I look old and haggard after illness - any potions that can help me?

[BuckToothedGirl]

That's it really. I'm 40 in a few weeks and really feeling my age after several months of illness.

Can anyone recommend a magic potion or even a facial that might perk me up a bit?

My skin is still a bit teenagery, slightly greasy and prone to spots.

Thanks!

Good food and walk/bike/whatever in the fresh air (I've same skin as you but a decade older). Beats any 'potions' IME.

Clarins flash balm ( or the cheaper alternative Superdrug Vitamin E Illuminating face tint)... basically just gives a bit of a lift. Also I really like Body Shop lip and cheek tint ( basically like Benetint but colour was better for me) to add a bit of colour.... These were whT I took with me into hospital for a prolonged stay to make me feel a bit better than I looked.

Thanks Grimma - still struggling with eating and getting out much - hopefully soon though!

Pocket - was thinking of flash balm - shall try, thanks!

Meant to also say getting a good haircut really made me feel a lot better.

THis liz Earle nourishing mask is amazing for softening and nourishing skin here Really recommend it. Id use it morning and night for a week or two.

A good illuminating product , like this either on its own or over make up will give you a bit of a glow in the meantime. Oh and a dab of blusher works wonders I find

Hope you are on the mend

Just a few ideas. £ depending as ever...
A new hair cut

A facial

Go to a make up counter and ask them for some new make up tips/products

Maybe organise a personal shopper at Debenhams {it's free and they might introduce you to some new bits}

Body Shop vitamin E serum it's a-mazing and only £12 - (like Beauty Flash balm but high street version)

Hope you're feeling better :) xx

Get your hair coloured to get rid of any grey.

A good facial with extraction. I have skin like yours and have been for posh ones which just sludged lots of creams on my face and made it even spottier.

If you can go for a run but be gentle on yourself.

Try taking a tonic everyday for a few weeks. I like the orange flavoured one form Boots (can't remember the name)

Thanks for all the tips and kind words, very much appreciated :-)

Love your name! I used to be BelligerentGhoul, so had to say hello to a fellow Smiths fan!

I recommend:

Floradix from Holland and Barratt - it's a mult vitamin and iron but more natural and is v good if you're still feeling a bit drained and under the weather

A new blusher - Max Factor cream ones are good and fairly cheap

Bare Minerals - book an appointment and get one of the ladies to do half of your face so you can see the difference and then the other half. It's expensive but my skin has never looked better after using it for about six months.

Google Clarins Methode Auto-liftante.
I think they have some instuctions on site and on YouTube.
Takes a few days to kick in, but works.
And you can use with your usual moisturiser, does not have to be Clarins.

Pluck/Dye your eyebrows esp if you are fair.
Blusher is key ( I like cream ones) - maybe even matt bronzing powder

Fresh air and lots of it. Take advantage of the mild sunny weather. I walked to the post office today instead of driving - took me an hour but I felt better for it!

If you have shoulder length hair get a Big Hair - it gives you swishy hair!

Yes Yes to Floradix - it is like Minedex Tonic- but for adults. High in iron. You really feel your giving your body vitamins!

And clarins facials are really good and very relaxing.

Another vote for Floradix!

I like a good facial scrub mask when I've been sick and/or am washed out. I use the Montagne Jeunnesse apricot scrub and love it. V cheap too.

Thanks everyone for the great advice, I will look into all of these things.

I'll try the floradix, I tried Minadex and it really helped with my appetite - so will get this one when I finish the Minadex.

Hairdo - check - I'm long overdue and I think a good cut would do me good.

Bare Minerals - I already use it and like it a lot but my skin just looks so flat. I should investigate blusher - I'm ashamed to say I've never tried it!

Remus - you still have a fab name :-)

Thanks so much everyone!

Guerlain Midnight secret, makes me look refreshed even if i havent slept well -ive a 10 week old baby!

Do you use the Bare Minerals Warmth, after the foundation? I was terrified that it would make me look like an Oompa Lumpa but actually, if you use if with a very light hand, it just serves to 'lift' the foundation a bit. I literally use about 2 crumbs of it and just sweep it across my face like the woman in the shop showed me to, in a sort of E shape.