Simple sprucing up tips for Mrs Twit

[Usuallyinthemiddle]

I've let myself go the last 18 months. Piled on 4st, not looked after my skin, not groomed much at all.

For one reason and other I've pulled myself together and given my head a wobble. (No women's conditioning, anti-feminist comments, I'm not here to be counselled!)

I'm enjoying MFP and starting c25k.

I've sorted out my CGM, got my facial skin care under control, starting to sort out my feet.

I'm not massively on a budget but I'm time poor during salon opening times. Any lovely self care tips?

Particular reference to:

• chicken skin arms
• corned beef legs
• vitamins that actually do something
• how hard is gel manicuring at home?
• good box dyes - greying mid brown, wavy
• is dyeing brows a silly idea?

I used to be good at all this pre kids when I had more time!

Any little luxuries or tips welcomed!

Thank you hive mind!

Aldi have an electric foot file in the "I came in for a loaf and left with a trombone " aisle and it's brilliant! £6 I think. I'll get my cotton socks on slathered in E45 tonight and be a goddess tomorrow! 😀

"Chicken skin arms will improve as you lose weight."

Eh? KP is a skin condition and has nothing to do with your weight.

Box dyes I like the John frieda foaming dye. You don't get those tell-tale missed patches and it comes out very even and shiny. Go for a colour a shade lighter than you think though I find they come up very dark. They do a decent job of covering greys and are ridiculously easy to use. The conditioner that comes with them is nice too.

gwen no, I know but they do improve with better nutrition I think? That will come with me giving the pasties a swerve!

I know you don’t mention clothes, but I am in a similar position, and what has helped me is buying a couple of things that fit and look nice now, gave me the will to go on, even though I hope not to be this size for long.I got some bits in Next , their linen dresses are very forgiving. what is CGM?

Curly girl method

Thanks, yes, that's a nice idea

I've really enjoyed reading this thread because quite a number of responses have excellent ideas and I've learnt a few new things too!

I've started C25K as well 😃 (yay running buddy 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️) and like to do Pop Pilates (YouTube channel) videos on rest days. The trainer on it is really enthusiastic and I really like her workouts.

Like previous posters I also recommend Well Woman vitamins. I take the Original version and think my hair is nicer with them. I'm not sure if it's on atm but Boots do 3 for 2 on them from time to time which is handy.

For nails I've recently discovered Rimmel Gel Effect nail polish. I use a Rimmel base coat/top coat 2 in 1, then the nail polish, then a gel effect top coat. For me this lasts about 5 to 6 days on finger nails and 2 weeks on toe nails. I use the colour grape sorbet, match hands and feet, and this makes me feel like my nails are nicely done. The colour is also neutral in my eyes as a shimmery pink, suitable for work but also looks quite nice when going out or when out and about.

I recommend trying out Vaseline over moisturiser at night time. I have started this based on the recent Vaseline thread and my skin looks better, especially my neck.

My hair is straight and longish and I can't always make it into hairdressers for hair cuts so I've learnt to trim it myself. Superdrug hairdressing scissors and boom.

Use a pumice stone every time you shower, apply some cream (and/or vaseline) or heel balm and cover with socks. Repeat at night time.

I like using eyebrow razors (3 in a pack from Superdrug) when I need to sort out my eyebrows (and get rid of chin hairs!) but don't have the time or right lighting in mornings to tweeze unruly hairs. They are also good for shaping eyebrows.

I also like having a lotion near the sink so that after washing and drying hands so my hands are always soft and moisturised.

I've learnt to do a french braid ponytail and have a couple of other go to hairstyles now for everyday. It took time to do at the start but I practiced before bedtime and random times during the day and can now do heatless niceish hair in 5 minutes or so.

Ogx shampoo and conditioner is lovely. Their argan oil bottle is also nice and keeps my hair smooth. I also use Bleach London hair reincarnation mask every couple of washes and keep it on for around 10 minutes. It makes my hair really shiny and manageable and stops it from looking straw like (my hair has been bleached and coloured a few times).

wilting thank you! You're blooming again!

I feel brighter just thinking about it.

" I know but they do improve with better nutrition I think?"

I have read about some people getting some results from giving up gluter or dairy, but not from just eating more healthily and giving up a whole food group is quite a big deal.

I can't give up a whole anything!! 🙂

thanks for this lots of tips - I am going to try wrist weights with my c25k - just light ones - am hoping to improve arm condition a bit as well

Use your REN stuff on your arms. Palmers AHA/BHA body lotion is also good for KP.