carter in Conversations with Other Women.</p> <p>I agree that women seem to fall at one extreme or another: "natural" as in "I pay no attention whatsoever to my appearance," or completely artificial, as in "I didn't know when to stop paying attention to my appearance." I think that has as much to do with what's going on inside that person as it does with what they prefer to see in the mirror. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy/page/2#post-154739 Mon, 10 May 2010 20:39:10 +0000 Mac 154739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So interesting! Maya, I actually think all the fly-aways look pretty on Delpy and some other women : they make kind of a halo that looks very soft and touchable. Yes, she's pretty, but no prettier than many other people on whom this kind of hair could look dreadful (fly-aways look ridiculously bad on me!). I don't expect others to agree but there's just something about the way it looks on certain women - not always the prettiest women, either - that looks good to my eye.</p> <p>I wrote a post AGES ago about how I like rooms/ interior design that have a mix of neat and fresh but at least one item that is worn, imperfect and rather used-and-abused. Right now, I'm in my office that has a sleek 60s Saarinen table, 2 modern Italian chairs and one old, torn, stained leather club chair that I bought at a highway-side antique stand in the Loire Valley. My partner hates it and thinks we shouldn't "ruin" a pretty room with a ripped chair. But some of my friends are immediately drawn to the juxtaposition, as am I. Maybe that's the appeal to me. If I see a woman in sweats, holey shoes and hair like this, I'll think she looks too relaxed (unless she's digging in her garden). But if I see a woman in smart, neat clothes and hair like this, I can be charmed. </p> <p>My hair is often, shall we say, "natural" and I know it makes me look a mess... so, don't worry; I didn't start this thread to get permission to not make more of an effort with my own coiff : ) I'm just truly intrigued by polish vs. lack of polish vs. polish-that-tries-not-to-look-polished and how various women play with each. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy#post-154451 Mon, 10 May 2010 02:28:21 +0000 Maya 154451@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If Julie Dempy tamed all those little flyaways, would she look too "done" to you Mac? To me that would be all the difference between natural and sloppy. She is pretty, but that has to do with her genetics. She has nice features, but she looks very disheveled, and there is no getting around that. I know some people love the salty beach hair look and think it's sexy (ugh I hate that word), but I personally would rather see someone like Angie's Mum in a fabulous turban and big glamorous sunnies. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy#post-154442 Mon, 10 May 2010 02:12:28 +0000 chewyspaghetti 154442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there's a difference between a natural look, and no make up, though.<br /> I don't like the way that I look completely sans make up, but I like my make up to to make people wonder if I'm wearing any. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy#post-154395 Mon, 10 May 2010 00:43:13 +0000 Mac 154395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My computer is currently in the shop so this weekend I've only been able to get online when my partner (rarely) stops working and I'm able to sneak in 10 minutes on his laptop. I couldn't believe when I checked this thread how many of you responded, and the variety of thoughtful comments you shared. Wow; thanks.</p> <p>I can see how the Julie Delpy photos I posted don't appeal to some of you. In fact, I have to agree that she doesn't look stylish, but to me that messy hair is tremendously pretty... If I saw her giving a presentation, I might think she looked unprofessional but if I saw hair like that at the beach, I'd think it looked appealing and lovely and, yes, pretty. Maybe that's a distinction for me: what's just pretty is sometimes not stylish, and vice versa. </p> <p>I lived in Paris for years and don't at all think that French women are more attractive than Americans or Canadians. In fact, after living in NYC for ages, I found US women were generally far more appealing in many/ most ways. And it drives me nuts when some people fetishize women from any given country - there a beautiful, stylish, wonderful women in every single place in the world. But, the less "done" hair and makeup is one of the things I did think French women pulled off with great aplomb.</p> <p>Great catch, BethW! I didn't want to seem like I was slamming any geographical region by name... I'm reminded how what looks right in some places just look weird in others. </p> <p>I'll always have to struggle to find my own balance amongst what I think looks appropriate, natural, pretty and stylish and I suspect this will always be a shifting target. And I absolutely love learning about your own efforts in this area. Please do keep writing; I'll keep reading! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy#post-154385 Mon, 10 May 2010 00:22:53 +0000 Amanda 154385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My mother always told me that you should wear makeup in such a way that people think you just look that good and not "oh, she's wearing makeup." Despite that good advice, I wore a lot of makeup in my 20s-30s. I wear much less now in my 40s - just a sheer foundation, blush and simple eye makeup.</p> <p>I always ask for a haircut that is easy to style. I know that I could spend more time and make my hair look like it does when I walk out of the salon, but I make sure that I get a cut that doesn't require lots of technique and stuff for it to look flattering and polished.</p> <p>It does take time in the morning to blowdry my hair, add a bit of goop and do my makeup but I think it's worth the 20 minutes I spend. And I am not a morning person! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy#post-154383 Mon, 10 May 2010 00:18:35 +0000 Frances 154383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think what I actually like is the "polished natural" look--the one that looks deceptively effortless--as opposed to the genuinely natural, really did just roll out of bed look. And of course there are those lucky women who truly are just naturally beautiful and do not need a stitch of makeup or maintenance. But as far as the bedhead and designer sweats look goes, I personally would prefer to spend an extra hour in the morning making an attempt to look pulled together, even if I don't look effortlessly chic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy#post-154379 Sun, 09 May 2010 23:57:30 +0000 Tanya 154379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great discussion. </p> <p>In theory I like the natural look, and on some people it looks really good. I personally need some makeup - I wish that weren't the case; but whenever ( which is very rare) I am not wearing any everyone keeps asking me if I am sick! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy#post-154375 Sun, 09 May 2010 23:53:17 +0000 Angie 154375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What interesting responses. </p> <p>For starters, I don't think Julie Delpy looks stylish in those pictures. In fact, she looks pretty unkempt. Sorry, Mac :0(</p> <p>I guess between Julie, Maya and Taylor - you have my point of view. Unfortunately I think that a stylish "au natural" look depends entirely on good genetics. Some women get away with wearing no make-up and having straggly hair, whereas others look better with more polish. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy#post-154345 Sun, 09 May 2010 23:03:59 +0000 Alison 154345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I admire women that can pull off the "au natural" look. For me, due to my lack of flawless skin, I tend to lean on the the sloppy, overdone makeup side due to my lack of confidence in wearing a bare face. I wish I could be more natural though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy#post-154318 Sun, 09 May 2010 22:23:54 +0000 Maya 154318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do think there is something to be said for celebrity glamor and our way of thinking everything French is automatically chic (not trying to be condescending, but you must admit it isn't uncommon). When I saw the rumpled Charlotte Gainsbourg in The Science of Sleep I thought she looked like a mess, but I understood it in the context of the movie. I don't really get it in real life. If I didn't know who she was, just as if I didn't know who Julie Delpy was, I would just think "there goes another woman who would look so much better if she just maintained her appearance." Call me snobby if you must. I don't like it when women are sloppy about their clothing, so I am pretty consistent about the rest of their appearance. </p> <p>There is a great big huge happy medium between heavy makeup, orange tans, and bleached hair that is glued in place and sloppy I-don't-care hair, bushy brows, and dull skin. Unfortunately I have noticed in America women often fall to either extreme. I like to believe I fall somewhere in the vast expanse that falls in the middle, and so does the rest of the YLF community. I never look like I have spent hours on my appearance, nor do I look like I just couldn't be bothered pulling a comb through my hair. And frankly, that's exactly what it is. I spend about 40 minutes getting ready each morning and it's fine with me. I don't think there is any glory in saying "I don't put any effort into how I look." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy#post-154294 Sun, 09 May 2010 21:26:17 +0000 RoseandJoan 154294@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Taylor, you are beautifully made up rather than artificially made up. Your style is all of your own and not a cookie cutter type of beauty. I consider overly made up to be when you notice the make-up or fake tan before you notice the person ikkwim. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy#post-154278 Sun, 09 May 2010 21:10:22 +0000 taylor 154278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will just say this, as I approach my mid 50's I don't look good, nor do I feel good about how I look natural.<br /> Although i spend a minimum amount of time on myself in the morn...literally 40 min from shower to car. I would never think of getting out looking like I just rolled out of bed.<br /> Sure Jennifer Aniston and other high profile celebs look great *natural* but believe me they are anything but natural...there is a team of stylists making sure every lock flows naturally down the side of her professionally made up face. It takes alot of work and alot of money to look naturally beautiful when you are older. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy#post-154229 Sun, 09 May 2010 19:03:00 +0000 cciele 154229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm used to seeing a lot of older women around here who don't wear makeup. I think they look beautiful and natural, because they are so comfortable with themselves. </p> <p>As long as basic personal hygiene and grooming is taken care of, I don't think one looks sloppy or unpolished without makeup. But it's definitely a cultural and regional thing as far as expectations go. I'm sure other people would look at unmadeup women and think they look unpolished, much as Mac's story illustrates. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy#post-154219 Sun, 09 May 2010 18:35:15 +0000 Laura 154219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find this topic absolutely fascinating. I always notice what women spend their time/effort on...I'm not sure what it means but it's interesting! For example. I have a coworker who always gets her nails done but wears her hair in a messy bun. </p> <p>And then some people have certain characteristics that need more attention...It's worthwhile for them to put effort in them while its not as worthwhile for others (eyebrow shaping, dying hair, straightening hair, coloring eyelashes). I have a friend with really light hair who always wears mascara and I thought it was silly at first then I saw her without it, and I realized that it makes a big difference!</p> <p>But it sounds like most on here are in agreement that hair and skin are key components of looking polished. And then everyone has unique issues with skin and hair that may need different things. </p> <p>Though the messy hair like in Julie's photo isn't my personal style, I think it can look great on certain people/looks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy#post-154218 Sun, 09 May 2010 18:35:03 +0000 judy 154218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mac, first I want to say I enjoy your thoughtfully written and thought provoking posts. Your last one, about when do you enjoy your style, I read and enjoyed but did not end up commenting on.</p> <p>About the natural look, I'm going to disagree that it takes as much time or effort to look like this than looking pulled together. It doesn't. No hair dryer, flat iron, or make up. I love the Julie Delpy...and Charlotte Gainsbourg and her mum, Jane Birkin...look you've pictured here. But I think I like it because it is the way I already dress. I do not have a polished style and for me, less is definitely more. Since I go simple on the hair and sans make up, what I have learned to improve upon is to buy clothes that fit my body better and that are current. That goes a long way in making me feel and I hope, look better. </p> <p>But it's not everyone's look and it would be boring if we all looked alike. I personally prefer to see someone with freckles rather than foundation, and not looking overly concerned about having every hair in place. An ease and comfort with ourselves help us radiate our beauty. For some, perhaps that means a lot of ruffles or jewels, where for others, more of a lean look...and everything in between. But whatever the outfit, I do wish that American women would do less make up and less with the overly blonde thing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/natural-vs-sloppy#post-154167 Sun, 09 May 2010 17:10:08 +0000 agrace 154167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this is such a good and timely question. I couldn't agree more with the assessment that if your hair and skin are in good condition and your nails are even and clean then you have much more freedom and range in this department and will still look good. I have naturally very curly hair. I never look super sleek and polished in the hair department unless it is for the very rare big evening out and I have it blown out flat. The majority of the time it is some sort of pull back loose chignon or ponytail or twist, sometimes I braid it and so on. But I try to keep split ends off of my hair and always keep it clean and use anti-frizz products so it looks well managed, even if less than sleek and super polished. </p> <p>For skin, to me looking smooth and even and just having a bit of a glow goes a lot further than having it contoured and powdered and so on (for daily wear). </p> <p>I am pretty low maintenance but I very much believe in and try to ascribe to the notion of keeping the basics in good condition - clean hair, neat nails, maintained complexion, minimal makeup and so on. </p> <p>And finally, I will say that having gone to a college in the north/ midwest area and also in the South - the difference in this viewpoint heartily seems to change regionally. Very interesting! </p>