Small things that help make you always look polished?

[MeIAm]

It takes a lot of effort and time (both of which are in short supply at the moment) for me to even look presentable enough to leave the house.

I'd love some quick, easy tips and tricks to make me look even slightly 'done'. Right now if someone knocked on my door I wouldn't answer it just because I look a state, my hair is fuzzy and everywhere, skin is not looking it's best, eyes are dark, body is dry and flaky, nails are long but discoloured, toenails have chipped, week old polish on them - you get the idea!

I'll go to work tomorrow looking presentable but as soon as the make up comes off it just seems to highlight how bad other parts are!

I have a busy month ahead so will be doing the bare minimum but after that will be able to invest more time in myself. What things do you do to make walking past a mirror first thing in the morning more bearable?

A medical pedicure will sort your feet out. Just google chiropodists in your area. Then get the gels at a salon.

One small thing a day. Eyebrows, nails, mani pedi, Fake tan, hair washed and conditioned. Sounds a lot in one go but break it down. Double cleanse. Remove hard skin on feet once a week. Baby steps.

I thought gel nails ruined your real nails?

I have CND Shellac and as long as you soak it off properly your nails should be fine. If your nails are ruined it's generally down to the technician rather than the product.

I find that mine grow and get stronger with gel on.

love this thread thank you
yes it is really hard and its alot of effort but you matter
after years of bringing up kids etc i have abit of me time!!!
having my colours done years ago made a massive difference - i dont even suit black near my face and didnt have a clue!
keeping up to date with the makeup keeps you on trend
keeping on top of roots is key -i go to hairdressers regularly yet my roots show after 3weeks- wish i knew the answer
good luck and best wishes
x

can i just ask lana
how do you colour your own eyebrows ? how do you know what colour to buy ?
t i a

Well, the Eyelash kit I use comes in two colours so you can have any colour you want... as long as it's Brown for pale, blond, mousy types or Black for darker hair/skin.

Process takes 1 min. You can do it twice if you want a darker shade of either. About six quid in Superdrug (Boots pricier), lasts for yonks. Covers greys.

I prefer doing eyebrows myself as the home kit is a proper, natural brown, not Sharpie-look salon dye.

thank you lana
will be saving a fortune for sure- know what you mean about the sharpie look!!
x

Having my eyebrows microbladed! Even without any make up on I still looked groomed strangely enough!

Use an iron.
Try to wear natural fibres they look more expensive.
Make sure your underwear is supportive.
Always wear fresh natural make-up.
Clean, well cut hair and jewellery that goes with the outfit and a small handbag as it doesn't pull on your clothes.
Avoid any obvious branding unless you are a WAG.
Clean nails - personally I hate nail varnish.
Dress appropriately for the occasion.

Unless your arms are slim and well toned FFS wear some sort of sleeve.
Find the most flattering length of dress/trouser/sleeve for you.
Drink water.
Don't impulse shop.
Make sure clothes fit, no matter what your size is you can look good if you wear the right size.
Alter clothes if they need it.
Always look in the mirror at your bottom before you go out.
And most importantly - believe in yourself, hold your head high and stand up straight.

Believe in yourself and hold your head up high unless you are daring to show your less than slim, toned arms eh?

Tidy hair and eyebrows

Clothes that fit and are ironed.

Minimum 4 glasses of water a day and at least half an hour in the fresh air.

Generous amount of moisturiser around your eyes before you sleep - no dark circles in the morning :)

I too had my colours done a few years back-I took my mum for her birthday. It was brilliant and made me much more confident about choosing clothes and putting them together.

Also am a recent convert to jamberry nail wraps-they are brilliant and don't chip!

Plenty of water and a decent multivitamin.

Defo posture here. If I can avoid walking like the hunch back of Notre Dame I feel much better and that comes across.

Oil on hair has changed my life

Has anyone tried LVL lashes? I'm wondering how effective it is compared to individual lash extensions.

Glide not stomp. Love that. Posture is definately a factor. Many years ago a girl said to me 'Make the best of what you've got' and I've really tried to live by that. I've not seen her for about 20 years but remember she did exactly that. There are many things you cant change. Tweak the things you can. Look after your hair, nails, sleep as much as life allows, for me I have three sports massages a year and feel about 10 years younger afterwards.

Chic I swear by my physio; I go to see him every other month. At £50 a pop it's a fair bit but my posture and well-being are so much better that I genuinely consider it an essential part of my maintenance now.

also can I just add buying a silk pillowcase has certainly helped
no more face like a pillow look with all the indents!!!! it also helps with hair not being all over the place - worth every penny think it was £14 ish lasted for years

F

I need this thread!

Love this thread

I was feeling exactly the same as you. Things that have helped me feel much better and now allow me to leave the house bare faced but feeling okay:

• Eyelash extensions (subtle good quality ones, I'm not one for the fake lash look, just looks like I'm wearing mascara).
• Gel nails (hands and feet) I do my own, every 2-3 weeks.
• Light misting of fake tan just to take the edge off.
• Light Botox (I know this isn't for everyone!)

I'm on the look out for my next boost now so going to scour this thread for tips!