'You look tired'...

[tryhard]

How do I fix this?! Comment from a friend last week...I'm 35, have 2 DSs under 5, probably drink a bit too much fizz but have lost 3 stone on SW...currently at home with the kids so tend have a boring practical wardrobe of leggings/tunics/chinos/tops & no money to get hair/nails done. I do cleanse/tone/moisturise with Nuxe stuff...what else can I do?!

Was she not just being concerned and showing that she cared? I've said people look tired before but I'd only say it to my nearest and dearest, are we supposed to ignore signs that could be someone struggling and in need of help? If she's a casual acquaintance or a frenemy she's probably being rude, ignore the moo

In terms of looking fresher, there's the obvious less booze/more sleep advice but I'm sure you know that and there's only so much you can accomplish as the mother of young children. I'd advise a primer, concealor, powder, blusher and mascara as easy to apply, cheap to source first steps. Have you looked at colours that suit you? I find they make a real difference on my fair complexion.

I use manuka honey serum it gives your face a lovely dewy appearance. Try to drink lots of water too. If my hair isn't it's best I put it into a messy chignon or bun. A bit of mascara and lip gloss can work wonders too. It does get better. I went 4 years without unbroken nights with my third son after the first two slept through at six weeks. It was a major shock to my system. There are also a lot of good hair dyes that are reasonably priced. I was told that the £5 one I used looked better than my previous £50 highlights! YouJust need to do some research to get the right product for you. Good Luck!

drink a shedload of water - seriously, just try drinking 2-3 liters of water a day and see if you look better in 2 weeks.

You will be amazed.

I don't have children, sleep LOTS, never drink alcohol....and still my MIL tells me I look tired. I don't usually bother with make up but that would certainly help i'm sure. I don't drink a lot of water but I try. Chuck it in the fuck it bucket. It is what it is.

Firstly, your friend sounds a bit mean!

But... I highly recommend the Hourglass Ambient Lighting palette. Yes is expensive but lasts forevvver. Big brush, just stick it all over your face. It's like magic.

That horribly expensive highlighter in the gold pen like casing. The one with the French name. Gorgeous light reflecting concealer. Used to be able to afford it but was such a long time ago I've forgotten the name!

Vitamin pills breastfeeding ones PACKED With good stuff, exfoliate face and moisturise a lot - Aldi caviar stuff is amazing. Tinted moisturiser. Good foundation if you can't afford one collection concealer is 4.50 often on offer and better than anything at totally covering bags.

I'm usually big on eye makeup but was actually shocked at how much difference some blusher / bronzer made after I had my DC. You just look fresher. Shop around until you find a decent one that compliments your complexion - I'm really pale - you don't need to look orange!

Olympia Touché Eclat, Yves Saint Laurent

Wow do a cheaper version that basically 'looks the same it's about 6.00 . The closest cheapest thing I've found to touche eclat is collection stuff for 4.99. By the way, touche eclat is really bad for your eye area - it contains retinol that thins the skin - it basically generates its own income in that respect

Probably impossible with 2 littles, but I find - ironically - that lots of exercise helps. Partly because I sleep better, but strangely if I go for a swim in the evening after work when I'm knackered, I actually have more energy (for a bit - then I crash into bed at 10pm!)

However, I have a teenager and would have laughed hollowly at this advice 10 years ago

Would echo the comments about investing in good skincare. It doesn't have to be £££ - shopping carefully makes a difference. I haven't tried The Ordinary (but thanks to the PP for the tip - am off to get some this aft!) but I have been using the other Hyaluronic products from the company (Deciem) and they are very good.

In no particular order:
SPF - always wear some on your face as it will help your skin in the long run. Clinique Cityblock is good as it's also tinted so can double up as makeup. It does leave a 'dewy' finish though so you may want to finish with a dusting of powder. If you are tired around the eyes then avoid your eye area as powder will settle in the fine lines and emphasise them.

Good skincare routine - Caroline Hiron's website is a good place to start. Her 'cheat sheets' contain the basics for what you should be looking for. A minimum would be good cleanser + toner + serum (the Aldi Lacura ones are good if you are on a budget) + eye cream + moisturiser to finish. The toner you need will depend on your skin type - CH's website will explain this.

Good concealer. I bloody hate Touche Eclat - have always found it chalky and very drying, but others swear by it. I've used all sorts from cheap to very expensive but keep going back to Boots Collection creamy concealer - which is under a fiver and really good for under eyes.

Eyelash curler - sounds like a faff but it's a few minutes well spent as curling your lashes does open them up. Getting your brows properly done to suit your face shape is also a worthwhile investment. I went to a salon as a one-off and have then just maintained it at home myself ever since. Once a week pluck to tidy things up and I use a tiny bit of shadow to fill in any gaps - the Sleek (from Boots or Superdrug) brow kit is very good for this.

Blusher - quick sweep of colour helps you look a bit perkier. I absolutely love Sleek's rose-gold blusher (which is a dupe of NARS 'Orgasm' at a fraction of the price).

Drink - more water, less caffeine and not too much alcohol. Sleep's a bit redundant at this point as you have your hands full(!), but lots of water and herbal teas if you like them, will help keep your skin hydrated.

As others have said though, at this stage you've got other things to concentrate on - so don't be too tough on yourself!

The natural way:
Warm water with lemon in the am, and then water thereafter
Exercise vigorous enough to make you sweat
Bee pollen/propolis pills
Cut out sugar
Any sort of enzyme mask 2 x a week
Coconut oil as a moisturizer

The unnatural way:
Restylane under the eyes to eliminate dark circles and hollows

I love all these tips, especially the cheaper ones!

If I'm especially tired, I wear a bright white top. It seems to reflect light onto the face in a flattering way.

Also sunglasses hide a lot. Not indoors though, you're not Joan Collins

I swear by BB cream, I can't leave the house without it. With no other make up it makes me look alive.
Also benefit Lemonaid is really good to brighten up eyelids.

juuuust marking my place!

Drink more water, if possible get more sleep. Take vitamin D and Floradix tablets and get some outside time everyday.

What is this gadget? Could you link to it?

I was dubious about derma rolling but it works for me (followed YouTube videos).

I have a facial and body derma roller. After the facial one I put hyluaronic acid (unsure of spelling) on my skin. I only do this a few times a month, but regularly get compliments on my skin after treatment.

It won't suit everyone as it's uncomfortable, but it has worked for me at plumping skin and removing fine lines.

Mac do a lovely highlighter for under eyes, team it with a blusher and hey presto!

I'm 48 and look good for my age, have never drunk or smoked, size 8-10 and yet people say that I look tired every time they see me without lipstick!

Irush not sure whether you meant the gadget I referred to but this is the link if so (usually discount codes floating around):
www.feelunique.com/p/Sarah-Chapman-Skinesis-Facialift