Help me be less ugly after swimming!

Thanks for the list but that lots costs £175+!

Any dupes?

@SoapCollector I am a fan of Paula's choice stuff as it is clean, no perfume etc. For face, I use Calm Ultra gentle Cushion Cleanser. I have the travel set for on the go so a small bottle which is easy to cart about. Also I think E45 lotion is perfect for all the family so only one bottle of moisturiser for all.

The thing is the op didn’t ask for a discussion about whether wanting to look nice at CP is acceptable or not did she? She asked for some advice.

I agree she does use very harsh language about herself but that wasn’t what you stick your oar in about first off was it? But I assumed that was just AIBU hyperbole and got on with some answers to what she actually asked.

Hobestly this thread has been really interesting for a lot of people, including op. Do if it’s not the thread for you…

I think that's a bit unfair.

I love swimming, and I am almost always au naturel. However I feel a complete ick post-swimming unless I take a proper bit of time to sort myself out, I just feel dirty. It itches horribly and I feel grubby. Even if I looking the mirror and it's fine!

I'd be going back to the accommodation and showering/drying properly, and I'm the least styled person I know.

You are like me 🤣

@PurpleAxe ahh I think I’ve used this .. it smells like cream and scones or vanilla ice cream type of scent .. good enough to eat!

I spend a lot of time in salt water so my hair and skin can get pretty stressed out. I find https://ethicalzinc.com/collections/all?srsltid=AfmBOooO3qpJ13H-HrJfzcpqfXTLrnB9kbgQZOnydbKWSNSc7lNu7xxu excellent, sometimes I wear the heavy one (if going to be in the direct sun/in out of the water all day) it smells really nice. Sometimes I wear the light one, and sometimes the tinted one. My skin is super clear these days. Good news is you can put it on clean dry skin, before you go in the water and it protects from the salt/chlorine.

For quick hair saving afterwards/before a proper shower I do a thorough rinse and then get an extra heavy conditioner and put that through. I dont bother with shampoo until later. Main thing is to restore moisture.

I dont care that much what I LOOK like, but I like my skin and hair to feel soft and nice, and un damaged.

Ah damn it ! It’s a lip and cheek hydrating stain by MILK cosmetics 💄💋👄

hopefully this works

Ps- this is super hydrating but also great pigmentation to wear on lip and cheek during and/or after swim

Investments (as these aren’t on the cheaper or reasonable priced scale) beauty products if you are (or end up after your lovely Center Parcs trip) being an avid swimmer as a hobby

These are the BEST to wear before and during swimming and also on holidays if you’re out for the day and will be in the heat .. and/or dipping in the sea or the pool
Also good to wear /apply after a swimming session if prefer to go bare faced in the pool

(If ‘au natural’ whilst swimming then after use a good shampoo specifically to treat hair in chlorine (condense into small travel bottle you get from the bottles kits from primark for a pound) and then a good leave in conditioner (with moroccan oil in it) put your hair in a ballerina bun (donut bun again from primark for a pound) and then a nice travel pot of elemis balm cleanser followed by a hyaluronic acid serum and a brightening Vitamin C moisturising cream
followed by something like this list (I can send an equivalent list in order for you OP or anyone else reading this based on your skin types and conditions and concerns .. can also send a ‘dupe’ type equivalent list for a ‘like for like’ but reasonable drug store/high street products /prices.. and of course if specifically organic and vegan /leaping bunny can do that too)

1. Nars Smooth and Protect Primer
2. Nars Natural Radiance Longwear Foundation
3. Born This Way Concealer
4. Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder
5. Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara
6. Elf Cosmetics Bronzer

When I was a MUA I looked after Professional Synchronised Swimmers! And the above list (after trial and error x- times a MILLION these were the ‘bullet proof’ make up ‘winners’ that didn’t budge in the water, were gentle on the skin and looked natural but gorgous and ‘glowy/dewy’ during & after 🏊‍♀️

L'Oréal or Maybelline waterproof mascara. Hell you can't even get it off when you want it off using make up remover 🤣

Well no I get why you'd care what you look like at the Oscars, or your own wedding, for instance, I don't really get why you'd care what you look like on an activity-based holiday.

And I personally find it sad that OP has described herself as ugly and hideous and needing to do stuff to look half decent. I'm also a bit sad that some posters think that spray tans, eyelash dying or Botox are needed for a weekend in a forest. But people have different views, hence discussions happen.

How close is your cabin to the pool? If only a few minutes cycle ride you could just cycle back, have a proper shower/moisturise and then feel better about getting on with your day. That's what I did last summer

What a pointless reply. The OP does care. You might as well wonder why anybody cares what they look like at all.

I think you have got some great advice on this thread op. I'm also making notes for my future swims 🙂

@BermudaBlues I like simplicity of one moisturizer all over after swimming (you mentioned the E45 lotion). Please can I ask what you clean your skin/face with in the shower after swimming?

Get a lash lift and tint or lash extensions.
Bit of botox a couple of weeks before you go

I think leisure centres pools just make everyone look awful 😂 I’m always happy how I look when I’m out and about in the day or at the pool on holiday. Somehow I always look horrific after going swimming with my DC at a leisure centre!! It must be the chlorine…and wrangling kids in small, dirty cubicles, I’ve never found a mascara that doesn’t smudge somehow!!

Enjoy your time at CP, just focus on getting back to your chalet and properly washed/dressed after.

So? I like to feel like I’ve made an effort every day, not just on a fancy holiday. That’s my, and the OP’s choice.

OP a few more suggestions. When I go to the gym before work I cleanse my face and then Use a tinted moisturiser, just to even my skin tone out a bit without looking like I’m wearing full face. I also sometimes use a clear mascara just to give my lashes a bit of definition, plus a tinted lip balm. Might work for you too.

Have a lovely time.

CC cream if you don’t use it already (haven’t RTFT) - I have rosacea and it gives good coverage and is quick to apply.

Last time we went to CP I made a mental note to paint finger and toe nails with fluorescent varnish next time... it looks so good in the outside pool at nighttime!

I also have long hair and find it a right pain when I swim/gym before work and need to wash and dry it. I do:

• get a keratin treatment, this cuts down the blow drying time, as well as making your hair lovely and smooth
• bring TWO microfibre hair turbans. Once out of shower, wrap hair up as normal in turban 1. Dry your body. Then replace turban 1 with turban 2. This helps to absorb more moisture.
• before blowdrying, use a spray designed to shorten your blow dry time. Cloud Nine Quick Dry Potion is meant to be the best. I use the KMS one which is cheaper but not quite as good.

Nobody is "ugly"

Swim, change, go & do the next thing, simple !

The only thing that you need to wear is a smile & be confident !

For biking, wear comfortable trousers & layers on top
Take a small rucksack, so that you can remove layers into the rucksack.
Take a reusable water bottle & some snacks
It doesn't matter if you get dirty in the mud & rain

Just enjoy yourself & be happy !

Life is far to short to be miserable !

You absolutely could as a one off, but I find that after more than 24/48hrs it makes the lashes feel a little bit brittle. I would be worried that over time it would damage the condition of them.

I did wear it for a week and didn't notice any damage, but i wouldn't want to risk it regularly :)