Help me look more human!

[HotMessMama]

I feel like I’ve really let myself go since having my son 2 years ago and my confidence is at rock bottom
In times BC (before child) I had the time to put make up on, get my hair done and even put an outfit together that I hadn’t worn the day before. Now I’m about 2 stone overweight and have a lovely bellyflop overhang from my c-section. I don’t have time to put make up on but feel like I need it as I have quite bad acne scarring. My hair is dark brown, shoulder length and wavy. It used to look great blow dried or after being in Velcro rollers but alas, again, I don’t have the time Now it gets piled on top of my head in a greasy bun. I’m on my own with my son who has additional needs (his dad sees him once a week) so I don’t have the time or energy to devote to making myself look alright.

Does anyone have any tips, hacks, cheats to help my get ready quickly in the morning (less than 30 minutes) or can anyone recommend any products that might help me look a little less like an extra from 28 days later?
(Please no miracle wonder serums costing £90, I’m a single mum on UC)

Thank you

a few ideas x

when you go to bed, pop your hair in a plait. when you take it out in the morning, it will be a bit wavy and won't stick out all over the place.

smother your lips in lip balm the night before, so they aren't cracked.

spray your face with this , and rub it in. it helps reduce redness and make you feel more awake. ( i use it in the morning).

and then of course you could pop a quick coat of foundation on your face if you wanted to/ had time.

all the best x

I try to get as much ready as I can the night before (outfit laid out etc) so that I can just bung it on without thinking in the morning. Have a little make up bag and mirror in the kitchen and do my (v basic!) make up sat at dining table while kids eating breakfast. I straighten just the very front of my hair which -I like to think- helps the craziness at the back look more deliberate...!

Getting everyone’s clothes out the night before really helps (including your own)

The garnier cc cream is only a few quid-you can put it on like moisturiser but it gives you a bit of a glow.

Do you have a few seconds to put mascara on? It might a huge difference to my face and confidence (I like the red and white Loriel one)

Things will get easier

Use tinted moisturiser (Nivea does a good one for £3, sometimes on half price offer at £1.50) Just blend it in as you would a normal moisturiser and it will give your skin an even sheen.

Really you can allow yourself 5 mins every morning to clean your teeth, put on a bit of make up and sort your hair. I remember feeling I couldn't make time for that, but actually I was just giving myself a hard time.

If DC is constantly demanding, ask them to 'help' you get ready by lint brushing your clothes or handing you your lip balm. Or get ready 'together' - him nbrushing his teeth or hair and you putting a bit of make up on.

If you shower at night, try towelling then combing your hair and leaving it to dry naturally on the pillow (put a towel over the pillow.) I find that can make it look as if I've blow dried it. (But I do have different hair type from you.)

If I can't get in the shower because DD (18 months) is awake I have an old fashioned wash at the sink with soap and a flannel, takes 5 minutes and makes me feel a bit less grubby!

But surely you can put on make up and do your hair in less than half the 30 mins you specified? Just wash your hair in the evening so that you don’t have to do it in the morning.

Don't be so hard on yourself, you are doing great under difficult circumstances.

First of all, get a Vitamin C serum to give you some glow and to smooth out the scarring.
Melano CC Age Spot Beauty Essence - 20ml www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00ITAP8P0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_c1U9BbGNB1V2A?tag=mumsnetforum-21

Then try out this 30 minute exercise video whenever you have time. It is SO much fun once you get the hang of the moves:
www.dailymotion.com/video/x6l1tdt

Makeup wise ELF and Makeup Revolution do nice and very bargainous stuff.

Biggest bit of advice is to get high waisted jeans which will give you a better silhouette and disguise the belly situation. Get a black pair to start.

Wash your hair every other day and get dry shampoo for days that you can't. It makes a world of difference.

Lose weight. Easier said that done, I know.

But everything is easier if you're slimmer! Its easier to dress well, you feel good, healthy etc.

Loads of helpful threads in the weight loss threads.

Wash your hair in the evening once dc is in bed then dry and straighten it? Use dry shampoo on other days.

Definitely agree with loosing weight. I'm someone who has struggled their whole life with weight and I know how hard it is, but it is true that life is so much easier when you manage it. Clothes fit better, you feel more confident, I find my skin is better and I sleep better at night. No matter how much time/money I spend on make up, hair cuts or clothes, none of it makes me feel better if I'm overweight.

And I say this at 21 weeks pregnant, scared to step on the scales but knowing I will have a lot of weight to loose after this baby arrives in the spring. Have you managed to loose weight before? Slimming world works for me but I know it's not for everyone, although it obviously hasn't taught me much about keeping it off!!

Plus when you loose weight people will comment and the compliments alone will make you feel lovely