What have you done / bought recently that has made you feel better about yourself?

[Cyclingandriding2016]

I'm mid-30s and its really hitting home that I'm no longer the naturally pretty, slim, 20-something I once was.

I do exercise when I can (although that's not as much as I like) and although I'm still (fairly) slim I'm definitely noticing some changes from my 20s such as my expanding bum. I know I need to start to eat better, my diet is pretty crap.

My face just looks tired. I look in the mirror and I just think wow I look rough. My skin tone is uneven, blotchy, I get a few spots. I hate being photographed as I just look yuk.

I don't get enough sleep but unfortunately I can't do much about that at the moment.

I'm starting to get grey hairs and I do dye my hair, but then two weeks later I will notice a load more greys, so I am clearly doing something wrong there. I have been dying it myself not going to the hairdresser. I use L'Oreal Casting Creme Gloss.

So I'd like to know what you have done / or bought that has made you feel much better about yourself? It could be a miracle-product or a lifestyle change or a change to your beauty regime.

My make up bag is full of pretty cheap stuff, such as Rimmel etc. I wouldn't mind investing a bit of money on make up or products if I knew they would make a difference but I'm never sure whether you are just paying for the name with expensive goods (I bought an Estee Lauder lipstick for my wedding which was around £20, worst lipstick I've ever had it only stays put for a few minutes!).

Thanks

snorfig I agree with your comment about baby years being brutal, not so much on self image for me, but the general changes to body shape and by the time the children are a bit older and you have time to spend on appearance, you realise you have aged in that time.

Good skincare is a must for me (early 40s). I've got into acid toning for pores and using actives -Vitamin C, niacinamide, hylauronic acid and spf every day.

I've been studying recently so exercise has gone out of the window. Now that I'm finished the study, I need to get back to the gym. I do eat better if I'm exercising.

This thread has also inspired me to rethink my wardrobe. Recently I haven't felt happy with the clothes I've got so I'm going to get an appointment with personal shopper again (been to one previously who was amazing). I agree that quality over quantity is important after a certain age

I've decided as I get older to not save anything for "best"
I wear my nice things and use my perfume daily.

I've bought double wear light and illuminating primer this week
I use a body scrub once a weeks
And try and do my make up everyday.
I also double cleanse with a flannel which is helping my skin.

Good skincare routine is a must. I've also found a capsule wardrobe of about 20 good quality items that suit me is much better then 100's that look meh. Someone at work was explaining how stressful she finds getting ready in the morning deciding what to wear. It's lovely not to worry about that.
I'm trying the yoga too but not yet done enough to see a difference. Will preserve thanks to the comments on this thread.
But yeah, good skin care routine, quality clothing, exercise and healthy diet are all you need

No.7 airbrush foundation is amazing. It's so lightweight and you can get it to match skin tone perfectly so it hides all sorts but just leaves you looking and feeling fresh faced. I'm like you, mainly had Rimmel and the like. I read a review about these airbrush ones and gave it ago I just swear by it now. £17 but I tend to get it on offer. I wear it with a bit of Benefit Dandilion blush and people have started saying how good my skin looks. So I say thanks and keep my mouth shut haha only sharing this with you lot!

Oh and I've been eating 3 Brazil nuts and a handful of pumpkin seeds a day (alongside normal diet which isn't brilliant) and it's done wonders for my skin!

Botox. By far the best beauty 'product' ever. A no-brainer.

Salon blow dry

Eyebrow thread and tint.

Chanel foundation, reasonably priced but good everything else

I've binned a lot of my 20s clothes so I'm not comparing my current image to how I look in them. They all still fit (thanks to running) but they don't look right anymore.
So I 'dress my age' but in a positive way. I dress like someone who's accomplished stuff (but on an eBay budget thanks to 2 sets of nursery fees). Nice sweaters, well made tops, stretchy dresses, skinny jeans -all bought off eBay- and boots - my winter wardrobe staples.

Must admit I'm dreading summer from a clothing POV- I always feel a total scruff with all my pale flesh out, and my freckles make it hard to wear make up.

In terms of grey hairs, the Casting range you use is lovely but rubbish for covering grey as they're semi permanent. A hairdresser told me that the only thing to cover them properly is a permanent colour. Root touch up as previously mentioned is good for this.