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Original poster

Help me be less ugly after swimming!

87 replies

impossibleimposter · 26/01/2025 20:04

Off to Center Parcs in Half Term. I haven’t been for ages and haven’t nailed the post swim routine so I don’t look hideous. My skin isn’t looking good at the moment with some rosacea so I don’t feel comfortable going completely bare faced day to day.

Any recommendations for a decent, genuinely waterproof mascara please?

And afterwards, what do you do with your face and hair to look as half decent as possible? My hair is shoulder length, thick and frizzy/course. Looks fine in a messy bun or pony when dry but takes an age to dry and pool hair dryers don’t touch it! The chlorine will make my skin tight but I don’t think the quick pool side showers will mean I can do a full cleanse etc! But equally can’t just leave it.

Finally what kind of clothes for active hols like CP? We will be biking everywhere.

OP posts:
SomethingFun · 26/01/2025 21:50

The pool showers are shite so you’ll need to go back to your hut to have a proper clean after anyway, especially with sensitive skin. It might be my interpretation but I didn’t think the ones I’ve been to are that big you can’t just walk/cycle back to your chalet between activities. If you are going to a uk one get used to cooking as the food was some of the worst I’ve ever bought. I’m sure you’ll look fabulous please don’t put yourself down 😊

Jennifershuffles · 26/01/2025 21:44

For avoiding the chlorine sticking in your hair, thoroughly wet it in the shower before you go in the pool.

Fidgety31 · 26/01/2025 21:24

I wear maybelline waterproof mascara when I swim and it doesn’t run . I swim three times a week.
i shower at the pool and take my normal shampoo and shower gel . Then a quick moisturise .
When you have finished swimming why can’t you go back to your lodge to dry your hair properly ?

Newfoundzestforlife · 26/01/2025 21:22

Just bring a hat to wear after your swim and wash your hair when you get back.

Namechangetry · 26/01/2025 21:14

BitOutOfPractice · 26/01/2025 21:09

Because she wants to look and feel nice on holiday?

Show quote history

Center parcs may not be the holiday for someone who wants to spend their holiday looking 'nice'!

It's quite sad to see the OP describing herself as ugly, hideous, and needing to do stuff to look 'half decent'. Everyone at center parcs looks au naturel, it's not the kind of holiday where people generally wear makeup 24/7 or dress to impress. I'd bet good money that no one is going to care what you look like, and that's a positive imho, you don't need to do stuff to look 'half decent', just enjoy the swimming, biking etc.

Dazzylazzy · 26/01/2025 21:11

I don’t think any mascara is fully waterproof they just flake off rather than smudge. If you can I’d suggest getting them dyed. No smudges, no runs and less stress.

BitOutOfPractice · 26/01/2025 21:09

Namechangetry · 26/01/2025 20:57

Why do you care what you look like at center parcs? The only people who are going to see you are the people you go with (who presumably already know what you look like 1st thing in the morning?) and strangers who have also just got out of a pool or off a bike.

Because she wants to look and feel nice on holiday?

wearedreamingofasummerholiday · 26/01/2025 21:07

Some fake tan (you dont have to go super dark) the St Tropez express one is good.

Fake lashes? Only if you're not planning to put your head under the water though.

Eyelash tint as an alternative...

AreYouBrandNew · 26/01/2025 21:05

Dr Jart recommendation above is good

If you can stretch the budget Sweaty Betty leggings (only in sale) good

https://www.sweatybetty.com/archive-sale/power-gym-leggings--SB5400_GreyDapplePrint_FullLength.html

Wear with any colour sweatshirt

Catza · 26/01/2025 21:02

Namechangetry · 26/01/2025 20:57

Why do you care what you look like at center parcs? The only people who are going to see you are the people you go with (who presumably already know what you look like 1st thing in the morning?) and strangers who have also just got out of a pool or off a bike.

I kinda agree with it. It seems like a bit of a silly thing to worry about. However, chlorine probably doesn't do your hair and skin any favours so I always use shampoo and body wash designed to neutralize chlorine.

Namechangetry · 26/01/2025 20:57

Why do you care what you look like at center parcs? The only people who are going to see you are the people you go with (who presumably already know what you look like 1st thing in the morning?) and strangers who have also just got out of a pool or off a bike.

ObliviousCoalmine · 26/01/2025 20:54

I do this - Wash your hair in the pool shower, squeeze it with a towel and put a leave in conditioner in. Put it in a low pony or bun.

Wash chlorine off your face either with a balm cleanser if you can or just with clean water (pref not the hot shower water). Moisturise.

Then use this - www.boots.com/dr-jart-cicapair-tiger-grass-colour-correcting-treatment-15ml-10292010?srsltid=AfmBOor5HvYR1KfbWj-0OGH2g7or3bIgvvtZs_DefrhBI00-cfqBvIox

It all takes ten mins and once you've been out in the fresh air for ten mins you feel a lot less pickled.