Need a complete overhaul - where to start?!

[MooChops89]

Hello, I don't venture over here very often but I see some S&B threads pop up in active convos and you lot are always really helpful so I thought I'd pick your brains!

I feel like I've massively let myself go lately - I've never exactly been glam but I look a dowdy mess these days. I'm 32 with 2 small children and a stressful job, I'm bloody knackered and it shows!

I've decided to start investing more time and care in myself but I have no idea where to start and not the hugest budget. I think I'd like my eyebrows microblading but that's really expensive, any suggestions for something else which means minimal daily effort for me? Lamination maybe?

Also on my list are lashes and maybe hair extensions - I've had a bob for about a year but I'm fat and short and I've decided it looks horrendous - I used to have extensions and I miss long hair terribly.

What other things do you all do to keep yourself looking and feeling good? I defo need to get back on top of healthy eating / exercise but that's another story!

Thanks

I really get you. I feel like I have to put even more effort into how I look now as my figure isn’t quite as good as it was pre-baby, and the sleepless nights show on my face!

My routine is generally tan twice a week using Dove summer glow (not a fan of the dark stuff as I’m really pale, I just like to look a bit sun kissed), home eyebrow tint every 2-3 weeks, gel nails I do myself every 2-3 weeks (although this is hit and miss as my nails grow really slowly & are easily damaged), hair cut and foils every 3 months.

Then just general shaving/waxing and moisturising in between.

It does take up a fair bit of my time but when I feel like I look good I have more energy to do things if that makes sense?!

How are you doing for clothes at the moment?

Eyebrows dyed and shaped every 2 weeks. At home though!!
Nails shaped and buffed every week. Also at home!!
Hair dyed.
Guess where??
The theme being saves money!!

Hmm I'm not very good at doing beauty things myself, especially brows! I did manage to tint them a few weeks ago but they're quite sparse in the middle so I have to fill them in every day.
Tan I can do, I do put it on for nights out (forgotten what they are!) But a lighter one for everyday is a good shout.
Clothes wise, I have absolutely no clue what my style is. I'm struggling with feeling very frumpy at the moment. I like dresses with tights and boots but feel a bit overdressed if I wear them so I end up in jeans or leggings with plain (dark) tops or hoodies. My apple figure tends to 'ruin' clothes I think, I always see people wearing stuff that looks cool, then I try it on in a shop and I think WTF.

I also bite my nails terribly (I told you, I'm a mess!) so I might get acrylics done to kick start them growing again

Nail bite paint on stuff !! Gentle file every few days so no jaggy edges to tempt you!!
Clear varnish to show you the possibility of nice nails on the way!!
By Xmas you could be painting them red!!

Oh @Glassofshloer and @Santaischeckinglists can I ask what kit or brands you use at home to do your gel nails & eyebrows please?
I seem to be paying a fair bit (£60-65) a month to have these done by someone but the last few times I haven’t been that pleased with the results. I’m wondering whether I should attempt it myself?

Nice body creams before bed and a lovely skincare routine give me a boost.
Eat well and drink water
Try to read before bed

Small incremental changes

I use the Schwarzkopf eyebrow tint - so easy to use. My only tip would be to use a cotton bud to create a clean line around the eyebrow once the dye is on.

For the nails I use Blue Sky’s starter kit - it’s brilliant. I also buy their gel polishes. Can’t fault it at all, it takes a couple of goes but then you can do them exactly how you like them.

Apraise tint, the activater and a brush for 10 quid... EBay.
Last months and months!

I know the cost of microblading is a lot up front, but Since having them done I a.) don’t have to bother doing my brows in the morning ( saves so much time) and b.) I don’t use anything on them so save money on products. I would totally recommend getting them done, they make me feel great and are always equal and done! Something that left up to me I may achieve one of the two!!

Thank you both for your recommendations. I will have a look.

Good luck OP. It's so hard to even think of styling with small kids and work.

I'm a nail picker too and hate how it looks. I moisturise, lots - leave hand cream by front door so it's the last thing I put on, and put more on before bed.

Tanning drops to body moisturiser too. Gives a lovely glow, doesn't smell too bad and you get the benefits of what's in the body cream. I'm currently using a Q10 one.

I could also recommend a lash lift and tint. Get it done in a salon as it's bloody difficult to do at home but it really makes a difference. Lash fills are good but you have to have time to go to the salon very regularly- I get the impression you do t have time for three weekly appointments, but lash lift and tint lasts about 8 weeks