Let Me Be Your -Fantasy- Project!

[1stTimeMama]

S&B gurus, I need your help.

I am in utter despair at myself at the moment, and need a total overhaul. I have spent the last 7 years having my children (4 of them, youngest is 6 months), and now my husband has said no to any more, I'm in the midst of accepting that part of my life is over, and I can move on to making a bit more of myself.

I hate all of the clothes in my wardrobe, and don't feel any of them do me any justice. My hair is a state, my skin is trying desperately to recover after the hormonal ups and downs of pregnancy, and failing. I exersice regularly, and have been lucky that my body hasn't taken too much of a bashing. Despite the 4 offspring, I'm a size 10, good boobs, and my only problem area really is my untoned tummy, which I'm working on. I'm 34.

I need a new, updated, fresher, confidence boosting look that is doable with myriad children around my feet. I'd prefer any cosmetics/skincare to be natural, SLS free etc.

Please accept my challenge!

[Deathraystare]

First thing I think is tackle your hair. It will give you such a boost to get a new style/colour.

Have a look in M&S if you have a large one near you as they have a lot of skincare including natural ones like Korres/Ren /Dr hauschka or the pure range. Try any testers - although lots of the samples seem to be face washes!

If you want make up - unless you are loaded I would practice with cheaper products first - such as Sleek or MUA from Superdrug. If you skin tone is ok-ish just get a tinted moisturiser or BB/CC cream that has a good SPF or if it hasn't make sure your face cream does. If it is everyday make up then one of MUA's eyeshadow palettes are great. They do some natural ones and some wilder colours too. A couple of lipsticks, plus a mascara and maybe eyeliner if you wish and that is a good start. If you have very dry /ageing skin then a cream blusher is probably better than a powder one (cheap powder blushers are usually too spearkly but not all, there are good ones.

A decent perfume - something that gives you an uplift when you wear it. It is of course personal choice but I love citrusy ones for that very reason. I am not much into florals, but if this is you, go ahead.

Clothes wise, probably best to go down the personal shopper route? Or look through a few blog sites to see who looks most like you and how they put clothes together. You will have to look thru this site for suggestions.

[Deathraystare]

I am sorry you have not had any more replies. I am really no expert, there are people better qualified on MN to help you.. Perhaps they will be along later?

[OCSockOrphanage]

It's a long time since I was in your position, but starting with your hair is a great idea. Book an appointment with the best hairdresser within 30 miles and ask for a kick start to now.

[Judydreamsofhorses]

I'm not a mum, and not an expert, but here are my tips:

Agree with a good haircut
Book in for brow/lash tinting and eyebrow threading
Skin - cleanser (I Iove the M&S Pure balm from the range mentioned above), serum (the Superdrug Pure Aqua range is very good and cheap, but not sure how it measures up in terms of natural credentials), and moisturiser (I like Clarins, which I think are all plant based, but also rate Boots Botanics). Do the night stuff early evening before you are too tired and CBA.
Makeup - would you do a bright lipstick? I pretty much always wear some sort of red, even if I don't really bother with much else. It brightens up my face and looks "polished". I realise loads of people hate this though and it may not be your thing.
Perfume - a quick spritz of something lovely is a great perker-upper!

Clothes - what do you like to wear? If you give us some ideas we can suggest shops or link to items.