Help me with the basics

[Sunshine1235]

I’m fed up of looking a messy wreck, since having children and over the past year it’s got worse. Part of it is I feel like I don’t have the time or energy to figure out how to make myself look more put together. I’m pregnant so can’t buy clothes at the moment but would really love some input to help me look less like a bedraggled mum (which I am)

Hair - I have awful post partum hair regrow the from my last baby so tufts of hair a couple of inches long. My hair has also turned pretty grey over the past couple of years. I am dying it myself but I needs doing every 6 weeks to look ok and I’m not great at covering everything. Wondering what is best? Should I get it done at the salon every 3 months and top up myself in between? I’m not ready to embrace the grey yet Any tips for the hair regrow that? I also just buy basic shampoo, what can I use to turn my straw like hair back to something like it’s former glory? Day to day I see on threads people talk about giving your hair a blow dry, are they referring to a typical blow dry or something special that makes your hair look amazing?

Nails - I try to paint them myself weekly but don’t always manage it so then they as weak and awful in between. I tried having gels once but they were so tricky to remove even with acetone remover. I could probably afford regular nail appointments but finding the time is tricky

Body hair - I struggle with facial hair, Im going to take the plunge and get a Phillips Lumea or similar because I think this will help my confidence. Is there cheaper alternative to the Phillips or is that the best one to go with?

Skin - my skin is ok but I feel like I’m living on borrowed time. I’ve never done anything to my skin other than wash with water and I don’t really wear foundation. What would you recommend as one thing to do to make your facial skin better?

Any other tips? Anyone else looking to make themselves a bit more presentable in 2022?

Buy a lumea, they do a 100 day money back guarantee and you can usually get a good deal on them around this time of year. They are expensive but mine is 4 years old and still going strong, I don't really need to shave my legs anymore which is nice.

Hair - I'm hoping someone will advise on this because mine is awful atm. It's gone very frizzy and grey lately and it's getting me down. I wanted to look into getting bayalage done at the hairdresser, and a smoothing treatment like a Brazilian blow dry. If we do have another lockdown I will box dye it and try to learn how to use a hot brush thingy by babyliss.

Skin - For me, exercise, sleep and drinking enough water make a difference. I haven't done any of that lately. I use a no7 cleansing balm which is really nice in the evenings, m&s sleep night cream, and a day cream also from m&s, by a brand called pure. That plus some bb cream from no7 which all helps me look more alive.

www.boots.com/no7-radiant-results-nourishing-cleansing-balm-10245102

www.marksandspencer.com/absolute-ultimate-sleep-cream-50ml/p/hbp60293006

www.marksandspencer.com/super-hydrate-day-cream-spf-15-50ml/p/hbp60293043

Just seen that my bb cream has been discontinued, noooo!

What about getting your eyebrows tinted and threaded? Always makes people look "put together".

Thanks for your reply. I see there are different types of Lumea, some are around the £400 mark and some around the £200, do you know what the difference is?

My eyebrows are pretty dark already but yes threading is another thing left in pre lockdown life that is forgotten about.

Think I’m going to book myself in for a hair consultation, I hadn’t realised you could get root top ups so maybe it wouldn’t work out as expensive as I thought having it regularly professionally dyed.

I definitely need some cream to make me look more alive. I do use Nivea in the morning but reading on here about serums and things but all feels a bit of a minefield

Hi OP, after being a mum stuck in a rut who looks a bit better now, I might be able to help!

Hair: I'm not that great at as I have naturally blonde hair so just get a balayage a couple of times a year but regular cuts and root touch ups should help. My sister is a hairdresser and basically says if you can buy it in a supermarket the shampoo is crap. See what your stylist recommends but if you buy a professional shampoo it will last you much longer. I use Olaplex to repair damage but that might be more of a blonde thing. Regular conditioning treatments will help. Perhaps some biotin vitamins (if its ok when your pregnant) to help with hair growth.

Nails: Gels made it so much easier for me, I found a lady who does it on the side so I can go for treatments when the kids are in bed.

Skin: Honestly I think having a proper skincare routine has been great for me, I enjoy doing it and it's only 10 mins in the evening, 5 in the morning. If you don't change anything at least make sure you wear SPF every single day. If you fancy adding some steps just get the basics, cleanse, tone, moisturise, SPF and you can add some serums for any skin issues at a later date. The ordinary and Inkey list are really affordable and great.

Thanks @Buyitinbamboo that’s encouraging to know you’ve been here and come through it!

I actually remembered there is a salon/spa place down the road that does evening openings. I went there pre covid a couple of times but had totally forgotten about it, so might give them a call after Christmas and try and get myself sorted out a bit