Has your look not changed in the last five years? Since high school perhaps? Are you still buying the same hues of lipstick, blusher and eye shadow that you have been using for years?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are stuck in a beauty rut. Those who find themselves keeping to the same daily routine when applying makeup and styling their hair should ask themselves – am I fed up with my looks? Am I bored by my beauty routine? Am I a little out of step with the times?

If your reply to any of these questions is also a resounding ‘yes’ – then it is time for a break. You have to recognise that two major things have changed in the last few years – one is your looks and the other is fashion – to ignore these issues and continue with the same routine, colours and hairstyle day after day, simply doesn’t do you any favours.

For example, your makeup should complement - not fight - your age. So, if you have been wearing a pink foundation believing that it gives you a youthful glow, it is time to switch to one of the newer foundations with more natural-looking yellow undertones.

Throw away that dark eyebrow pencil – these days, an eyeliner brush dipped in a dry, dark brown eye shadow is a more subtle way to fill in and define brows. It is also time for your frosted lipsticks to go into retirement. Switch to a shimmery lipstick or a gloss that is sheer enough to let your lips show through. If you are at a loss as to where to start, browse a few magazines & look at the latest trends in make-up. Cut out any pictures that inspire you. Look for images of models that have a similar complexion, hair & eye colour to yours and draw inspiration from what you see.

Next, visit your favourite makeup counter and ask a makeup artist to show you how to enhance your best features. Believe it or not, this is a great time to experiment with new colours and formulas that you would not ordinarily try on your own. Do not be afraid to ask questions so that you know exactly how to re-create your new, up to date look at home. Updating your make-up means buying colours and finishes that are well outside of your comfort zone. For instance, if you are still using powder-eye shadows, switch to cream shadows - these are softer and do not crease.

If a few age spots (also known as liver spots) are appearing on the back of your hands, lucky for you there are many products tasked with fading these. At sites like Skin Lightening Advice you’ll find the best lightening skin articles, guidance and information.

You may also need to change the way you do certain things – for example, we used to think that a thin eyebrow arch was best, but nowadays the brow shape is more natural and soft.

Browse fashion and beauty magazines for images of hairstyles too. Ask trusted friends and also family members for ideas and advice on what they feel would suit you. If you have long hair and are reluctant to cut it shorter, perhaps a funky updo would re-vamp your look without the need for scissors.

Many women, at some time in their life, get into a hair and makeup rut and although they want a new look, they tend to hold on to old-fashioned, comfortable and ‘safe’ ideas.

However, to update your look, you must throw away the old routines and products and open yourself to discovering a new, more modern and beautiful you.

Starting out your career takes an awful lot of motivation as well as energy and starting over on a new career path can be just as difficult. It’s easier when you are a naturally confident person and know what you want, however it’s more complicated when you don’t know where to begin or when you dread making that initial move.

To get energized, try one or all of the following:

Cut and style - this applies to both your hair and your wardrobe. Good grooming is essential to making a good first impression. You may find that looking good makes you feel good and gives you confidence. Visist sites like Hair Updos where you’ll find the best professional updo hair images so you can find the perfect style for you. Next, you will need appropriate clothing for your interviews - investing in the right outfit is just another way to gain a professional edge.

When thinking of vocational choices browse the career section of large bookstores or trawl the web for ideas. You will find books on emerging jobs in various fields and others on the latest management skills, techniques and tips. Whether you want to return to your old vocation after a prolonged absence or start afresh in a new field, look for publications that will help you bring you up to date with current views and methods. You will find that the Net offers invaluable support and a wealth of information.

If you are returning to a past occupation, you would be wise to join a professional or trade association as this is a great way to find information on your field and keep abreast of trends and salaries. To be a member of your profession’s official body means that you are connected and gain support from people who share your ideas and values. Make a point of browsing the employment pages of your local newspapers to see which vacancies are advertised in your intended field and the salaries offered. If you find that certain computer skills requested by the advertisers are unfamiliar, you may need to update your proficiency in these areas.

Perhaps you are not conversant with Excel or Word or maybe need to brush up on your Autocad knowledge, for these and many more software packages there are courses you can take to bring you up to date.

A good resume is the primary tool needed to find a good job – it is brief yet comprehensive and requires much thought, planning and proofreading. To find out what the latest trends in resumes are, visit one of the many websites that offer such advice and templates too. Once you have compressed your professional life in a nutshell and on paper - you will feel confident not only in your appearance, but also in your knowledge, skills and perhaps in the past experience that you can bring to an employer, then you can apply for the jobs that you have been merely browsing.

Just as soon as the ball starts rolling, it gains momentum and so does a job search. Once you start the process, it develops a life of its own. As you begin, you will find opportunities and in due course receive offers. Good luck!