Help me revamp my look! 43 and really beginning to look my age...

[Happyclappy20]

I'm nearly 44, size 12 (creeping up to 14), 5 foot 6" with mousey coloured, fine, link hair - shoulder length. Pale (deathly skin). I have 2 young children and always tired (had the flu twice recently).

I feel I need a total revamp and overhall - does anyone know where I could start?

Your hair, can you book for a cut and colour?

Go to doctor and get your bloods done if you're always tired and ill. You could have low iron or vitamin deficiencies.

Start with your hair as other OP says, cut and colour perhaps?

If your weight is creeping up try eating more fruit and veg and getting a bit more exercise.

Starting with your insides,are a vitamin supplement with iron. Superdrug do good cheap Vitamin C serum, cream and face mask that has helped to brighten my skin. There are good thickening products out there for thin fine hair ( which I also have), you could try’s some of them before thinking about a new hair style. Could you afford to get your colours done? I did and it completely changed the colours I buy, and it does make a subtle difference. Also try going to bed a bit earlier.

Try to go for a walk most days, if you don't already. Pilates is great for strengthening and toning, and for your mental health too. Is there a class near you that you could do once a week? If not, there are lots of videos on youtube.

I agree with PPs about your hair. A cut and colour would give you a lift, and if you can't/don't want to go to a salon for colour, there are some really good home dyes (the John Frieda foam one is the best I've found).

Also agree that it's no harm to get yourself checked out in case there's an underlying reason for the tiredness.

I found looking at style blogs to get some ideas of how to wear clothes really helped me. I got stuck in such a rut of easy to chuck on clothes, I didn’t wear for style or for my body shape. The blogs have me some ideas and today I’m rocking, modestly of course, some culottes, white trainers and a light jumper. I feel stylish!

I am very pale - I use a bit of gentle/ light fake tan on face/ neck every few days which takes a touch of the white glare off but doesn’t look like a big difference in colour. I also go to bed every night with a face smothered in rosehip oil. I do notice the difference when I do this.
I’m hopeless with hair though!
Totally agree with suggestion of trying to walk a bit more, it helps you feel better which is half the battle.
A few small things could make a big difference to the way you feel

Do you do any exercise OP? Getting fit is a great way of changing body shape and appearance, increasing vitality & confidence and so on.

Soyalatteforme can you recommend some blogs? Thanks.
Not much advice for the op, as I'm in the same boat! No underlying health problems, just not having any real rest time. Ive started having a weekly face mask in the bath. Doesn't matter what type, the point is you lie down and have a rest!

I found that exactly the right shade of red lipstick makes me look far less dead than I feel! I'm pale and an orangey red works well for me. Worth trying out some different shades?

I agee with getting a haircutto freshen your look but don't bother with a colour, you're at the age where it will look like you are hiding grey and will seem aging.

Secondly agree with stopping the weight gain, up your exercise and reduce the junk in your diet. You automatically look younger if you have a good core and carry yourself like a young person. The oldest looking of my colleagues are those that are so obese it's affecting mobility.

Then, have a look at some blogs and work out what you want to wear and how to update your look. MidlifeChic (who is 51 and looks fav) did a sensible and not too prescriptive series in Jan about streamlining your wardrobe, it's worth a read to focus on what you need.

@Love51 - I agree with CountFosco that MidlifeChic is a good blog. I also like seeannajane.com - this lady is American but the tips travel well, she’s very stylish and her look is easy to copy.

Was lurking for tips! Excellent call on that See Anna Jane blog, really like her style. Thanks :)

Thank you for all the great ideas!

No problem @cathyandclare and @Happyclappy 20!

I am pale and thoroughly recommend using a moisturiser with a small amount of fake tan. I started using Olay hint of sunshine last year and got lots of comments stating how 'well' I looked (ie not ill any more 😂). I use it every day now. It's fantastic stuff.

Same here GVmama, I’m using the Boots no7 one, bought with the skincare coupons they’ve been giving out. It just takes the glare off and gives a lift

I like MAC's Lightening tinted moisturiser, a bit of blusher and mascara. If I do my hair and put some make up on, I automatically feel more energised and set for the day. Could you do a bit of a wardrobe clear-out to invigorate yourself? There is lots to be said for the idea of putting all your clothes out on the bed and packing up for charity anything that you don't feel good in. I agree with the above posters too about exercise, diet and hair. Good luck!