8 weeks, help me out!

[lrh3891]

I'm hoping some of you can help me out. I've got a holiday booked in just over 8 weeks. It's a beach holiday to a fairly ritzy kind of place. I've been in quite a low place emotionally for quite a long time, not really taking care of myself and starting to really feel (and look!) my age. I've also gained a stone in the last couple of months :(.

I know I can still enjoy a holiday regardless, but I would like to really put the effort into looking and feeling my very best by the time I go. I'd love some tips on self care from all of you. For context, I'm mid-thirties, size 10 bordering on 12, which i know isn't very big but I'm VERY wobbly and carrying weight round my middle and upper arms, i have naturally good but currently neglected skin, nice teeth and while I'm not rich I have enough money to invest a bit in myself. At the moment I don't get enough sleep, have no skincare routine, eat too much sugar and don't drink enough water. I have no real "style" to speak of.

I've started a fitness plan (the Joe Wicks one) - I'm feeling very motivated and am aiming to get rid of a sizeable chunk of my belly fat. But I really need some inspiration- what are the highest -impact things I can do to look GREAT by the time I go away? Any tips on some really key stylish wardrobe items for a beach holiday would also be great (am big boobed and fair skinned, if that's relevant).

I have a young child and a full time job (and am a single parent) so I don't have a great deal of time on my hands!

Thank you all in advance 😍

You didn’t mention hair but always a good haircut. Then a facial and a trip to a department store to visit one of the beauty counters to sort out your skin care. Buy a travel bottle like Chillys and start sipping water from it regularly. It will make a difference. I would also treat myself to a personal shopper for a few items for your holiday. Have a lovely time!

Thanks @DarlingCoffee. My hair's in pretty good nick actually, though I am due a trim soon.

I definitely need to sort some skincare out though. I am absolutely terrible at drinking water- always have been! But I will give it my best shot. :)

Little bump!

Look at styled by Susie Facebook page. She does online style sessions if that’s your bag.

I think the biggest things you can do beauty wise are body brushing, drinking water and getting lots of sleep!

Oooh I love projects like this!

Lots of water, cut out sugar and just eat clean food, do the fitness every day and try and do 10k steps as well.

Before holls I always get a gel manicure and pedicure, eyelash extensions and brows threaded and dyed.... oh, and a spray tan!

People always talk about body brushing, I'm never really sure what it means- does it just mean exfoliating?

And- I didn't even know a gel pedicure was a thing! But a mani/pedi is definitely a good idea. I have awful nails, they are in dreadful condition.

Spray tan- I don't bother, I'm so fair that even the lightest one is very dark on me, it's not that it doesn't suit me but that if I get any streaking or patches or it fades more quickly in some parts, it's really obvious. But the gradual tan stuff works well on me.

I currently have a horrendous sugar withdrawal headache! Urgh.

Thanks for the tips!

Water, water, water. Honestly, since Xmas I’ve been drinking about 3 litres of water and herbal teas every day and my skin is glowing. DH looked at me the other day and said I looked „radiant“ I still drink a couple of cups of coffee every day and more alcohol than I should. Hardly any sugar though, so I’m sure that helps too.
My facial routine is: remove eye makeup, wash with any old facial wash, then use a clearasil ultra 5in 1 pad and apply Aldi’s caviar face cream.
I would also second exercise, as much as you can fit in. A brisk walk burns a surprising amount of calories, or try a spin class if at all possible - I expected to hate them but I’m a bit of an addict now. Also any form of strength training to build muscle/tone up.
Good luck OP, don’t be too hard on yourself but remember, every little bit helps and you will feel so much better about yourself! I’m far from perfect now but I have slowly transformed my body in the past few months and despite my stretch marks and slightly saggy skin and persistent wobbly bum I quite like myself now. It’s taken nearly 40 years of hating my body to get here!

I'm 42, also off on a beach holiday in 8 weeks! Got just under a stone to lose so I'm eating 1400 - 1500 calories a day & doing mainly weights at the gym - my legs are quite toned as a result.

I don't use fake tan either as I'm quite pale, tried all sorts & it just looks wrong on me.

As it's getting warm now I've already painted my toenails!

I use Vaseline body lotion at least every other day to keep dry skin at bay & follow a fairly good facial skincare routine.
I recommend wearing a serum under your usual moisturiser.

I like Figleaves for halterneck underwired bra size bikins.
River Island has lots of pretty beachwear, so does Accessorize & Next.