Advice for a "me" makeover....?

[Nickinha]

I have just realised how much i have let myself go since becoming a mother. I have put on weight, my skin is looking really bad and I dress like a slob.

I AM GOING TO CHANGE...

Only thing is, I work full time, so, when i get home i just want to be comfortable (sloppy). But what can i wear to look sexy/cute/stylish, that is comfortable enough to cook, clean and run after the baby in? I know it starts here... going to get some make up in a minute (have no clue as to what to buy), does anyone have any good advice to give? My hair is always just tied back (looks terrible) but at least it is not getting in my way and in the food... any advice would be appreciated. Maybe if I looked good, felt good about myself, my love life will improve...

Nickinha - I know what you mean. The had some french woman on Richard and Judy yesterday who I could hear out of the corner of my eye (mixed metaphor I know) saying that British Women let themselves go as soon as they have kids....

I started thinking how frumpy I've become. Its a full year since I wore a scrap of make-up. (And I'm a make-up artist) And my hair is frequently a mess these days too. As for my collection of slinky sexy shoes. In the wardrobe under a dusty film. I need to sort my self out too.

I'd say be brave - go and find a good hair dressers and do some research first then ask them what would suit you - something that will look great but need minimum messing with to look fab. Make-up wise - as a professional I'd tell you less is more. Tons of make-up ages you prematurely. If you do want to start wearing it again go for something subtle like a tinted moisturiser if you really want foundation. Some light translucent powder is enough for a lot of people just to take the shine off. Otherwise invest in one or two really good quality lipsticks one in a neutral natural shade and one a bit raunchy for going out. Get some neutral eyeshadow something which will complement your eyes. A pallete with creams and browns / greys often a good start. Good quality make-ups would be stuff like MAC and Bourjoirs, good value is the Make-Up range in Tesco designed by top make-up artist Barbara Daly.

HTH - must rush off and sort myself out now!

Emma xx

Hi i know exactly how you feel i was beginning to feel the same, i am 30 weeks pregnant and feeling fat, round and very untidy (pregnancy does not suit me at all)

I have taken the plunge yesterday i phoned the hair dresser as my hair is really starting to get me down it was just long, boring and the colour is awful, so i booked myself an appointment & went in today i now have a very stylish new choppy bob look and it feels fantastic, while i was there i booked myself a appointment for next week to have highlights put in my hair and i also went to town and booked to have my nails done next week too.

Firstly i would book a hairdressers appointment hair is very important i think and makes you feel alot sexy and stylish when its neat with no split ends etc, also i know what you mean about the slobbing clothes, the first thing i do when i come in my house is reach for my tracky, i usually wear the black velour set, or just keep whatever top i have had on that day and put a comfy pair of black bottoms, i dont look scruffy to comfy.

Start as you mean to go on.

Brilliant advice on the make up - thnak you, and i guess if I get my hair coloured a bit it wont be too expensive... and a couple of trakkie bottoms that are neat for when I get home.... Thanks guys, one change a week... today make-up, next week the hair and then the pants....

Yes, really good make-up advice, just what I need.

Nickinha, as well as having your hair done, why don't you go for a facial too? I think part of this is just having nice things done to you; a bit of pampering always makes me feel much better about myself.

if you go to a good beauty therapist and get a facial, ask her to have a look at your skin and recommend a good cream

if she is good she will not try and sell you stuff, just ask her what kind of skin you have

i always thought i had really oily skin as im prone to little spots, but a new therapist had a look under a magnifying glass (!) and said i had really really dry skin which can also be prone to spots

i bought cream for dry skin and now my skin is much better. i also try and drink loads of water. i was amazed that i had dry skin!

Facial is a great idea. Why not drop some hints for christmas pressies and say you'd love a day at a spa or something. Then you can have all kinds of treatments done and come out feeling like a queen!

Might work.

On a more practical note - not sure how old you bub is but until DD was 1 I used to to go a post-natal excercise class at my local cannons. It was every wednesday morning and was free to mums. It was fab. Not sure if all Cannons do it or if it was just the Newbury one. Worth a try though - we also used to get vouchers for deals at there spa salon thingy - seaweed wraps and the like!

getting a really good cut and colour si the best and quickest way to make you feel and look better

there are loads of new make up ideas around, ask a friendly looking make up lady (some of them are scary i know) and tell her you want something really quick and easy that will brighten your complexion.

i know its not easy but try and have lots of fruit and veg and drink loads of water

BRILLIANT idea to ask for vouchers for xmas

rather than trackie bottoms get slobby trousers that are a bit more stylish? more like this perhaps?

Oh, know just what you mean - met this other mum in the park the other day (turned out dd1 goes to nursery with her boys) and she just looked so glamorous so I resolved to try and do better (not sure I've achieved anything yet!)
Haircut definitely. I bought a cheap but smart coat in the sale which makes me feel a bit more grown up. I also got a pair of comfy but smart brown boots which I think look a bit nicer with jeans or trousers than my grubby trainers, but they were only cheap (Brantano Sale). I hardly ever wear make up, but I've had a couple of 'consultations' at the molten Brown shop (fab make up but v expensive) and they suggested a powder compact to me which just gives me a bit of a glow but only takes seconds to put on.

WOW philipat - those are stunning!!! What colour is pepple?? and will they deliver to portugal? I really like that stlye! Comfy and neat - will look nice with trainers too... are those the only two colours?

if you connect via this page - it's the button next to tesco - you get 10% off, although not sure if that counts for things on sale

they say they deliver to EU at cost...