I am a pregnant troll

[kittysaysmiaow]

I look awful. My skin is grey and puffy, I look exhausted and my face looks different and not in a good way.

This weekend I have to go on a hen do, there will be two nights out and photos all over Facebook. I'm getting my hair done today and will put some fake tan on tonight if I can be arsed as I feel like shit

Does anyone have any miracle, pick-me-up, temporary solution type products or techniques they would recommend. I'm quite good with makeup and products generally but this is beyond me. Thanks ladies.

oil cleansing method?

def. worked for me from first go, skin looked more dewy, colour in cheeks etc.

Have you got stuff at home to do a mini facial? I felt the same a few weeks back and had a facial which made the world of difference. Have you changed moisturiser since you've been pregnant? I've found my skin far far drier this time round and am now using a skin oil and very rich moisturiser.

Exfoliate, then a bit of fake tan on your face.

Wear your favourite colour.

Smile!

Thanks for your suggestions. I really wish I had time to go for a salon facial tomorrow but in the absence of that I'll do my best with what I've got at home. I've never tried the OCM, been meaning to for ages. The only oil I've got on hand is olive, would that work? I exfoliated this morning.

Currently using alpha-h moisturiser which I started just before I found out. I have very oily and clogged skin and this hasn't changed since I got preggars. I don't think the moisturiser is the problem as the alpha h has been quite good at smoothing my skin. I reckon it's the exhaustion and hormones. What the hell happened to glowing? It's a myth isn't it?

Just got back from the hairdressers and have had a 'big n bouncy' (fnar) blow dry, also bought a huge pair of sunglasses which should see me through the daytimes! Thanks again

First things first.....I never let anybody put my photo on facebook. I'm a bore in that i ask if that's the destination of any photo's being taken and politely exclude myself if the answer is yes.

Try also an illuminating primer or cream; 'Strobe Light' by Benefit is good.

Also ensure that you give your face a really good, vigorous wash with cool/cold water before you apply make up. A steam treatment at home will give you a temporary dewy, plumped up look too. Avoid heavy foundation, contourers, concealers etc as they drain life from the face and make the face and skin look 'flat'.

A dewy, cream blusher on the cheek apples livens up a dull complexion and a slick of bright, glossy rather than matt, sexy lipstick always works! Keep it close to you and re-apply often.

Atreegrowsinbrooklyn's tips sound fabulous. I can't wait to ask the Facebook question too!
I have also felt down and troll-like. I know I shouldn't link to the Daily Mail as it only encourages them. However, these pictures of Sienna Miller cheered me up greatly. If nothing else, I felt better that my DH does not wear a scrunchie!!!

atree thanks for those brilliant tips. An illuminating primer is a great idea, can't believe I didn't think of that. I will go and get it tomorrow lunchtime. I will make time for a quick steam before I go. And I usually wear a very matt, nude Bobbi Brown lipstick to go out, so will swap this for a brighter, glossier style and as you say keep re-applying.

hetaera I'm sorry you feel troll-like too. But thank you for posting that Sienna link - it has cheered me up no end. I think she may be puffier than me :)

lowercase I spent 10 minutes earlier giving my face a good massage with olive oil. I couldn't believe the difference it made, not sure if it was the massage or the oil itself but it definitely perked my skin up and it feels lovely and soft now (and my hands do too).

Glad to help