I need something to perk me up, feeling v old and ugly all of a sudden - HELP!

[Blossom4538]

Hi all,

I’m feeling awful about my appearance at the minute. Years of worry and anxiety over my little one with special needs seems to be taking its toll!! All of a sudden I look old, I hate my hair, have greys which I colour with semi permanent home dye but they reappear v quickly. I’ve had small amount Botox in the past to lift my eye area, but haven’t had the spare money for it since last year. I have a grumpy, tired, resting bitch face! 🙈🤣

What treatments or changes would you recommend as a pick-me up?

Teeth whitening?
Hair?
Lips?
Weight loss?
I haven’t the patience to sit for lash extensions!

Would like to look quite natural, fresher and pretty!

Any tips on ridding a double chin?!

Also after something nice to wear for Xmas day, size 16-18 and all the dresses seem v tight and sparkly.

Pls help!

I know how you feel.
I find this helpful

Oh dear, I know how you feel. Please dont go and waste money on hideous festive clothing instead if poss have a spa treatment on a regular basis or if poss yoga class. You take care, you are a wonderful person and so much better to be a good person. Many hugs.

I know this feeling and the exhaustion. I assure you, you don't look as bad as you might think.
But if it makes you feel better, go to a good hairdresser and get a cut and colour. I don't know your colouring, but warm tones will help.
Visit a make up counter and ask for a makeover, I do this occasionally because what suits me seems to change year by year
The usual : eyebrow threading, manicure, pedicure, fake tan.
And for Christmas, I don't like the excessive sequin look. I don't know your body shape, but perhaps a velvet slightly fitted dress, with a v neck, and some glitzy jewellery.

Day 1 - morning - 1 hour walk. afternoon - luxury dermalogica facial - early night in fresh bedding
Day 2 - Morning - yoga/pilates , afternoon - full body hot stone massage - another early night
Day 3 - morning - 1 hour walk. Afternoon - hair - semi permanent hair color, cut and blow dry
Day 4 - morning - yoga/pilates. Afternoon - eyebrow wax/threading/tinting and eyelash tinting
Day 5 - morning 1 hour walk. Afternoon - mini-makeup session at local debt store

Don't know which colors suit you OP but these type of dresses are lovwly

The crest teeth whitening strips from America are amazing. eBay has them.

Eyebrow threading. Really shapes and frames your face properly.

Drink loads of water and take regular exercise. If you can try and cut out sugars.

Sex. Natural endorphins. Try the sex everyday for 100 days challenge with your partner. It really changed our relationship.

I am interested in the suggestions you get, as I feel exactly the same way, but I am on a low budget so don’t have the money to spend on making myself look better.

That aside, I always think a good haircut and colour and white teeth is usually something that knocks years off!
Lips can be plumped up with lip glosses. Sexy mother by Soap and Glory is good. Lip plumper cup thingy, my daughter uses one!

Floffel. that is one expensive week! Sounds lovely but how do we fit work/life in? I'm not being facetious by the way - I would love a life like this.

Ooh and that green dress is gorgeous - where is it from please?

@JMAngel1 - I know its expensive and I can only afford to do it once a year (i take a week off on my birthday) but thought i'd throw it out there as a suggestion because the OP sounded like she needed an intervention

Dress is from bombshell but pretty kitty and bravissimo have similar

What do you use on your skin now OP?

Go to a salon and have a colour consultation to see what would suit your face and also what's practical to do hair wise on a daily basis.

Also getting nails done is relatively inexpensive but always makes me feel better

DIY facials are always good if done regularly.

Try taking a friend shopping with you to get their opinion on new outfits, just try on different clothes you wouldn't normally go for.

Good luck x

Also the make up counters at large department stores usually do make overs for free (or a small charge). It's amazing what new make up does for you x

Face yoga.
Honestly it’s my secret weapon. People keep telling me I’m radiant and asking me how I do it.
It’s all free on you tube.

Get an led light therapy mask. Made a massive difference since started using regularly.

If you want a Botox effect take some egg white and apply to your face- it will tighten and plains and remove lines. You would need a dry foundation on top or powder so as not to spoil the effect.

Plump not plains darn autocorrect

Cut out sugar. All sugar for a fortnight. That includes fruit and all simple carbs. Reintroduce the fruit but stay off the simple carbs. You will lose weight, look less bloated and your skin will transform.

I love that week plan floffel! I’ll do the same for my birthday!

Monsoon have a similar dress. Looked better in the shop window than on the website.

https://uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/ukcatalog/monn_13.25/7450920708

Hair. I just went to a wedding I had completely forgotten about. Oh my fucking god, the shame. I had clothes. I was able to get my nails done as they take minutes. My teeth are whitened, I have amazing skin. But my hair let me down no end, so I would say do that first.

I agree with MarleneandBoycie - hair is the answer! Get a good cut and colour and you'll feel and look so much better. Get a good hair mask too and do it weekly to help keep it hydrated and shiny too.

@Ohyesiam would you mind linking to the face yoga you do? And telling us how often/ how long you do it for? Thank you!

Hi I’m in the same position as you, caring for a child with special needs. Feel I have aged 10yrs in the last 5!

Things I have tried which have ‘sort of’ worked and that are not expensive are;

Wilko’s skin, hair and nails vit tablets (£2 for 30)
Facial exs-done 5mins a day whilst driving. Has helped my double chin.
Hair cut and coloured at a hairdressing school/college
Drinking loads of water
Going for a walk once a day
Giving myself a manicure/pedicure once a week.

Have noticed a big difference (may be psychological) when I stick to the plan.

Good luck

I really recommend a lash lift and tint. I did have extensions but they looked fake (probably because they were ), and took too long. Although the lash lift takes an hour it easily lasts 6 weeks, looks natural but really flattering and is also far more cost effective.

I also second the teeth whitening strips. I also look better with a tiny bit of fake tan mixed in with my moisturiser. I normally put it on in the morning and have a shower before bed. It's enough to give me a glow without looking obvious.

Moroccan oil for hair is great if you need moisture and shine. You only need a tiny bit from the mid lengths down.