To ask how to improve my appearance

[RIPhouseplants]

I am a healthy 37 year old but unfortunately I usually resemble one of those after meth addiction pictures you see on American police programmes. I really would like to improve my appearance a bit when I was younger I looked ok, although I’ve never worn a lot of makeup or paid much attention to my appearance, but 3 kids, a lot of stress and severe depression have really taken their toll and not only do I look awful I have no idea how to fix it either. I’ll list the main issues below and if anyone has any tips or expertise that could share then I would appreciate it a lot!

Hair
I have frizzy hair that is hard to manage and as I work outdoors it gets windswept and sticks up all over the place, no matter how much I brush ir straighten it, my hair immediately reverts to a dragged through a bush style the second I step outside. I also have a really big forehead, my hair is thinning a little at the front which has really accentuated this particular feature, I have tried getting a fringe cut to hide it but again, it just gets extreme messy.

Skin
My skin is really dry and dull looking, however I am prone to spots around my chin. I try and moisturise and have tried a few different moisturisers but they all give me spots so I have to either choose between dry skin or spotty skin. I should add that I have a very tight budget and can’t afford to buy really expensive creams.

Eyebrows
what am I supposed to do with them? The whole eyebrow thing has completely passed me by, I just have my own normal eyebrows, sometimes I pluck the random hairs that grow out of place but that’s it. Is it necessary to have some kind of eyebrow treatment done? What would look natural but still look like I tried?

Nails
My nails grow super fast but because I work outside they tend to get ingrained with dirt so I just cut (or bite) them as short as possible. Is it worth getting fake nails, everyone seems to have them but are they hard wearing? What sort of nails should I ask for if I went somewhere to get them done?

clothes
I really do only wear sports leggings and fleeces. Sometimes I want to buy normal clothes but I have no idea what to wear or how to make an outfit look nice. Some ideas for casual or smart casual outfits for a short size 12 person would be appreciated.

Thanks for reading, any help would be very much appreciated!

I am the same age and also need tips. Hair is lank and gets greasy very easily. Also noticed it is thinning a lot at the back. Have a very 'long ' face with a big nose and thin lips. Always look pale and scruffy no matter what I do so I am following with interest. Still get told I look early twenties but it's no compliment. It's because I look unkempt and un put together.

Inexpensive products I've found to be effective:

Hair - Simple shampoo, the Pantene Grow Strong shampoo and conditioner (normally alternate between the two shampoos). I use the Pantene Keratin protect spray on slightly damp, washed hair. Not sure how good these are for curly hair, but they've certainly helped revive my dry hair and stop it from breaking so much.

Skin - Nivea pore purifying face wash (exfoliates), followed by good old Olay moisturiser (normally buy the SPF 15 one so I only have to remember to apply additional sun cream in summer). I use a hyaluronic acid cream one night a week, I've had the Revolution Overnight tub for a couple of years now and think it only cost a fiver!

Hello OP! How are you doing? You've had loads of great advice.

My take:

If you work outside are you pretty fit and healthy in general? You're benefitting from the excercise, fresh air and vitamin D (for bones).

Hair - I use any products for curly frizzy hair. Generally they are in yellow, orange and brown packging regardless of make or price. Always condition.

Skin - sunscreen. Always. I regret not using it every day now.

Cleanse cleanse cleanse - I'm on Liz Earle products - they are pricey tho. I see Aldi Lacura have a hot cloth cleanser too!

Seek out a moisturiser for oily skin. Ask for help choosing at Boots.

Lipbalm - I like Vaseline rosy lips. Feels nice and looks pretty on, mega cheap and the little tin is cute and lasts forever.

Mascara is a nice look for everyone.

Hands - Norwegian formula made for chilly fishermen. And gloves, gloves, gloves. Protect and keep hands soft and nails nice.

Teeth - hygienist and checkups an essential expense. Teeth whitening paste every day.

Perfume!

Clothes- get a bra fitting. Then get rid of any that don't fit or do the job and build a collection.

Also body care:

A body brush is great for getting rid of dry skin expecially in winter, before bath or shower (with moisturising products).

Then I mix a blodge of E45 body lotion (in the navy and gold pump dispenser) plus a blodge of baby oil in my hands and put it all over. No perfume or colour to irritate, just very moisturing and self caring.

Eyes - as well as mascara, a soft eye pencil (grey or brown, not too-harsh black) smudged along your lower and upper lashes (avoiding the inner corners) adds impact.

You are what u eat is so true for skin. If I have coke I break out in spots. So a cleaner diet full of vitamins will help your skin. Also staying hydrated is what makes my skin look good too.

I switched to used garnier ultimate blends body restoring lotion honey treasures and where I used to have dry skin really bad is now nice hydrated skin esp on my hands and feet. Its not expensive either. I even use it on my face

Don't bother with fake nails. I just keep my shortish and tidy and if I'm bothered I might paint them but to be honest I can't be bothered and they are more healthier without being painted.

With makeup less on my skin the better im now just down to concealer for eyes and mascara with some eyeliner Nd tbats it...and if I'm going to work ill put a bit of vlush on. No more foundation unless it's a special night

I echo coconut oil too esp on eyelashes makes them longer.

Presumably 5-10 portions of fruit/vegetables.

@MeJane

How did I not work that out? Jesus it’s been a long week.

Just have a pineapple, some spinach, a satsuma, a handful of grapes, an avocado and a butternut squash and you will feel much better.

For skin care The Ordinary and Boots Ingredients are cheap and great and cruelty free. The Boots ones are all between 5-10 quid and they regularly do 3 for 2 offers. . Every moisturiser, oil (coconut oil was the worst fir me) or sunscream ever, regardless of price, brings me out in spots too, unless I use a very mild retinol at night. Good for dull skin and wrinkles too so a win win. Startly slowly though - once or twice a week until your skin gets used to it and don't expect results for at least 6 weeks. As you work outside a spf 50 everyday is essential especially if using retinol! Beauty Bay does a great one for about a fiver. Or The Inkey List does a tinted one so no need for a foundation on top.

I personally love wild curly hair as i think it makes someone look artistic and free spirited. Especially if an 'unnatural' colour. Maybe go online and look up suitable styles for your hair type and take pictures to your next appointment.

As for nails, fake nails will be buggered by your job. So i agree with pp, keep short and just use a bright nail varnish to disguise the dirt. Blue nails and wild hair would look fabulous in my opinion.

For clothes look up someone whose casual style you admire and think looks comfortable and wearable, and then incorporate similar high street items one by one. I'd never feel comfortable changing my style (or lack of tbh lol) in one big go as I'd feel like I'm playing dressup with some else's wardrobe. But adding just one thing at a time works for me.

Life is for living not posing. So above all make sure you feel comfortable and happy with any changes you make. Enjoy your make over, and have fun with it. Experiment with shapes and colours in shop changing rooms or your kitchen if buying online. Play music that makes you happy and dance around. And if a look or item doesn't make you happy, then return it and try another.

For the spots on your chin try some dim supplements. Sorted mine out

Am following.. I'm much older but have lost confidence in what to DO, thinking maybe I could go to a beautician to be made up & find out how to do it myself at home.
My eyelids sag & make my eyes look as though they are closing, and my eyebrows, although quite fair, are beetling all over.. I can't see well enough to pluck them properly!
So I am interested to find out how you get on, @RIPhouseplants

mama bear, a beautician can easily shape your eyebrows for £10. Book an appointment!

Just came on to say I’ve got a huge forehead and fairly thin hair. I’ve just had it cut very blunt and with a “bottle neck fringe” (google will bring up loads
of examples) and it looks great!

Beauty professional here.

Hair: try a bob you can dry upside down with a curl definer gel. Don't go too short if you want to be able to put it back. Aim for a 20s vibe. My daughter likes Twisted sister.
Brows: professional shape, salon, super drug etc. Have a tint if they are grey/fair. Please don't go for black! If you are blonde make sure it is a blonde tint.
Skincare: Hot cloth Tropics or Aldi. A great range for acne/spots is Katey London. Moisturiser, try Boots Glow.
If you want to splash out, Shiseido.
Make up: Huda beauty, good prices and it stays on. Budget, Revolution is supplied by some big name manufacturers.
Clothes: Lands End has hard-wearing tops, great shirts and puffers. I buy marks trousers. Moshulu shoes do lovely boots and flats. Bamboo socks too.
Nails: gel colour should stay on three weeks. Builders need filling and soaking or filing off. If you have good nails I would stick to a beige/ pink and use plenty of hand cream. I like a balm type. Treat yourself to a manicure once a month.

The most aging things are sun, fags and booze.

Hi@napody I have seen them on Amazon.

Thanks, @something2say

Love all these positive responses, think I’m feeling down about me appearance recently. I’ve really neglected myself since dc 3 was born, I feel like people stare at me when I’m out because I look such a mess. Im definitely going ti start paying more attention to my diet as that as I used to eat super healthily but standards have slipped drastically over the last few years.
I think part if the reason I’ve neglected musket is because I feel like I have no time to do any of this stuff so I’m going to look at ways that address that and keep looking back through all these replies to give me idea of what to try next.
@mamabear715 good luck. I think I have the same problem really I just don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing and I need someone to tell me. Hope you have found this thread useful too.

Thank you, @RIPhouseplants
It's always 'another day' that I'll make time & DO something, so I shall indeed look to get my eyebrows, at least, under control, & then I might feel comfortable enough to make appointments to get everything else sorted!
You just somehow get out of the loop of all this, don't you?

If you look like a crack addict do you mean your face is gaunt? If so putting on a few lbs might help?

If I look in the mirror and think meh ... The first thing I'll do is wash and deep condition my hair. It's mega frizzy and looks like a birds nest if I dont!