Okay.

I believe that you should always make the best of what you have. Being a bigger girl (and i know that men like big girls blah blah blah, and i am NOT wanting this to turn into a fat -vs- thin thread, because that is so last week, so stay with me on this one...) I know that personally, i have always had to try that little bit harder with the way i look.

I like my hair to look good, its washed, dried and straightened every day. I always wear make up when i leave the house (depending on where i am going determines how much i wear!) and believe that my clothes should be clean, ironed (if they are creased!!) and smart (i dont mean i wear a suit when i go to watch the rugby, but i mean if my top has a stain on it that wont wash out or i cant get rid of it, its in the cleaning cupboard being used as the next window wiper!!).

I used to go on Sunbeds, but then watched Final Destination (2 or 3, i cant remember) and two girls got stuck in a sunbed and burned to death. It put me off for life, but i dont like to be pale and pasty, so i use fake tan. (I am not orange before anyone asks.)

My eyebrows are always perfectly neat and tidy, i like to keep my legs, armpits and er... lady garden in good check too.

Just to get ready for work on a morning takes me an hour and a half, and when i am ready, i dont look spectacular or anything, i just like to make sure i am presentable.

Now the point of this post, is, to what extent do you go to keep yourself "maintained" and why do you do it? I do it so i feel good. I also do it because you dont know who you might meet or see. If the hottest man i have ever seen in my life was to walk into the office and my hair was a big greasy state, no makeup and eyebrows that looked like sleeping caterpillars above my eyebrows, then i would be devo.

Feedback please peoples!

Self respect. Can't think of anything else.

Oooh interesting question. Personally on work days I dont put in any effort (apart from the maintenance sort stuff like brushing my teeth etc) because I get plastered in mud, cut myself, work in the rain etc etc. I end up looking like I've gone through a hedge backwards - and some days I have! It just isnt worth it. I wear torn manky clothes to work and generally look like a tramp. For some reason I find it quite amusing and enjoy that look. I mean who else gets away with looking like Steptoe at work?

However, in the evening I have a good hose down and spruce meself up a bit. I love having clean hair, it feels so nice! I do get fed up with having to shave though, so I often go for the stubbly look. Definitely get fed up with nose hair....

A lot of girls feel the need to pamper themselves and yes it is good eye candy but not always necessary.

Men can and do the same thing but can get away with being unkempt sometimes for that ruggied look.

I, like Ed do the basics most days but for an hot date I will make an effort. Once they know me I do slip back to basics with the occasional effort.

You missed my point.
I can make an effort in a grungy way, I don't need a 3 piece on everyday.

I have to agree, especially if you are going out. Letting it slide is just lazy. I'm no man-tart but I think making an effort keeps things alive and shows some respect for your partner

Well if you don't believe me, I have finished explaining, so there.

i don't like guys who look more girly then i do

if they get highlights or things beyond just making sure they aren't totally hermit like, its quite a turn off

and as for myself i do wear make up but daily its mainly just a bit of very basic like mascara and lip balm or gloss though when i'm at home and have nowt to do i sometimes experiment with it and go abit crazy

i have to leave a couple of days in between washing my hair otherwise it turns into straw very quickly, something that lead to me one having to have it all cut off

buffed to a high gloss no doubt

Eda - well said that man.

If i was going out with someone and turned up to their house wearing tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt, i wouldnt expect to get through the front door.

Excitement is only kept alove by making an effort.

And Snaithman, you only finished explaining because you SO got backed into a corner! Bah!