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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To wonder if its actually possible to 'glow up' have a full on makeover at 39?

30 replies

Redbluelellow · 03/04/2022 13:58

Not a troll genuinely in need of inspiration.

I was reasonably attractive ish once when I lost weight and kept it off, took care of self, dressed nicely did nail tan etc that lasted maybe 3 years in my late 20s.
Now I'm massively over weight so definitely want to tackle that ASAP I want to feel actually good, attractive and myself. My style is safe never been trendy or cool by any stretch of the imagination.
It doesn't reflect who I am.

I know this is isn't a major issue and there are much more pressing issues on mumsnet today but any stories of reinventing your look later in life would be really appreciated

OP posts:
Redbluelellow · 03/04/2022 14:00

Also not suggesting overweight people are not attractive it's just for me to be at all attractive I need to sit around 4 stone less than I am now

OP posts:
HintofVintagePink · 03/04/2022 14:31

Yes, it is. Make permanent lifestyle changes rather than trying fad trends.
I’m 38 and have made it my goal to improve my health and well-being dramatically before I’m 40.
I used to be 9.5 stone and have gone up to 11.5. At 5’6 that is too heavy for me. So I’m walking more and trying to get to one class a week.
On top of that, I’m investing in Invisalign and laser hair removal, booked myself a full medical check up and sight test and have had regular manicures and haircuts for the last few months.

I’ve also sorted my wardrobe out and been ruthless. I go by how things feel, not how I hope they’ll look in my head.

Set a goal, make a plan, drink water, take your vitamins and don’t compare yourself to others. X

OnlyClothes · 03/04/2022 14:38

If this is going to be an ongoing thread, can I join? I’m 87 kg and starting today I’m aiming to get to around 70. I’ve set myself a three month target, no idea if that’s too long or not long enough but we’ll see. I’m also going to start exercising but at home, I don’t have enough regularity in my schedule to join classes or a gym.

Tigofigo · 03/04/2022 14:40

I wouldn't say 39 is later in life!

Loads of my friends had eg their teeth sorted, cosmetic procedures, better hair colour etc, weight loss at that age, it's usually when people have a bit more disposable income which helps.

If I were you I'd start with doing your nails, tan, clothes again if you want to as that will help ti give you confidence, don't wait until you've lost weight.

Hatinafield · 03/04/2022 14:44

Yeah. I’ve lost four stone, grown my hair long and started having a tiny bit of botox and look better at 45 than I did at 30 :)

It’s long (and often boring!) but change can be made if you’re committed to it.

mycatisannoying · 03/04/2022 14:45

I'm nearly 48 and have just lost 4 stone. I've 2 more to lose. I look and feel great, I would say (and have never struggled for dates).

SpinningBob · 03/04/2022 15:08

Maybe it’s a pre-40 feeling? I’m 39 too, few months til I’m 40 and I’ve been steadily losing weight since 1st Jan(4 stone to lose, almost lost 1) it’s making a big difference to how I feel, and how I look in my clothes. I’ve been painting my nails, using a tanning moisturiser, and rather than growing my hair I’ve had it all cut off and highlighted! I think when you have been overweight for a long time (since first pregnancy 10years ago) you forgot how nice it is to feel nice in your clothes-instead of wearing what you think is the most flattering/hides the most. I’ve been adding in some more colourful clothes/nail varnishes too. My youngest is almost 2, no more babies here, so figure it has to start somewhere. I always remember hearing a mum at nursery with my first child say that as the kids get older in primary school the mums start looking younger, and I totally get it now-you have more sleep, more time, and more energy to feel yourself again! Put it this way, if you do nothing,nothing will change. I hope you find your stride x

SlashBeef · 03/04/2022 15:41

I'm 31 but can I join? I feel like I lost a lot of my teens and 20s to being overweight and feeling depressed. I'm only 33lbs down so far but I'm not on a fad diet or anything so it's happening quite easily and I'm healing my relationship with food. I've started getting my nails and hair done and I feel like I'm not a total troll! There's a mini glow up beginning 😄

LuaDipa · 03/04/2022 15:59

I’m 43 so a bit older but can I join please? I need to lose 2 1/2 st. I’ve always been fit and found it relatively easy to maintain my weight but the last 3 or 4 years have been a struggle and I’m heavier now that when I was pregnant.

I’ve already started Les Mills On Demand to get fitter and I’m managing at least 3 classes a week as well as walking in between. I’ve bought some new clothes - I’ve been wearing the same things over and over as I don’t want to buy if I’m going to lose weight. I’ve just decided that it might take me a year to lose the chub so I may as well look my best in the meantime. I’m also going to look at Invisalign/braces as I’m not happy with a couple of my teeth. Could do with a spot of Botox but I’m a bit afraid of that so I’ll see how I look after everything else!

Swayingpalmtrees · 03/04/2022 16:18

Joining.

Fitness first
New clothes to suit my older age
I am having fat removal under my chin, for a chiselled draw
New dresses for the summer
Putting my make over front and centre for the next six months
Going to rock this summer if it it kills

Swayingpalmtrees · 03/04/2022 16:19

**jaw

SuffolkBargeWoman · 03/04/2022 16:22

@Swayingpalmtrees what sort of fat removal are you having?

HappinessButterfly · 03/04/2022 16:24

Me too! Turning 40 later this year, and went through divorce and cancer recently so feel like I have lost myself.

heartofgrass · 03/04/2022 16:28

100%

This year I'm turning 40
Have started Invisalign in January
Started Pilates - goal is to do the splits on my 40th in august Grin
Regular hair colour appts to keep greys at bay
Small amount of Botox
Finally taking skincare seriously
Eating better quality food with the long term goal of losing 5/6kg. No fad diets.

Also, learning piano!
I just want to be the best me I can be by 40.

Mamamamamia · 03/04/2022 16:31

39 and lost 4 stone post baby , this past year
It was so boring, cut out alcohol and snacks and takeaways but i got there !
Updating my wardrobe ( still got to find my cool mum style? Usually biker jacket, skinny jeans, nice boot and statement hat or specs) and considering fillers in one problem area
Get someone to shape and tint your brows and lashes , get a good moisturiser, decent haircut n colour
Follow someone on Insta who is your age and style you like

AgnesNaismith · 03/04/2022 16:33

Also 39, about to turn 40 although I feel like I’m 20 it’s always a shock looking in the mirror!!

I’m shit with my nails, eyebrows and mild tan and need to sort that. Also drink too much. My hair is ok but it’s a bit balayage grown out right now and I’d like to look more polished with my hair - ideas welcome!!

Some things I do love and have helped are daytime naps, my led mask, frequent good quality eye and face paper masks and rodial under eye concealer!!

tulips27 · 03/04/2022 16:51

I'm a similar age and need to lose a few stone, happy to join in with an online weigh-in or motivation thread if it would help.

Laiste · 03/04/2022 16:59

I've 'reinvented' myself twice in my life. (weight loss and overhaul of looks)

First late 20s after i had my 3rd DC.
Second time was as i turned 40 when i left my XH.

Early 50s now, 10th wedding anniversary with 'new' DH is coming up. 4th DC is 8 and I'm overdue for another overhaul! I began last week.

It can be done. Believe in yourself. You know when the time is right and your motivation is bang on. Good luck OP :)

PollyPutTheKettleOnKettleOn · 03/04/2022 17:02

Can I join too,starting a weight loss routine too and need thinking about teeth whitening and skin treatments when I can afford it

MsFrog · 03/04/2022 17:30

Joining, 36, one year on from last baby and feel overweight and ugly, no time for hair, nails, clothes, anything. Starting with diet before anything else.

What do people use for tan? Tinted moisturiser - any tips?

HintofVintagePink · 03/04/2022 17:38

I use garnier summer glow in light. It’s the one in the yellow bottle. A little every day looks very natural. Just be sure to dry brush your body fairly frequently and use a tanning mit.

MurmuratingStarling · 03/04/2022 17:40

Chroist wumman, yer ANCIENT! Stop trying to be appealing at the fuddy duddy old plod age of 39! Shock

Kidding. Grin

Of COURSE it's OK. 39 is still quite young.

Good luck with it @Redbluelellow

MightyFishwife · 03/04/2022 17:45

Had my colours and style done in my early 30s, OP — it’s changed the way I look entirely, for the better and in an authentic way. Very much recommend x

SocksAndTheCity · 03/04/2022 17:45

I'll join in too, although I'm 49 so probably beyond redemption 😀

I've just started laser removal on an old tattoo I had 30+ years ago (it's only small but I've tired of it), and this week I made an appointment to see about dental implants - both things I've wanted and put off for years.

I have about a stone I'd like to lose, but I can get that off gradually as I know it's the last bit that's the toughest. I have a year before I turn fifty and I'd like it all done by then Smile

MsFrog · 03/04/2022 17:56

@MightyFishwife

Had my colours and style done in my early 30s, OP — it’s changed the way I look entirely, for the better and in an authentic way. Very much recommend x
Forgive my ignorance - what does this mean, had your colours and styles done, @MightyFishwife?
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