Glow up- Where do I start?

[Journeyintomelody]

Hi everyone. I know it's clichéd to be writing this in January but I need your help!

My DD is 10 months old. Since having her I feel more confident than ever. I don't recognise the insecure younger version of myself anymore. Ive neglected myself for years. Always been small and fit (size 6) but hod under baggy clothes and long hair. Don't wear make up. Don't have accessories. Zero jewellery. Nothing 'girly'. I just leaves in jeans (or denim shorts) and a t shirt. I'm turning 30 in May and I would like to be fresh and feeling more feminine and put together (which is how I feel on the inside now!). Nicest I ever felt was on holiday when I got a french manicure a few years ago.

I am saving a bit each month but where do I start. Annual haircut is top of the list. What else should I do/save for. Thanks! 😊

Get some vitamin C serum and use it before moisturising. I like the Garnier one.

At around this time after my first, I made a few changes too. I got my long hair chopped into a short French bob - I'd always wanted one, so thought sod it! Started getting 3 weekly manicures, and bought some new clothes. Tbh I didn't really change my style as I already liked and still fitted into my old items, but I bought some new outfits that were both practical but made me feel nice. New shoes, etc.

I don't really wear lots of makeup, just eye and brow stuff, but bought myself a new eyeshadow selection and started taking a bit more time to do general skincare. I don't use anything fancy tbh, just L'Oréal Hydra Genius stuff. Makes my skin really glowy. I also have a facial once a month and go for a massage!

I also bought a load of new pyjamas and lounge wear. It was nice coming back from a day out and not changing into old leggings and a big t-shirt, which I'd done a lot of in the first few months. 8 years and another baby on, and I keep up the same routine!

If you want jewellery and things, just go for a few inexpensive pieces to start with. I've always liked it so knew what I fancied, but just have a browse. I like silver and white gold, some celtic designs, etc. Love things like scarves and hats of all types.

Maybe I should rephrase the question slightly. What thing do you do for yourself eg. Nails, blow dry, skin care, clothing etc. makes you feel put together and feminine. What's worth investing in and what is just social media hype? 😜

I'm really into minimalist simple style, so I get monthly manicures, I wear dainty not OTT jewellery, I pair plain fitted tops with wide leg jeans or trousers etc. I get a top up on my balayage and trim every 6 months. My makeup is more skin looking. I prefer to just use a tinted moisturiser these days with a bit of blush, a lip stain and mascara. Quick and easy done within 10 mins. Maybe follow some style influencers on instagram or Pinterest and start saving inspiration? A glow up doesn't need to be too dramatic it can be small simple minimal that just makes you feel you've put a little more effort in.

I made changes after I had my first too.

I have a Brazilian blow dry every six months and a cut at the same time. Single best thing I've done for my previously frizzy hair.

If I have my hair up, I put it in a claw clip rather than just in a bobble as I feel it looks smarter.

I focused a lot on (basic) skincare. Body lotion after each shower, cleaning my face properly each evening, using moisturiser morning and evening etc. No fancy or expensive products but being consistent with it.

I always wear makeup but it is very minimal. Tinted moisturiser, tinted lip balm, mascara are my three I put on every day. Plus perfume, even if staying at home. I like smelling nice and it feels like I'm treating myself.

I would like manicures but couldn't be doing with the expense so I just keep my nails short, neat and clean. I use hand cream (and foot cream) and cuticle oil when I'm sat in front of the TV in the evenings.

Clothes wise I kept things that fit well but chucked anything that didn't fit or flattered me. Plus I upgraded my go to clothes so I know I often reach for leggings and a hoodie so I got myself smarter, upgraded versions of these so I looked slightly less slobby.

I bought myself some good quality, simple jewellery and I live in it. A bracelet, necklace and stud earrings that I shower in, sleep in etc. Just a few items that I swap around every so often but it makes me feel like I wake up and don't need to think about jewellery as it's already sorted.

Exercise was best for making me feel my best. Either weights or something like Zumba. A baby pole class was excellent fun

I dont mean to take away from OPs post but I'm curious, when you say you upgraded your clothes as your go tos were leggings and a hoody, what did you upgrade too? I love playing with my style and trying different things 😁

I've been using the UKLash lash serum for a couple of years and it's amazing stuff, so I go and get a £30 lash lift and tint every 6 weeks. It really shows off my longer lashes and love it looking like I'm wearing mascara when I'm not.