Just wanted to write a quick update. I'm so grateful for all the suggestions on this thread and others, I've found some new beauty stuff I'd have never considered and been introduced to new, more ethical brands. So thank you!
For the last week, I've suddenly started getting compliments. It almost threw me off. DH always complements me, but suddenly people I work with (because let's face it, I don't see anyone else!) Have started saying nice things, like, You look pretty today, or, What a lovely jumper. Someone even said yo me they thought I'd changed something because I looked more radiant. So happy!
All I've done is a slight change of beauty routine, wear my hair down more and brush it less, ditched foundation for a tinted moisturiser and REALLY cull my wardrobe. I got rid of anything ill-fitting, fraying, faded, very cheap-looking and luridly coloured. I have stuff with nicer texture and better shape and slightly more muted colours. I polished my boots and handbag. I bought a very few things (fitted black tee and a Jigsaw merino turtleneck, plus fitted dark green cargo pants), everything else was already in my wardrobe, I just made a decision to wear it instead of defaulting to my trusted items which were tired-looking and baggy in the wrong places.
Anyway, just thought I'd share! I'm still on the hunt for the perfect ballet flats, bag and few other bits 