To feel crap about how I look?

[fedupofmylook]

That really. NC in case this is outing in any way. I'm in my mid forties with young kids. The majority of mums I come into contact with are younger than me. I generally look young for my age but signs of ageing are definitely starting to show, I know this is inevitable.
I would say I'm fairly average looking but can scrub up well, but at the moment I really feel crap about how I look. I suppose having young kids and so much less time to spend on myself doesn't help. I've never had great skin and still get spots, I'm always so envious of women with lovely clear skin. I'm prone to thread veins, although they're not awful yet I'm sure they'll get worse. Every time I see a photo of myself I always think my teeth look yellow. I have a good few grey hairs and use home dyes, mostly because maintaining dying with a hairdresser is expensive.
I wear make up everyday because I don't feel confident without it. I have pale skin so often use fake tan for a healthier look.
I know this all sounds so shallow but I look at myself in the mirror and just want to look smart and presentable.
Do other people feel this way?
Do people spend a lot of money on smartening themselves up? I don't tend to be a big spender on beauty treatments but maybe it's time to start.
I am going to look into teeth whitening which I know won't be cheap but I need a boost.
I don't even want to start on my wardrobe! Jeans and a top, that's pretty much it.
I know this is all down to me to change but I would love to hear other people's tips.
Sorry for the long post, feeling a bit meh. I'm prepared to be shot down in flames for being so shallow. Im I just in a rut?

Try tackling one thing at a time and absorb that in to your routine so it becomes your new normal. Eg, learn how to give yourself a good home manicure and pedicure. Keep all the products in one toiletry bag or basket and you can do it in front of the telly. Get a dry fast spray for your polish, colour on toes and neutral on fingers.

Ditto skincare. Do evening skincare routine when you’ve got/ getting kids ready for bed otherwise you’re too knackered at bedtime.

Thank you so much for all your replies. Won't have a chance to reply properly until later tonight but it's comforting to know I'm not the only one feeling this way. Just about to go food shopping with my youngest - I have perfume and earrings on! I think even just talking about this has given me a boost. X

Another thing, try to get a lipstick that is a similar shade to your own lips for everyday. Try Bobbi Brown or Clinique. This is trickier than it seems and was a tip given to me by a makeup artist years ago. It helps just freshen things up even if you have no other makeup on. I have a Clinique chubby stick one and it’s not super pigmented and when it wears off I’m not left with an obvious line and it require less precision in applying it too.

Thanks everyone. There's some great ideas here to help give me a boost. Going by online symptoms I think I'm in peri menopause which does worry me, mostly because I think I'm going to age much quicker now. Something I'm just going to have to accept.
I completely agree with you #prettyvase, I do feel low at the moment and lacking control and also agree that feeling good comes from within. Keeping on top of kids, work, home life is a struggle. If I'm going to feel better about myself I'm going to have to put the work in. I'm feeling quite organised as far as the house goes just now so I'm going to move on to having better planning of meals. The past month I've done ok but still plenty room to be more organised. I also like the idea of Pilates, myself and my husband have spoken about this. He feels weary too just now.
As far as my look goes, I bought some salon shampoo recently and it does definitely help. I'm going to switch foundation back to Estée Lauder double wear as I found it nice and lasted well. I had a sample of clarins extra firming serum that I've tried the past couple of days and I like it, I also like the beauty flash balm. I'm open to suggestions of good brands!
I absolutely love the idea of the personal shopper. Even if I manage to get two things that look great and are comfortable too I'll be really happy. I'm going to get my teeth whitened too.
I think I just feel overwhelmed with the daily toll of a busy life and feel like it shows on me. I know so many people are in the same boat.
Thanks for your kind responses. 💐

I think the trick is finding low maintenance, less expensive ways to feel and look good.

I love gel nails, I have mine done once a month and the polish doesn't chip at all. My friend has a lamp and all the gear, so she does mine for free!

Get a balayage or something the grey blends into, rather than home dying. Some ashy blonde highlights disguise grey. Have it cut in a style that's easy to manage.

As for clothes, I buy good brands secondhand online. I love soft clothes that hang well. Hush, Mint Velvet, People Tree, Thought and Noa Noa are some of my favourite brands. I like tunics over leggings with long fine knit cardigans, or fitted stretchy trousers with batwing tops. Lots of supermarket/primark clothes look cheap, are badly tailored so don't hang nicely, and feel scratchy. I don't feel good in polyester, acrylic or nylon blends! And buying secondhand I'm less precious about mud/paint/sticky hands on them!

Wear perfume that you love, even if you have to test 50 to find your favourite.

Match colours. Have a bag that matches your favourite boots/shoes etc. Never wear boots/shoes in a colour that's different to every colour you're wearing eg black boots with a blue and pink outfit. I try to wear 3 colours at a time max. Eg black dress with pink and grey flowers, cardigan in the same pink as the flowers, black leggings, black boots with grey socks, grey scarf, black coat. It makes me feel pulled together and organised when really I'm not!

Get rid of old make up and stick to a few good quality products. I cleanse in the morning then use CC cream for light coverage, powder, neutral eyeshadow, brow gel and bronzer. Takes minutes to apply.