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I look like shit!

28 replies

Blacksquirrel · 28/05/2014 14:09

Any tips for an instant pick me up?

All my clothes seem ill-fitting, size 14/16 5ft 4 with large tummy area. I'm living in Sainsbury's jeans & a hoody most days. My hair looks a mess, my skin is pale & shiny.

I just feel rubbish & want to be able to make some small changes so I can leave the house feeling better about myself.

OP posts:
thepurplepenguin · 28/05/2014 14:52

I don't know about instant pick me ups but I'm with you on the feeling like you look shit.

High street ships don't seem to make clothes to fit me so I'm screwed there.

Plus I'm pale and my skin is dry and spotty. I'm also trying to grow my eyebrows back in and they're going through I dreadful phase where they look unruly and still patchy.

Yesterday I bought the new no 7 p&p serum because I figured it was worth a try. Also some primer and some brow serum.

Finally I got some new perfume because I decided to smell pretty even if I don't look it!!

Valdeeves · 28/05/2014 14:56

There are instant pick me ups like gradual tan, hair cut and colour? Dresses/tunics and leggings tend to be more flattering than jeans and hoodies?
I would actually give yourself a two week pick me up - do you want to lose weight or are you happy with your current weight? If you do a two week strict low carb can knock off half a stone and allow you to feel more comfortable in some clothes. You have to drink a lot of water which boosts your skin enormously? I am similar to you height wise and it just enable me to drop a few sizes and find it easier to buy cheap clothes to boost my wardrobe.

Cereal0ffender · 28/05/2014 14:57

Go to new look they have lots if cheap nice clothes in all sizes.
What is the issue with your hair?
Wear some make up
Hope you are feeling better soon

itiswhatitiswhatitis · 28/05/2014 14:58

A good haircut and some basic make up will be an instant pick me up. Maybe get your eye brows done and use something like Dove Holiday Skin to give yourself a bit of colour.

itiswhatitiswhatitis · 28/05/2014 15:00

Agree new look and Primark are a good place for some basics for the wardrobe.

Valdeeves · 28/05/2014 15:00

Have you got time to exercise to boost your mood?

itiswhatitiswhatitis · 28/05/2014 15:00

Have a clear out and get rid of any clothes that make you feel rubbish.

MilksteakCharlie · 28/05/2014 15:07

Plenty of water to flush out your system, an intensive hair conditioner to give hair a boost (then maybe a new cut and colour) and a good bb cream (the garnier one is excellent).

A quick skin consultation in Boots would be a good idea to establish a skincare routine and a splurge at Primary will probably help, too :)

MilksteakCharlie · 28/05/2014 15:08

Primark... Not primary. Damn you autocorrect!

Ledkr · 28/05/2014 15:08

Good haircut and colour.
Hotcloth face wash from Superdrug, really improves your skin, makes it glo.
A good facial self tanning moisturiser.
A pair of jeans that flatter your shape even if expensive.
Supermarket jeans do nothing for me and I'm similar shape and size to you.
Also a bit of height like a good wedge sandal will make you walk taller and look slimmer.

violetlights · 28/05/2014 15:12

Geees... are you me?? Shock

Blacksquirrel · 28/05/2014 15:13

Thanks all. It's one of those things that keeps cropping up in my head & I don't have anyone I can discuss it with. Would love a make over!

I've had a broken arm for the last 5 weeks so haven't been able to exercise. Hopefully can get back to it next week but will need physio. I really miss beating the crap out of a punch bag!

Definitely need to lose weight. At least 2 stone but finding it so difficult to stop eating rubbish!

I do get my hair coloured but I have stopped straightening it so it usually looks a mess, as I often let it air dry and it ends up in a ponytail.

Can anyone recommend some decent make up and a gradual tan? I have been using a BB cream which doesn't last long.

Will definitely try a pick me up plan from tomorrow;
Lots of water
Cut out rubbish food
Will try to get to New Look for a few new basic items

Keep the ideas coming. I need all the help I can get.x

OP posts:
icanmakeyouicecream · 28/05/2014 15:51
  1. Get a properly fitted bra
  2. Get some new knickers
  3. Get a nice pair of practical but stylish shoes. Maybe a pair of nude patent flats. Clarks do a nice pair
  4. Get some jeans in the right size, skinny, boot cut whatever you like.
  5. Get two vests, black and white
  6. Get two long sleeved tops, navy and red or something along those lines.

I recommend Next and M&S for all clothes and underwear. If you can stretch, Boden is also fantastic.

  1. Get some BB foundation. Garnier Bb cream is great. You'll have to see if it works for you. All trial and error.
  2. Put some lip gloss on
  3. Brush your hair, out it up. Straighten it. Do something with it at least.
10. Paint your nails. Nude in colour is always flattering. 11. Start eating healthier. Eat less, move more.

Baby steps!

higherhill · 28/05/2014 16:46

Invest in decent tinted moisturiser, which can be slicked over your normal moisturiser in seconds. I am using laura mercier illuminating tinted moisturiser at the moment.
Pinky coloured blusher stops you looking like death
have eyebrows re shaped.
keep nails smart
Would agree with others who suggest one decent pair of jeans that suit your shape and longer length tops or tunics that cover the tummy.
Decent fitting knickers and bras
Eat more fruit and veg
Fresh air is your friend

Blacksquirrel · 29/05/2014 09:15

I've woken up with a coldsore! Yippee Biscuit

OP posts:
Blacksquirrel · 29/05/2014 09:29

Should add that I have clipped half my hair up, put on BB cream and mascara and although I still feel like shit I do look slightly less so Smile

OP posts:
icanmakeyouicecream · 29/05/2014 10:58

You go girl!

LJBanana · 29/05/2014 11:03

Make 10 minutes in the morning to ensure you put a bit of make up on and do your hair.
Get your eyebrows threaded and tinted and your eye lashes. This to me makes such a difference to your appearance and time it takes to look ok.
Then a bit of tinted moisturiser-Liz Earle is a good one, and currently a free gift if you order other stuff on line. A bit of blusher and your practically done.

BeeBlanket · 29/05/2014 11:07

I think a simple dress/tunic with leggings, or over cropped/rolled-up jeans, would be a doable look that might cheer you up - New Look has lots, I like this style for example.

Tan is a bit of a hassle and can end up not looking great IME. But wear sandals and paint your toenails a bright colour - great with paler skin.

Definitely the superdrug hot cloth cleanser, and blusher. Benefit dandelion is the best for pale skin, its expensive but there are lots of cheaper similar shades.

Blacksquirrel · 29/05/2014 11:19

Just followed the advice on the Bra Intervention threads & am apparently a 34FF not a 38DD!
Can anyone recommend good places for decent bras preferably under £30 so I can buy more than one?

Loving the advice ladies! Thank you

OP posts:
carrie74 · 29/05/2014 11:55

Sounds like you're making the right steps!

Do you do any exercise? It's always hard to fit around young children, but if a DVD at home is all you can manage, then that's better than nothing, isn't it? I used to use Davina when my eldest was a baby and I couldn't get out, and have also used the 30 day shred when stuck inside, and both have been really effective (and the 30 day shred is only 20 mins, but you are supposed to do it every day).

Anyway, I find doing more exercise makes my skin better, and I feel better about myself, so it's a double whammy. Then you start seeing effects on the outside of your body, and it's a triple whammy.

Good underwear that fits is always a Good Thing, and in terms of clothes shopping I do tend to buy more expensive stuff, but then I end up buying fewer clothes, as the ones I do buy last better and hold their shape and colour on washing (I try to buy natural materials as much as possible, which seems to be getting harder on the High St with way too much polyester). My one caveat is Primark £2 vests - I bought about 5 one year and they're still going strong 3 years later worn constantly. In fact I'm only thinking of replacing them now, they've been fab (no such luck with any other Primark clothing though).

Getting a hair cut and colour (even if colouring yourself) always makes me feel fresher, and bunging on some make-up can help (although I go through waves of this - I tend to wear no make-up in the summer when I'm tanned). 1 small step at a time...

needabitofsleep · 29/05/2014 18:48

I find taking 5 minutes to do my hair probably makes the biggest difference to how I look - in my eyes anyway.

I only wear BB cream too but wearing primer underneath makes a big difference to its staying power. I love Benefit Porefessional, which really smooths out my skin.

I had my colours done recently and was instructed to wear lipstick every day - I normally completely avoided it as I felt like a drag queen with anything more than a very subtle lip stain. It took a couple of weeks but I now rarely leave the house without it and have even bought a few more.

Like others have said, little things can make a big difference to how you feel.

Ledkr · 29/05/2014 19:47

Agree about the hair, if I don't run the straighteners through mine I look like Noël Edmonds, if I straighten it it takes years off me.
It takes seconds, I leave mine plugged in and just switch em on and run through.
A bit of blush does wonders and get your eyebrows threaded.

mamijacacalys · 29/05/2014 20:05

Brastop good for branded bras at discounts. Debenhams also sometimes has offers on brands like Freya etc, as does Figleaves.
Echo comments about trying to the 30day shred dvd every day if you can. Only£5 on Amazon. Have been doing since January and have dropped two dress sizes!
HTH Smile

Msvenus · 29/05/2014 22:30

Book a complimentary stylist session at John Lewis or Debenhams, they will advise you on cuts, style & colour. There isn't any pressure to buy so you can use their ideas as a template when out shopping elsewhere.

Dark indigo jeans, crisp white shirt, wedges, jacket & discreet jewellery and you are sorted with a smart casual look for day/night.

www.johnlewis.com/our-services/fashion-advice-service

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