Look better or care less?

[Shalll]

I'm quite down about my looks at the moment and not sure how to get out of this...

I'm late 30s, a bit (but not much) overweight, carrying most of the weight on my stomach area which I hate. For reasons that are not clear to me I seem to now be really prone to both spots (on my face) and skin tags (on my body). I have loads of freckles, wear glasses, thin face, don't like hair.

I live in skinny jeans or trousers with floaty tops or big jumpers for both work and home. I always feel I look about 5 months pregnant (youngest is five!!!).

What can I do to give myself a boost? I'm considering everything from eating differently to new wardrobe / hair, supplements, getting contacts.

Or should I just work on not caring so much?

Pilates! Even if you lose weight the stomach muscles will be the same. A good Pilates class and a weights class will strengthen your core

Thank you. I love the idea of finding something I'm good at (it's not obvious what at the moment , I seem to be either at work or 'mothering').

Really appreciate the glasses tips also. I've just put on a flattering dress from Zara which I saw on here and made a bit of effort with done make up and feel miles better..

Try to cut down on the fizzy drinks. They will definitely be contributing to the bloating. I’m loads better since I reduced my intake. Have you thought about getting a water infused bottle? I love having lemon and lime in mine. I’ve also just bought some cold water infusors which don’t have any sugar in them, just to vary things.

Are you on the Progsterone only pill? I gave up on that because it made my hair look terrible, skin was awful, belly was bloated and I generally felt miserable and anxious. It all went away when I stopped.

I’ve vote for changing what you can. Small like things the right hair cut, nice glasses, getting your eyebrows done and increasing your water intake will all help.

Thanks Faith. I've just switched from progesterone only pill to mirena coil but now I'm wondering if that was a bad idea as it's still a hormone based contraceptive.

I struggle so much with water but I know I have to knock it on the head and get used to it. I like it when it has ribena in 

My skin went through a I'm a spotty teenager faze about 4 months ago and I use the biore charcoal face wash with a pump of anti bacterial hand wash, crazy but it worked! Also Superdrugs do a lovely vitamin serum in a orange bottle with a dropper top. It's great!

Your diet sounds healthy but I'd drop the diet drinks and definitely up your water in take, add cucumber, mint or sliced fruit to jazz it up.

Good luck xx

Oh I just remembered I saw a tv programme that said if you tie a ribbon around your belly it encourages you to hold your belly in. It helps to tighten your muscles and encourages a better posture.

You may find that you get on better with the Mirena, give it a bit of time. It’s isolated hormones so most women get on better with it than the pill.

Im finding a book called 'fat around the middle' by Marilyn Glenville is really helpful (diet info & other things). Also as the others said it's got to be really sweaty exercise 3 times a week to have any impact at all (and even them I'm finding the changes soo slow). It's really frustrating, Im finding losing the weight now so much harder than I did in my twenties.
I'd recommend joining some sort of online training programme or a personal trainer if you can afford it.
Good luck, I know it can have an affect on your mental health and outside confidence too X

I think the key to the answer to this question is: will making more of an effort with your appearance make you feel better. Not look better. Feel. Inside.

I think you've answered that yourself now op

I bet you look and feel a million dollars

I wear contacts and glasses and actually think I look way more stylish in my specs. I am v shortsighted so pay to have my lenses made thin and light so my eyes don't look smaller. You don't have to pay a fortune for really cool frames.
Agree with hair, brows etc - they will make an enormous difference and make you feel much better. Have fun with it.

Earlybyrd is right. You can do it. Find ways to build stairs and get your stepcounting going. I love walking so i started walking lots to lose baby weight and ditching car when possible. Bought a shopping trolley so i could walk to get groceries etc. My joints feel better after the weight loss. Keep drinking chicken broth to get collagen to keep your joints strong

Oops meant "build stairs into your routine"

Dont "build stairs" that wont help

Love @Henrysmycat advice, some great tips there.

I second focusing on the bits you like-(force yourself to find some) and give yourself time to work on what you don't.

I like to have no makeup/natural makeup days and then a couple of times a week or for an occasion, add a bit more or something different and change up how I style my hair. Variety is key 🙂

Take time to groom...whatever that means for you. I always find that a face mask, leg shave and painting my nails after a bubble bath makes me feel much better.

A good face moisturiser (doesn't have to be expensive- Aldi is great for toiletries) and hair care products can really make a difference.

A lovely perfume or body scent and a couple of wardrobe pieces that you feel confident in can change the overall feel of an outfit.

A great pair of jeans and a few flattering tops and tshirts with a good bra can help!

Find a healthy eating plan that works for you and allows for treats and walk as much as possible.

💐

I spent a few hours on myself last night, dyed my hair, did my eyebrows, put on some tan, painted my nails and shaved my legs and I feel like a new woman today. Obviously a salon will make you look amazing but even self care at home can make you feel really good.

There's some great tips on here.... may steal a few

This thread has been an inspiration. I've booked in for a facial and eyebrows (considering eye lash extensions!!!) and started a weight loss thread, having just reopen my my fitness pall account.

I will look fab by Christmas!

Oh a good set of brows and a well moisturised face makes me feel yum 😉

Re skincare I'd really recommend the dermatologist Sam Bunting's videos on Youtube. I followed her advice and it completely cleared my skin. She also gives advice on things like contraceptives. I seem to remember her saying the Mirena is one of the worst for causing acne but it may be you can combat this with a good skincare regime. La Roche Posay products are the best on the high street for acne in my opinion. Basic gentle face cleanser am and pm plus something with salicylic acid (La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo is good) would be a great start plus something with a retinoid in in the evening (Avene do very nice gentle ones). Try this routine for 3 months and if it doesn't work you may need something prescription strength.