What do you do to instantly look great?

[Daffodil2018]

... or better, at least?

I had a baby 6 months ago and haven't shifted the baby weight. Haven't had my highlights done since December, am growing out a terrible gel pedicure and my eyebrows need their own postcode since I haven't had time to get them threaded.

I'm meeting up with a bunch of work people this week including lots of glam female colleagues and I want to look "put together". I have no time to get any treatments (or lose 2 stone) so my basics will be:

Wash and blow dry hair (possibly curl if time)
Full face of make up
Do my nails the night before
Paint toenails (over the gels)
Shave legs and armpits
Moisturise everywhere
Clean, ironed outfit

What else could I do? What do you do when you want to pull it out of the bag with little time/money to prepare?

@Daffodil2018 let us know how it goes at the brow bar

A really good skincare routine twice a day, using serums, oils etc makes me look glowly. Then a smear of tinted moisturiser, comb my eyebrow (I'm not a fan of overly done painted brows), some cream blush on my cheeks, mascara and a slick of a nude lipstick. So it's consistency with the basics really.

I've just had my eyebrows done! £5, bargain, and DD watched the whole thing with interest from her buggy

It only took two minutes, I can't believe I've left it so long really. They are looking so much better.

Deep V neck, got it. Thankfully my skincare regime has continued as normal so I'm looking ok there and have a bit of a tan from being outside so much.

Really thanks so much everyone for the advice and encouragement. It's just a question of fitting things in where I can over the next few days eg ironing my outfit!

Can you also get some root touch-up spray for your hair? A temp fix to give you another confidence boost!

I came on to say eyebrows, they really do make such a difference. I’m glad you are please with yours.

For me, once the eyebrows are fixed the next most important thing is the blow dry. If I get that right everything else looks better.

If you can manage them some wispy false eyelashes (not big heavy caterpillar ones) applied to the outer edges of the eyes are very flattering.

In this humidity a finishing spray to set your makeup is invaluable. NYX do good ones - I like the dewy finish as I think it looks very fresh but my adult daughters prefer the matte finish.

My first pick would be a big, bouncy blow dry. That always make me feel fab. Have you got time to squeeze in a facial, or do your own at home? A lovely, glowing complexion is a feel-good winner. Tidy up your brows and put a coat of fake tan on exfoliated & moisturised skin.
Whatever you do, wear an outfit that makes you feel good about yourself, and have a lovely time!

A fresh tan..fake of course and eyebrows done, makes me feel good.

@Daffodil2018 good for you

Its great isn't it, having the drop in situation is just perfect with a baby because you can go when they are asleep or just after lunch when they are happy in the buggy for a bit. It was revelation to me too.

They may not be the best, though ive had a really good few in Exeter that were better then a very expensive place I used to go in Bristol, its just so convenient.

Thanks @ChampooPapi, I was really happy with it especially for £5! I used to go to Shavata in House Of Fraser but not sure if they're still going and I couldn't get there anyway now.

I've also just booked a babysitter for Thursday morning so I can get a cut and blow dry shame it's going to be 37 degrees!! 🔥

Feeling better already though. Definitely going to put the other tips into action where I can. And hopefully this will motivate me to start shifting some of the baby weight.

Loads of water between meals

@Daffodil2018 let us know how the blow dry goes 😌

Make sure your fingernails are tidy. Not necessarily with gel/colour but file them to all the same length and give them a coat of clear polish.

Right! I've done my nails, eyebrows threaded, just had a cut and blow dry and am starting to resemble my old self! A fatter, sweatier version admittedly.

Clothes ironed and I'm going to use some of those stick on gel pads under my eyes for a bit to try and reduce the enormous eye bags that are now a permanent feature of my face.

It's too hot for much make up so I'll probably just stick to eyeliner and mascara. Anything else will get sweated off I think!

Next challenge is keeping the baby cool in 39 degree heat

Thank you all again for the help - it spurred me on to actually sort myself out!

Smile and laugh a lot, be positive and show an interest in others 😀

Put the eye pad things in the fridge before you use them! Feels much more refreshing if they're cold!

Always always plan what you’re wearing. Never go out looking shit. You’ll be seen.

I’m “glamorous “ officially (😀) and those are my tips

Use liquid gold on my skin every other day.

Literally the best thing that's ever happened to my skin, I love like a new baby.