Easy peasy things to make me feel more 'together'

[Toodleoopuddle]

Can I get your suggestions? I had pnd with my first child, and then last year a bereavement and new baby, and I just look shocking, tired, skin is dull, hair always pulled back, hate all my clothes. I want to look 'together'.

Help me with those easy peasy ways you make yourself feel better. I have about 30 seconds to get ready each morning

Plan what you’re going to wear the night before.
Work out how to style/put up your hair in 30 seconds.
Lip Balm, blush, lashes.

It’s all about maintenance when you have the time so that you’re ready to just ‘go’

Not for everyone but I got a full fringe last year and now even when I scrape all my hair back as long as ive dry shampooed and straightened my fringe which takes roughly 2 mins I feel I look way more put together, even without make up.

I agree with the comments re red lipstick....it can look a bit Joan Collins...I think a coral is a more flattering shade...I always have my toenails painted and wear simple silver jewellery that i never take off....I always always wear a perfume or body spray and always wear make up.....these few things help me to feel like me x

I recently started a job where I cannot have access to my phone, so I bought myself a watch after many years of not wearing one. It's a gold/silver shiny thing (not too bling though) with an extendable bracelet so it's very quick and no bother to put on. It's amazing the difference it has made to how groomed I feel each day. I keep it on the bathroom shelf so as soon as I'm dry I put it on.
Such a stupid little thing, but I look down at my wrist and instantly feel better about myself, whatever I'm wearing.

Yes red lipstick can look awful. It’s very bold and on its own will not make everything tied together at all. If it’s not put on well you can see every mistake, it smudges and comes off easily and can look cheap. Sorry!

Hate to tell you but it looks amazing on its own if it’s the right texture. It’s obviously make up Marmite. And yes, you’re right, it does take a confident, give no fucks kind of woman to wear it.

I don't like red lipstick and think it can easily look cheap or a bit old fashioned. But I do like very bright fuschia pink which looks far better with my skin tone.

If you can pull off a red lip it can look amazing. I really suit a matte red lipstick. I wear quite a neutral coloured wardrobe and it just makes you look like you have made an effort if you suit it. I wear a lot of stripes, navy and black in minimalist style and find it works for me.

No to red lipstick in the day-it looks tacky IMO.

Not if you get the right shade, texture and know it works.

I'm terrible at hair. lazy in the mornings, and have generally worn it short or pulled back my whole life. I've recently discovered that if I curl with straighteners after I wash it, it lasts for days and days with just running my fingers through in the morning. I wear it in a pineapple at night so as not to crush the curls. It's been a complete game changer and I can't believe it has taken me this long to figure it out - I though all those women with lovely locks spent hours each day getting it like that!

Perfume, I ran out a while ago and couldn't afford more but feel so shitty without it. Just bought some SJP Lovely which is quite nice and inexpensive.

I had a fringe cut in a few months ago and I’ve been wondering about growing it out (I get bored easily ) but I do feel and look more put together with it.

I also have eyelash extensions - costly but they look fab, I don’t have to mess around with mascara and I don’t bother with eyeshadow. I still get my eyebrows waxed even though you can’t really see them with the fringe & glasses because that makes me feel a bit more groomed.

I have a good skincare routine, drink lots of water and not much alcohol. I use a minimum of SPF30.

I use bare minerals foundation powder every day and only bother with liquid foundation if I’m going out on an evening. In summer I ditch it for a tinted moisturiser. My favourite lipstick is a pinky nude.

Clothes wise I’m a bit rubbish with but today I’m wearing an oversized jumper dress, black tights and Chelsea boots, hair in a top knot, minimal make up and I feel stylish. I prefer ripped jeans, fitted t-shirt, blazer & superga’s though.
I used to wear heels a lot but I run around a lot at work & home so have moved over to flats. I tend to wear heels more in summer with fitted dresses.

Toe nails always painted, finger nails always have something even if just a clear polish. I keep them short and shaped.

I’m not good at styling my hair so apart from the fringe it can look a bit messy so that’s what I’m working on sorting this year.

Great thread though, am taking away a lot of tips!

Good haircut - plus one easy but looks done updo. Ie don't use your childs hair bobble or some random scrunched that doesn't go with outfit. Plus actually do a parting and work out where on your head to put up your hair so it suits you. So basically it's still just a pony tail it just looks done and flattering.

Good coat. Good shoes. And if you have no time or energy for clothing decisions just wear neutrals. And if that's going to be all the time: decide on a silhouette and make sure it goes with your coat and shoes. Then just wear that. A decent uniform is really easy and looks far better than a half thought through jumble.

And one thing that makes you happy. Could be your nails your lipstick a piece of jewellery. For me its scent. But something you love that gives you pleasure.

Interesting how we all differ in opinion

I am in the NO to heels/red lips/gold earrings camp. It all seems a bit dated to me.

Nails/eyebrows/good jacket or coat. I wear a black leather biker, a trench, or a cashmere classic.

I am very dull in my clothes choice. Everything is black/white/blue/navy/grey or camel. Makes it so easy to pull things together and I wear a lot of dresses as then I don't have to worry about what goes together.

Can you afford to get new hairdo? That usually gets the ball rolling when you're in a rut.

If mascara ends up down your face try a tubing one: my top pick is Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero Smudge Lengthening. Made a huge difference for me. Can't explain the science very eloquently but basically it should stay put but remove with just water.

@tarragon it's exactly like your watch something you love won't pull your entire look together but that boost when you look at it is priceless. I sniff my wrists and smile. I do have a fair number of perfumes and even in the simplest clothes think about scent not necessarily to go with sometimes I contrast. But it's just for me and reminds me I'm loved and cared for, even just by me.

I’m wearing an oversized jumper dress, black tights and Chelsea boots

^

I might try and this look for tomorrow, sounds lovely

I essentially have a 'uniform' so I barely have to think about getting dressed - same flattering skirt in 3 colours, same top in 5 different colours. Tights and ankle boots when cold, sandals for warm. Mix and match for the week then go crazy and put some jeans on at the weekend.

@cuppy, with you all the way with heels and gold earrings but you'll have to wrest my red lipstick from my cold, dead hands.

Pure aloe Vera (I use a plant) cut off a stalk slice open and rub all over your face, let it dry, wash it off. It's definitely keeping my spots at bay. Also angels on bare skin from lush. I don't know if it helps but makes my skin feel nice and fresh. Find a decent moisturizer and wash and moisturise every morning and night.

I get nova lashes OP, they are a bit pricey but they make me feel so much better and no need for mascara ever!

Good hair colour and cut, dry shampoo if you don't have time to wash.

I also use Chanel mademoiselle moisture most, not as strong as the parfume and nowhere near as expensive but smells so fresh.

Putting lipstick on with no other make up would look ridiculous on me, I think it depends on your skin type so be careful of the colour, also shade with brown and blue undertones tend to make teeth look whiter.

I am firmly Team Red Lipstick.

Always lay out clothes the night before, I also have variations on several “uniforms”. I spend more on bottoms than tops.

I am an ironer, although I know many on here think it’s a waste of time, so things are always neatly pressed.

Either mend things right away - sew on a button, fix a hem - or get rid of the item. If it’s not done immediately I won’t get round to it, and the thing will taunt me by being not right every time I bring it out. SImilarly, polish shoes or boots if they need it when they’re taken off. Lint rollers all over the place because we have a very hairy white cat.

I tint my own brows and lashes at home. Nails always painted - again at home - but kept really short.

Perfume is a bit of a thing for me, and I have loads - the right one can lift my mood so much, make me feel braver, cosy, whatever.

Thank you all. Keep them coming. This has helped me so much and I'm feeling much more positive

@newyearsameshit do you mind sharing a link to your skirt?

In summer, a black jersey maxi dress is the easiest thing to throw on but looks great - add sandals (with painted toenails) or trainers, necklace, sunglasses, cardi or jacket if it's colder.

If you don't like black, any colour that suits you will also work - red, navy, charcoal, khaki etc. H&M have them or lots at ebay.

Also Benefit dandelion blusher or something similar - there's one almost the same in Boots Natural collection.

For dull skin, use a hot cloth cleanser, Superdrug have nice own-brand ones.

Vaseline around your eyes overnight, and drink lots of water.