After a horrible year I have aged so much, help!

[batterylow]

Confidence has been really knocked this year. Dc 2 doesn't sleep and my relationship has been awful (that's a very brief version) older child has been very unwell.

Anyway it has really affected my appearance. I have drunk too much, eaten badly and downed coffee all day and as a result my skin, hair and teeth look rubbish. Trying to sort all this but the caffeine bit may be hard to stop.

I realised my make up hasn't changed in YEARS. I am using bb cream now then a bit of blush, some gold ish eyeshadow applied with my finger(!) Then eyelashes curled and mascara on and if I am going out lipstick/gloss and liquid eyeliner. Any suggestions?

Also used to be really coordinated with jewellery etc but my clothes are all old now, nothing goes together argh! Anyone fancy helping me with what I could do to feel better? New eyeshadow?!

Go through your wardrobe and clear out everything humiliating - things that don't fit, things you feel crap in or bought because convenient. I was left with one pair of jeans and three tops. Money was v tight so I bought a second pair of jeans and few tops from primark that fit and looked nice plus a fancier scarf and sorted through my jewelry and make up. It was a bit of a uniform but I wore clothes that fitted and suited plus basic make up everyday after that. Felt a lot better than constantly catching sight of my self in ill fitting or totally knackered clothes.

I would take a multi vitamin and an Omega Oil capsule every day. You don't have to pay more than a £1 for those. I find the Oil capsule helps my skin and the multi vitamin is always needed when the body is under stress.

Deffo agree about eyebrow shaping, makes a huge difference to the whole face. Benefit illuminator on the cheekbones is lovely too

Do you pay for elec/gas bills by direct debit? If so ring then with a Meyer reading and if it turns out they are holding onto a buildup of credit to you, ask for them to pay it back. They always seem to end up with more than is needed. Then use the rebate for botox or other pick me up?

Yes iron is a great idea too. I take Feroglobin every day and if I forget i definitely feel more tired.

Yes, Lady my multi's have added Iron as I always seem tired if I don't take it.

Switch your coffee out for matcha, it's a bit expensive but a 30g pot can last the month depending on usage. It's fab stuff, gives the lift and alertness of coffee but won't keep you awake at night, and it has loads of health benefits.

Hi battery,

Sorry to hear you've had a crappy time. I completely sympathise - I was in a very bad place a few months ago and practically lived on coffee and fags for weeks which totally wrecked my appearance. I looked so old and haggard

Serum applied at night after cleansing is really good, I use one by Olay which gives my skin a boost. You could maybe try an illuminating foundation to give your skin a dewy appearance. L'Oreal do a good one called Lumi Magique which is lovely, it gives you a glow.

A cheap beauty trick I picked up on here that really works is the aspirin facial. Sounds bizarre but it is amazing. Take six aspirin tablets, add a couple of drops of water and then grind into a paste. Mix in a teaspoon of honey and slather on your face. Leave for ten minutes then wash off. I do it once a week and my skin looks so smooth afterwards.

Also if you're looking for new make up, have a look in Superdrug. They stock a range by Sleek which is inexpensive but really good. They have some lovely blushers for around a fiver and they do a face contouring kit for £6 which is great.

I hope things improve for you

Agree with lots of the tips here and one to add: Colgate Whitestrips. Use every day twice a day for ten days (or once a day for twenty days if you find your teeth get sensitive while using) and voila white teeth. Makes such a difference and the effects last ages, 2-3 years I'd say.

Batterylow so sorry about your year. Lack of sleep impacts on everything and it sucks.

I second a lot that has been said;

Drink lots of water.
I only drink coffee in the morning as a rule.
Mint tea is good too.
Yes to scarves.....and they don't need to be expensive, Primark is great.
Cheap accessories don't always look cheap and can totally change an outfit.
A good illuminating concealer, I love Touch Éclat but No 7 do a v good alternative. Infact I really rate No7 products.
Yes to a neutral/natural blusher and a natural lipstick.
I wear a neutral, skin toned, slightly pearly shadow on my eyelid, just makes my eyes stand out a bit more.
Get fresh air ....with little ones you probably do anyway.
Cleanse and tone every night.....Simple stuff is great.
Get your hair cut in an easily maintainable style.
I think Gap do excellent quality,washable knitwear. New Look have some great 100% cotton (won't bobble) fitted cardigans in great colours this season.
I would invest in a pair of daytime boots and a decent coat...you'll wear them every day until may!!!!

And don't forget to look after you, when kids are little it's so hard, I really feel for you. It gets easier in many ways as they get older. Kids are fabulous but do put huge pressures on everything. I really hope you and DP can overcome your problems and that you can feel happier with yourself.x

Sorry to hear you've had a tough year. Battling with that sleep deprivation/caffeine cycle too.

Two thoughts: yes to illuminating products to brighten skin - can really freshen you're look and help offset the physical signs of lack of sleep (my favourites are Elemis illuminating balm and Bobbi Brown illuminating bronzer).

Alternatively, to lift you, could you treat yourself to fragrance or aromatherapy oil you really love and which when you sniff during the day makes you feel good? Bit indulgent, but good to find ways to wrap yourself up in a personal cloud of gorgeousness when life is rubbish...

Thank you so many replies,and so many great tips I actually feel a bit more positive already!

I am sorry for those battling similar stuff it is hard to feel positive under such stress.

What does matcha taste like? I have never heard of it till that link, where do you buy it? Sounds good if it doesn't give the insomnia etc, I hate how jittery I am after downing coffee!

Must cleanse tonight !

Re matcha. The taste really varies by brand (I've tried a few). Typically, the one I prefer is hideously expensive Teapigs, but there is also this which is acceptable.

It doesn't taste that great tbh, but it grows on you (really selling it here aren't I?), and you can always sweeten it or have it with frothed milk as a matcha latte type thing. The traditional way is to have it in a shot glass. I add more water and have it in a mug. I have heard of people adding it to smoothies, but I really hate smoothies so have never done this

I will see if I can get some match a then , do you find it helps staying awake?

Just cleansed my face and it felt horrible and was still faintly foundation coloured stuff coming off after ages so may copy with wipes ! Used toner which was probably a bad plan as surely I just closed the dirt in?

Double cleansing makes a huge difference. I personally can't use wipes as the don't agree with my skin but whatever you use do it twice :)

Hi battery

If you can afford £25 I would highly recommend a mac makeover. The make up artists are amazing and will make you look better than you ever imagined and will show you how to recreate it yourself. The money is redeemable against products and it will really get you out of a rut x

do you find it helps staying awake?

Yes! I work one day a week and it means a v early start. I noticed the last two times I went in, I felt all fuzzy and sluggish by early afternoon, zoning out in front of my computer and so on. Realised it was probably because I'd run out of matcha and had been on coffee instead. So I think it really helps with keeping a clear head / being alert

I'm in a similar position after a horrible four years! My face has aged and my hair is like straw. I have developed insomnia and so it would appear has one of my children. I'm so tired I can't do anything right and I'm so sad when I catch sight of myself in the mirror or a photo.
I have beautiful clothes but I put on weight due to health problems and lack of sleep makes me eat empty calories.
Some great information on here tho.

Troubledtimes sorry to hear that, hope you can find some good tips on here too, I am feeling motivated to change things just little by little. Drinking more wAter and will try both matcha and double cleansing.

Also quite excited by the prospect of a Mac makeover, good idea and I could ask for a day to day look. Hopefully they would help with something natural.