After a horrible year I have aged so much, help!

[batterylow]

Confidence has been really knocked this year. Dc 2 doesn't sleep and my relationship has been awful (that's a very brief version) older child has been very unwell.

Anyway it has really affected my appearance. I have drunk too much, eaten badly and downed coffee all day and as a result my skin, hair and teeth look rubbish. Trying to sort all this but the caffeine bit may be hard to stop.

I realised my make up hasn't changed in YEARS. I am using bb cream now then a bit of blush, some gold ish eyeshadow applied with my finger(!) Then eyelashes curled and mascara on and if I am going out lipstick/gloss and liquid eyeliner. Any suggestions?

Also used to be really coordinated with jewellery etc but my clothes are all old now, nothing goes together argh! Anyone fancy helping me with what I could do to feel better? New eyeshadow?!

[baskingseals]

Sorry about your rubbish year. I think that appearance does have an affect on how you feel, so good idea to focus on yourself.

What about some kind of illuminating cream? I use the benefit one with bb cream. What colour are your eyes? Just wondering if an eyeliner would bring out your eyes more than eyeshadow, I have sludgy grey eyes and use a turquoise eyeliner, which makes them brighter.

Are you happy with your clothes situation?

[batterylow]

Thanks yes I think it would be something to cheer me up a bit. Trying to drink loads of water as a start.

Just ordered a purple jumper from gap to wear with lon g vest, skinny jeans and scarf. I feel I just dress to cover up and have stopped adding little touches like a bracelet. Not much confidence or cash to experiment though.

Yes good idea about illuminating cream. I have brown eyes that I like the shape of but there isn't much lid on show if that makes any sense so I never feel I can do the full eyeshadow thing and don't even know what people do these days?

[lifesgreatquestions]

OP, I had a terrible year last year, for different reasons, and my appearance suffered. I've ditched the cigarettes, alcohol and caffeine, just a little now and then rather than on tap. I've introduced a sleep regime and improved my diet. I've also introduced regular exercise and some expensive face creams. I've bought a few outfits and only a few months in I'm looking better, certainly feeling better.

Experimenting with make up can be costly but how about googling a few ideas, and then making some purchases and taking some time to experiment with what you might like?

[baskingseals]

Gap jumper sounds lovely.

Going with the purple theme, what about a deep purple eyeliner? I just do the top lids v close to eyelash line with a smudged flick at the ends, and a little underneath.
Have also realised how important blusher is. Subtle, but effective.
Also think dark grey would look nice with brown eyes.

[killpeppa]

a scarf brightens every dull plain outfit a jeans and plain tshirt look thought out with a scarf:)

it's always my answer I'm obsessed!

I would recommend foundation?
and also a good skincare routine.

maybe a new hairstyle if your stuck in a rut.

[Bonsoir]

It sounds as if you need two weeks on a beach!

[killpeppa]

also look into highlighting and contouring- there's are lots of great videos on YouTube!

kandy Johnson is a MUA mum with a YouTube channel who does great tutorial to brighten up your face and update you makeup routine

[batterylow]

Thank you all. Lifesgreatquestions sorry to hear about your bad year too. But sounds like you are doing loads to help yourself feel better, was it your thread I saw earlier? If so I will read later for ideas! What outfits did you buy? I wear the same at work and home which is boring so keep meaning to have some stuff home only.

Purple eyeliner sounds nice but not entirely sure how to wear it do you put a neutral eyeshadow underneath?

Haunted thank you, loads of ideas. I don't smoke but used to and have wrecked my skin in the sun when younger so I really do need to take better care of my skin. I also hear that the more water you drink the easier weight loss is so extra incentive although am trying to focus on eating well rather than dieting as its too much to deal with for now. I never take my make off!! I will start with that, I have got so lazy.

[LadyBigtoes]

I have also had a tough year and I know what you mean about the coffee. My intake was really ratcheting up so I have tried to make the last coffee of the day just after lunch (will go a bit later at weekends) with the aim of sleeping better, and goi g to bed earlier, and getting 8 hours if possible. This is partly to help with stress but getting better sleep always helps my skin too.

My best "look fresher" make up is benefit dandelion blusher, it's expensive but great. very light and subtle but makes you look glowy. If you dont want to spend much, have a look at it in boots and then look for a similar shade ina cheaper range. I find if my skin looks rough, eye bags, spots etc, then make-up looks better if it's light and simple. A good base and light, fresh colours, not heavy dark colours. Eg kohl and bright red lips will just highlight blotchy skin and eye bags.

[hairymonkey]

Blusher! I like benetint, origins pinch your cheeks or soap and glory do a good one you can use on lips. Also berts bees (sp?) coloured lip balm great.

[LadyBigtoes]

Lots of sleep also helps with weight loss. You are much more likely to graze and choose less healthy foods whe you're tired and stressed.

[batterylow]

Ooh x posted! Bonsoir oh I really do!! Will look up kandy Johnson thanks. And I am into scarves too, need more! And plain tops to wear with them!

Think my hair is looking boring as have grown out my fringe.

[batterylow]

X posted again. The sleep thing is such a problem for me as my youngest still wakes constantly, it really does affect my whole life.

I need a new blushed, a more subtle one as mine is v bright.

[baskingseals]

Battery, I don't wear any eyeshadow at all, my eyes are too deep set, just eyeliner.
I am also on the hunt for nice thin long sleeved tops, will let you know if I ever find any. Have recently discovered Uniqlo, they have got some nice stuff and not too expensive.

Agree with life about skincare routine. last thing you want to do, but you feel so much better if you do.

[batterylow]

Thanks,I got a couple from gap but should have sized down, they are huge.

Deep set, think that's what my eyes are too,didn't know the name for it.

About the coffee ladybigtoes I have a 2pm rule but it's creeping up to later, it's so addictive isn't it I need more and more to get the same effect.

Anyone know if I can still take pregnanacare now I am not feeding?

[LadyBigtoes]

Can you go to sleep at the same time as the dc once in a while, to get started earlier? I sometimes just get into bed with my 3yo dd and spend the night there, that way she won't get up out of bed in the night and come and wake us up.

I feel for you, never getting a good nights sleep is horrible.

[batterylow]

Good idea, I tend to go to sleep nine ish week nights but dc 2 was up and down from 8 on last night, grr. Think it's worse at the moment with teething but it's never great. Thank goodness for coffee but it does wreck my complexion and teeth.

[Dilidali]

Battery, we're doing something called Operation Renovation, it's a thread in style and beauty.
Basically it's 100 days challenge, you set your own challenge. You might get a bit more constant support there.
But basically you think of a routine (daily, weekly) and try and stick to it.
Stuff like choose your outfit from the night before. Have water throughout the day. Eat two portions of oily fish a week etc. do join us :)

[batterylow]

Ooh thanks had a look at that earlier then got overwhelmed. Will get settled this evening and have a read through properly and join you.

Just had my second coffee, am having an extra cup hot water before a coffee though to try and help counteract the dehydration. Been drinking herbal tea at work a bit to help with anxiety and it does make me more alert, I must be dehydrated a lot of the time.

[baskingseals]

Don't know about pregnacare, but I used to take something called Floridix.
You get it in health food shops, basically it's liquid iron with other bits thrown in. It is amazing stuff, like a tonic.
Was anaemic in all pregnancies and this sorted me out. Gives you a bit of energy too, worth trying.

[batterylow]

Thanks I may even have that in the cupboard will have a look!

[Dilidali]

Battery, I'll repost my routine on that thread sometimes today, to give you a bit of an idea and help you choose something you'd be willing to give a go. :)

[batterylow]

Thank you that's really kind I will definately join you all it will be more motivation to sort myself out.

[Jemster]

Hi batterylow, I sympathise, I'm having a crap year too and am permanently stressed and exhausted with a non-sleeping 18 month old.
I never find any time for myself and have very little spare money. My clothes look awful as my body has changed after babies and I can't really afford any new stuff.
My eyes sound just like yours so I'd be interested to know which eyeliner to try. The ones I have tried just smudge and end up higher on my eye!
I'm sick of feeling so crap so am going to try and follow sone of these great tips. It is hard though.