What makes you feel put together/well groomed? I'm struggling!

[Putmynewshoeson]

I had a baby in December and, although I've managed to lose the baby weight and am back in my pre-pregnancy wardrobe, I constantly feel scruffy and like I've lost my way.

I've recently done my own nail extensions and painted them a nice neutral pink and that's made a huge difference, but I wondered what works for you? So I can steal your ideas :)

I don't have great skin unfortunately, I have a lot of expression lines already (mid thirties) that only Botox is going to fix, and I have hooded eyes that are quite saggy eye-lid wise. I'm not sure what to do with my skin/make up really. I don't like to wear a lot but like to wear some, but I feel like what I was wearing before is no longer flattering.

And my HAIR. Fine, doesn't hold a shape so never really looks styled.

SIGH.

Basically - HELP.

What changes can I make to feel a bit more put together?

Hello, I would say throw out any clothes that are ragged or make you feel bad. Sainsbury’s has decent jeans etc in a pinch if you are expecting to change weight again. Eyelure eyebrow dye is fantastic value and makes most look younger. Takes ten minutes, I did it today before dropping daughter at school just remembered to wash it off before. I do both and then walk round house forgetting about it, if following instructions which I suppose you should takes longer but I have not had any problems with this. Ditto upper lip hair, I use hair remover cream but be careful as this can burn if left in too long. Cute or sparkly ear studs you can sleep in. No synthetic cheap belts/ boots etc - they start off nice but look scruffy almost instantly. Can get bargains in sale/ again Sainsbury’s- I have just got some lovely ones here for £40 in leather. Make time for yourself. Drink water. Get some sleep Xxx

For me it’s all about the hair. I have great hair but only if I put the effort into washing and styling it properly and I simply do have the tome to do that as often as it needs. There is a distinct difference in my whole look on ‘done hair days’ as opposed to ‘skanku, needs a wash, pulled back hair days’, even if I’m wearing the same outfit on both days.

I am also a bit self conscious if I have a bad skin day - these masks are not doing me any favours and neither is the toddler who keeps waking up in the night. If by some miracle I manage to wake up with fresh, glowing skin (I can’t actually remember the last time this happened but it definitely has) then I’m aware of feeling better about myself.

Sorry, that should say “don’t have the time”! I’m crap at typing on my phone.

I’ve not just had a baby, so this might not be any use, but for me:

Tint lashes and brows, get brows shaped every three weeks
Red lipstick, even if no other makeup
Nice perfume
Sort out outfits the night before, so no scrambling around in the morning. I hang my clothes in the bathroom so the steam from the shower helps drop any creases too - win!

I always say this on these threads, but think about where you want/need to spend money, and where you can do it cheap. I am slim but hippy, so I spend more on bottom things than tops. I would buy an expensive perfect match foundation, but cheap mascara. I am happy to spend on regular haircuts, but I do my own nails, don’t get beauty treatments etc. Your mileage will vary, these are just my personal examples.

I also think buying the best winter coat/boots you can afford is a good idea, whereas a cheap denim jacket and plimsolls will take you most places!

Some really good advice here
I think my hair really lets me down, and my forehead lines make me look tired and haggard
I'm genuinely considering a little bit of Botox to soften it up - or a fringe! But I think a fringe with my fine hair might be regret central

I need to have a think about what things to focus on first. My eyebrows aren't bad, a bit patchy but when pencilled in look okay so the eyebrow dye might be a good shout. I'm going to have a look at magnetic lashes but would want something quite natural and fluttery rather than dramatic

I think properly fitting clothes are also a downfall, my wardrobe is currently stretchy from Primark and the hems always roll up. I have a couple of jumpers I feel nice in but that's about it.

I feel a bit overwhelmed by it all tbh as I'm not sure where to start but rather than try and tackle everything at once I think it requires some proper thought and budget allocation

Some good advice above. I agree about the coat. A good one lasts for years. Only buy a neutral colour and the best quality you can afford. Ditch the leggings, if your tum is a bit bigger, then go for jeggings which are slightly smarter. If your hair is a problem, I swear by Aussie miracle - they have a spray conditioner.

I think I'm going to try and mind a coat. I have a decent black leather jacket and a decent Parker from Trespass which is fitted, whatever and windproof, but I could do with a smart quality coat as well. Easier said that done as I always struggle to find one to fit properly as I'm short and pear shaped with a very narrow top half

Also going to get my hair done. I think I'm going to go for slightly warmer blonde and more nature looking and chop a bit off so it doesn't look struggling. I've dug the babyliss big hair out again and just need to remind myself how to use it proper again

Try the pea coat style, they're very flattering and a classic look. If you start to make little changes, you'll feel better and then look better! Good idea about the hair.