I feel like an ogre...

[TheBlackDaliah]

I shower and shave legs and underarms daily, wax undercarriage as and when it needs it. I wash my hair daily and wear makeup. I look after my nails.
I wear okay clothes (inexpensive but they suit me) so why do I still look crap?
My skin is horrible even though I cleanse, scrub etc to within an inch of it's life! I've lost lots of weight but I am not toned and genuinely zero time for excercise. Two children means my stomach is just horrific.
I am pale skinned so every mark on my body shows (I scratched my leg last August and the red line is still there!)
I look at other women who seemingly put less 'effort' into looking good than I do and they look bloody amazing.
What am I doing wrong?

Take a look at Caroline Hirons's skincare cheat sheets. You don't have to buy the products/brands she tends to prefer specifically, but she usually provides a wide range of options in terms of budget.

You might find this one useful:

www.carolinehirons.com/2013/06/routines-cheat-sheet.html

DistanceCall thanks for that! I will have a proper read later and see if any of it can work for me!

Are you taking care of yourself on the inside? Lots of water, minimal sugar, green leafy veg, good fats? This can have a massive effect on your skin, eyes and mental health. Ditto (gentle) exercise (walking, yoga).

SlinkyDinkyDoo I think so, I am not perfect at all but my diet is reasonable and I drink loads of water. Maybe I need to be stricter though?

Learning to love what you have is cheaper, easier and more sustainable than any lotion, potion or treatment. Do the basics but then give yourself a break and inspire your mind with books and films that will take you on inner journeys not outer ones.

Thanks bluejelly, I will certainly try!

@TheBlackDaliah i think you need to work on your self esteem and also remember exactly when you look great and try and recreate it. Most days I look like an ogre, slobbing around running after my kids. But, I know when I style my hair, get my face threaded, put on the makeup and wear my decent clothes, I look great. Try and focus on positives and fix the things you are unhappy about. I read about your skin issues but there has been loads of good advice here. We all feel down at times, no one wakes up looking amazing, don't let it get you down

Perhaps it is all in your head...

Could be down to confidence. Other people may well have your skin problems but hae dealt with it best they can and so they can for a while forget about it and get on with their lives. I don't mean that rudely, but if you are lacking in self esteem, you will have a hightened awareness of what is 'wrong' with your face.

Once you have nice clean shiny hair, clean face (with or without make up on top), perfectly ok clothes, tell yourself you are ready to face the day -and mean it!

Deathraystare I love your attitude! I just don't think I have it in me...