I look and feel yuck!

[Splodgetastic]

Just that really! Any advice? I feel like even though I’m the same weight as I was ten or 15 years ago I look wobbly and everything I wear makes me look frumpy, especially compared to some of the very attractive youngsters I work with! Maybe losing weight / toning up would help, but I’m not really committed to losing a huge amount and it’s hard! Maybe I need to rethink my style? I have awful dry skin all over my body including my face, but I still have blackheads despite using those strips and makeup just makes me look like a witch. Also, I just feel a bit dirty all the time as my workplace is too hot and I suspect I’m honking by midday. Help! I guess this is a bit vague so I can answer questions but may not be able to do so immediately. Hmm, maybe I should have started this thread on the weekend. Anyway, ideas are appreciated.

I feel the same Splodge! I could've written your post. I'm thinking of of having a decent haircut as that can alter how we look massively.
Dishwater and grey toned roots are not flattering (me).
Watching with interest.

Funnily enough, the hair is the only thing I’m reasonably happy with, but maybe the colour doesn’t go with the skin any more. Trouble is, I tried highlights a few years back and they didn’t suit me either!

Cut and colour
Drink 2 litres of water every day
Lose half a stone
Change deodorant (Mitchum is good at preventing honking by midday!)
Get a good cleanser/moisturiser
Buy a new pair of jeans

Thank you, fedup21. I will make more efforts on the water front. I could afford to lose half a stone, but it is quite hard to lose. The last time I managed was when I had flu, which definitely wasn’t good. It was obviously the way I lost it or the flu but I felt very lethargic for ages and I got a huge ridge in my nails! I use either Simple or Superdrug hot cloth cleanser. Any good? Do I really need to use moisturiser? I find it makes my skin clog up and not keen on so many chemicals, so can I use just a basic one, do you think? Should I use it under make-up? I have bought loads of moisturisers but they just sit in their pots as I never really get into a routine (I am not super committed to looking good as I’ve never been a hotly and I think this is starting to show...). What about jeans? I quite like the wide leg crop ones around at the moment, but they might look better after I’ve lost half a stone!

Rosehip oil is a good moisturizer and it is completely natural.
Are you wearing polyester clothing? That will make you sweat so wear cotton instead and bring anti perspirant with you to work and refresh at lunchtime.

Do something for you that makes you like yourself. I’ve started Pilates. It’s made a difference to my posture. I’ve started to walk to work again, 20 mins each way, stopped making excuses to take car. I

Practically Wear natural fibres.

Lose half a stone.

Face mask, facial.

Get outside for a walk every day for half an hour, that’s probably the biggest thing. Do yoga, you tube.

Exfoliat your face once a week that makes a big difference.

If you can afford it book an appointment with a colourist. They will understand what hair colour will suit your complexion. Then go back to normal hairdresser to continue using those tones on you.

Also think about having your style looked at. You can get online annualised with someone like styled by susie. You'll then understand your shape and what tones suit you. The one off expense will save you wasting money on clothes you regret buying.

It's really hard when our shape and hair and skin colour change. I feel you pain

What kind of job do you do? For office wear I’d choose something like cigarette trousers in a cotton blend (or twill if you can find it!). H&M do some for £17.99.

For a top something this shape would be good www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-printed-blouse/p/clp60284676?prevPage=srp - not too tight around the arms and a natural fabric but still smart.

I’ve done styled by susie and can thoroughly recommend it! Worth every penny

I also second Mitchum deodorant, I get a bit sweaty and it defo does the job

Thank you for the recommendations. All quite doable and sensible. I hadn’t thought of using a stylist. I have a mainly office-based job, but I sometimes need to meet customers, so I do need to be smart. I am also on the go quite a bit, so I like an element of practicality.

For blackheads can I recommend a BHA toner. Paula’s choice do a good one and you can get a decent trial size. Minimum fuss you just slap a little on after you’ve washed your face.