To ask what changes you can make to feel more beautiful?

[Happyland8]

I'm having a bit of an overhaul. I'm approaching 30 and Mum to 2 gorgeous girls (4 and almost 2). For the last 5 years (since first falling pregnant) life has revolved around the kids and I haven't given myself much of a second thought. Now that DD2 is coming out of the baby stage, I'd like to start making an effort with myself. I do wear a little make up and moisturise but I'm feeling a bit worse for wear and wondered what little things you all do that give you a bit of a confidence boost and make you feel at your best? Thanks

Can you afford shellac? I always feel groomed when I have my nails done

New clothes and a good hair cut colour help me feel good

Exercise. I'm much older than you but feel more poised more confident and all rou d more better looking after exercise. Even a long walk with the buggy.

These are mine, obvs not suggesting you'll be feeling them all but just for ideas:

Regular mani and pedi (or just a pedi as I tend to neglect my feet and just do my hands if I am pushed for time). PP's shellac idea is good!

Regular wax - I've slowly worked my way up to a Hollywood but just a bikini and leg is good in summer at least. Just makes me feel like even if I'm having a scruffy day that there's part of me that's "done" that only I (and OH) know about.

Take make up off always, even on days where I don't wear any ill cleanse with a favourite cleanser.

I do a facial massage one or two nights a week when the toddler is in bed. 15-20 mins in front of the telly or reading my kindle. Search for Lisa Eldridge Facial Massage on YouTube.

Two sessions a week to exercise - swimming and Pilates. The exercise is great but just being on my own is bliss. I almost skip up the road when the front door closes behind me! Added benefit of endorphins and helping with weight and general health.

Baths - at least once or twice a week - but then I prefer baths to showers. Maybe a long, hot shower if that's your thing. Get some nice stuff to use just for that bath/shower. Like a nice sponge or candle or shower gel.

Very interested to see other suggestions!

Swishy shiny hair (good cut and colour, supplements, blowdrying with a heated brush, serum/lotion).

Skin creams and perfume you love the smell of

Clothes in lovely materials, like silk, cashmere, high quality soft cotton. Styles you love. Experiment with colour. Choose things that feel comfortable. Coordinate outfits so you look put together.

Have your brows tinted and shaped. Buy a good quality lip tint and highlighter.

Definitely yoir eyebrows

Definitely agree with gel nails, they look so beautiful and shiny and groomed.

I’ve been slated on here for recommending this but I love a spray tan. Honestly try one, it’ll change your life.

Yes to getting your eyebrows done and yes to regular exercise. You’ll be slimmer, more toned, have better posture and better skin. What’s not to love?!

Exercise, I always feel better when I'm toned and exercise makes me feel more positive about life in general and helps me sleep. Playing an instrument helps too. I don't do nails as I have an allotment

Eyebrows, haircut, body exfoliation and moisturise, feet with footner

And I am addicted to face acids.... pick glow tonic, p50, Paula’s choice, liquid gold......

I now feel fresh faced and sometimes just pop on moisturiser as I have much more confidence. I think my makeup when I wear it looks fab.

Don't save anything for best: candles, undies, food, toiletries. Treat yourself to whatever is going to work for you, NOW! Now is best.

Whatever you choose will depend on your budget, taste, timescale & interests, & only you'll know what that is.

Enjoy it, whatever you choose

I've just started a new make up routine. Bare Minerals. I know it's slated a lot here on Mumsnet but I got some very cheap kits at TK Maxx and honestly it's made such a difference to how I feel. My skin is glowing.

Matching red underwear. Always makes you walk a little taller

*Pick = pixi glow tonic .... autocorrect!!

Exercise, well fitting, flattering clothes, good hair cut and regular hair styling, bb cream

Go and have a beauty treatment, one a week, it could be something little like a manicure doesn't matter. If you're on a budget, colleges always have salons that do treatments cheaply. You can often get deals on groupon and Facebook too.

The treatment; the 1:1 attention and the fact that you've actually spent time and money on yourself makes you feel amazing.

Oh and face masks, do them as often as you can - clear skin is the best thing for feeling good. I don't know your skin type but the Amazon clay mask is great. The tub will last forever. Aspirin masks are good and I adore a good sheet mask.

I feel more beautiful in a heel. Even a low heeled boot. I agree with investing in some make up bits that make you feel special. I'm enjoying Charlotte Tilbury. Agree with the poster who said spray tan! Eating well. I'm not always good at practising the above tips. Reading this with interest.

Moisturise twice a day
Regular face masks
Subtle fake tan
Groomed eyebrows

I'm in a similar position to you OP.

I get my eyelash extensions Infilled every few weeks which makes me feel 100 times better about myself.

I don't have enough time whilst mine are still so little but as soon as I can leave them for longer I'll be having my nails and hair done more regularly as well as joining a gym.

A (natural, non streaky) fake tan, swishy hair, nails done and a good dance around to Beyoncé (freakum dress yessss) always makes me feeling smashing

For me, it's as much exercise and fresh air as I can fit in!-does more for me than make up

Lashlift every 2 months, eyebrows threaded and dyed every 2months, hair cut every 3 months, nails shellaced every month if poss (lasts that long for me)

I had a house of colour session. It literally changed my life. I have never felt so confident or had so many compliments.

I second, or third, shellac nails. It makes me feel ok that most of me looks like shit when my nails look shit hot.

I find the cheapest treatments the best, drinking plenty of water, exercise and a good night sleep. I feel like I've aged ten years since having my dd due to lack of sleep