So, ladies, can you share your beauty secrets with me?

[earlgreyplease]

Have to confess I have never really 'got' this whole beauty thing, despite years of London living and working for various womens magazines, I am still none the wiser and always the last to hear about 'the latest thing'that everybody swears by, until it is yesterday's news. have also sadly realised that sleep deprivation combined with constants slavery to two small people has not enhanced my beauty. So please, can you help? What are your 'absolute must haves' your 'couldn't do without' beauty and makeup products?
I am pale skinned with naturally brown hair now with highlights due to encroaching grey. Skin slightly lacklustre, the odd blemish,can look uneven in texture. Oh and totally knackered.

It's really boring to drink lots of water, get outside whenever possible, eat properly, have some early nights and smile - but is really the best beauty treatment ever.

hi! I'm in london too!

Things I never leave behind:

1. sunblock that is also primer, I use DiorSnow, but Shiseido also have something similar and my sister is using one by vichy.
2. under eye highlighting concealer, I'm using bobbi brown, but everyone has one, and garnier have one with a roller ball.
3. blush/bronzer
4. mascara (diorshow)
5. lipstain

also, if you are in NW London, there is a certain mini spa that is offering an unlimited spa treatments for a six month membership. (not sure if it's your thing, I've just signed up)

Mac Ruby Woo.

Water and sleep as shod says. Sounds odd, but try eating poached salmon in place of meat. Works wonders for skin. Fish oils maybe?

Avocado pear every other day.

No booze, except xmas, hic.

Garnier skin perfecter stuff
Mineral make up
Elemis enzyme peel

Decent haircut and no roots showing
eyebrows groomed
eyelashes tinted and permed once every few months
moiturize and use a sun block
dental hygenist every few months
tinted moisturiser for daytime with a cream blush.

Keep it simple

thank you ladies will check out your tips - after writing initial thread I saw the princessing thing so will also start that routine!