Looking good on a budget?

[Kingplum]

I'm sick of looking and feeling a mess. I'm overweight, pregnancy has left me with wobbly bits I didn't have before. I'm trying my best to shift it as for me it's the easiest way to look and feel better.

I'm a sahm and can't afford to have my hair and nails done or buy lots of clothes like I used too.

I feel like I've just given up and let myself go.

What budget make up brands are good? How can I look polished and put together on a shoestring?

Please tell me it's possible

Oh and the baby is now 2 so I really have no excuse

Essence from Wilkos is a great range. The nail varnishes are fantastic and the mascaras are great too also the eyeliners. Superdrug so great budget ranges too.

Aldi do a shampoo and conditioner like the Aussie range which is fantastic and about a third of the price

I just came on to say Wilko! They do a really good primer for £3.

What about getting your eyebrows threaded every few weeks? Makes a big difference. I only go to the Asian run places as they're really good, and it costs me a fiver a time.

I also got some collagen eye patches that you put on like a face mask, they're Korean and they're really good, it was a few quid for a pack of ten from eBay.

Do a home manicure and paint your nails with a light colour.

Buy some nice hair accessories to tie your hair eg head band or a nice clip. Can be bought cheaply online.

A tinted lip balm like Vaseline in the pink tub.

Oh yes the Wilkos primer is fantastic.

I agree with the Essence recommendations. I love their compact foundation: www.wilko.com/essence/essence-camouflage-2in1-powder-and-makeup-nude-beige-30/invt/0445857

I also really like W7, which you can buy from Amazon and eBay (not sure if anyone stocks it on the high street). Their primer is great: www.amazon.co.uk/W7-Prime-Magic-Primer-Camera/dp/B009H0OH08/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1504354746&sr=1-3&keywords=w7&tag=mumsnetforum-21. Also the bronzer, blusher and eyeshadow, which are highly pigmented for such a cheap brand.

I've started buying a lot of Superdrug skincare recently (mostly from the Simply Pure and Naturally Radiant ranges) and I've been really impressed with all of it, especially the Simply Pure Hydrating Serum. It's also worth looking in the reduced section at Superdrug, because their reductions are extremely generous. For example I just bought a load of these instore for 15p each (because they had an old barcode or something): www.superdrug.com/New-In/Superdrug-Naturally-Radiant-Brightening-Micro-Polish-75ml/p/605302

Check out Kiko if there is one in your town.

I'm a fan of high end usually but actually like their products, I'm using their moisturising foundation right now and keep getting compliments on my skin.

I've got a couple of bits from Revolution and MUA in superdrug 3 for 2 I bough Revolution eye brow kit and 2 cream blushers from MUA. Total cost £6 and they are good.
I use baby lotion to cleanse my face and as a make up removal and Astral to moisturise. I do use a decent eye cream as my eyes can get sore.
I buy a lot of clothes on line in the sale as they usually have more sizes in stock than the shops.
In regards to weight I can't really help, but maybe if you made an effort with your skin, hair and makeup then you might feel happier and might not feel like eating the wrong foods so much? I know if I feel shit I tend to eat more!

I would say if you have ANY money to spend then get a decent, well fitted bra and good underwear, that way anything you buy clotheswise fits better.

Go to charity shops that are in a 'nice' town, stalk ebay (I went into shops and tried on sizes so I know what size to buy), look out on FB for model requests from local hairdressers.

I also buy make up and skin care from no7 as they always have offeres and vouchers to rack up points which I then spend on beauty stuff (that will often be how I afford the nicer branded stuff).

I also used to ask for boots or clothing vouchers for Christmas and birthday...this might sound a bit desperate to some, but we were really broke at one point but I was determined to keep feeling nice!

The ordinary! Get yourself a good serum "buffet" and a vit c to start with. You need a good face cream. Clean your face and moisture every morning and night.

Revolution palettes are only £4 from superdrug and they are very good! I like bourjour healthy mix serum Foundation. It's very light. Get a good blusher and lipcolour to help you look healthy and more awake.

I personally hate the Aldi Aussie version. It ruined my hair, I had to stop using it. Aussie is brilliant and if you can invest in Philip Kingsley Elastisizer you won't regret it. It make hair really strong and healthy. Once a week overnight will do it. I've had one pot since Xmas!

Get one decent haircut and home dye it if you need to.

You need a good fitting coat and nice boots for the winter. Then you'll feel good when your out.

Do your own nails, moisturise every day with something like nivea for good skin. Eat well, it makes a huge difference to your skin, hair, eyes etc.

For Xmas ask for high end or vouchers for clothes shops. House of Fraser etc.

I've been a sahm mum between jobs for 9 years and this is how I do it😁

I use coconut oil as a make up remover then superdrug hot cloth cleanser before ordinary serums then blue pot nivea. None of it is expensive! Mia and Revolution are really very good for makeup 😁

It is definitely do-able!!
W7, Revolution and also Primarks own makeup are all pretty decent and well priced!!
I agree with above that a decent moisturiser makes a world of difference!

Yes to a well fitting bra, it can make you look lbs lighter too!

MUA and MUR at Superdrug are great makeup items at cheapo prices. W7 Mascara is brilliant and often in Poundworld for £2 (weirdly) Poundland and Poundworld often have branded makeup including Revlon and Rimmel for nail polish.

Wilko primer is excellent I'm devoted to Nivea tinted moisturiser which is often on offer for £2.00.

Haircut, if you have a simple style then a simple trim at Supercuts will be fine.

At this time of year the shops are giving stuff away to make room for Xmas, it's a good time to treat yourself to funky accessories to give yourself a lift. Earings if your ears are pierced brighten you up.
Eyebrows are cheap for threading.

Some great ideas here thanks!

Bras are definitely an issue at the moment, I tried the intervention but it didn't work for me so maybe I need to go and get measured.

Never even though of Wilko for make up, will definitely give the primer and gel varnishes a go.

I always have a nightmare finding foundation, I have quite dry skin so need something dewy and prefer a low or buildable coverage.

I think the key is to make time to do my nails etc.