Anyone done a 10 years younger makeover on themselves?

[Lovingthemalbec]

Just watching the old shows. I feel so old, fat, washed out. I’m only 43 but probably look around 53!

I neglected myself looking after my ASD DD nearly 13 and drastically let myself go. Is it possible to pull it back? Has anyone drastically changed their looks / image? It won’t be 10 days in my case but maybe 10 months??? Is it possible? How should I start? I have a hair appt at the weekend so was going to get a restyle and Colour consult to hide my aggressive grey. What are the best steps?

Think early 40's can often be a time for going a bit off track.
I agree with you, start with hair, eyebrows and nails. It will make you look and feel better groomed. Then have a look at your wardrobe and throw out anything that you've not worn in a long time, is tatty or doesn't fit you anymore, including knickers and bras.
As far as your weight is concerned, have a look at your diet and where you can cut back in calories and be more healthy. Also, think about where in your day you can fit in time for exercise. This does not have to mean a gym membership (unless you can afford it). You can start with walking or finding something on youtube...there are lots of excellent free exercise classes, pilates, yoga etc to get you started.
Set yourself achievable targets and write them down.
I think you are giving yourself a good timeframe...it's March now...by June you can already have lost a bit of weight to treat yourself to some new clothes for summer X

Early 40's here and definitely feeling a bit frumpy and could do with more focus on grooming and appearance etc. what is it about being this age that means things start to go downhill a bit?? I thought it was a case of lockdown / home schooling / covid anxiety / constant WFH that has done this but perhaps there's a theme around this age??

Yes, kind of. During lockdown I was just so tired of looking at my miserable blotchy face on Zoom. I did a complete overhaul; I got a new job, which was the big one as I am now just so happy and it shows. But I also started walking, cutdown on alcohol, and really looked after my skin. I now have really amazing skin thanks to my DDG mask, foreo bear, tretinoin, Botox and lack of alcohol) I get my hair done regularly and I bought new clothes (mainly for my new job, but I am just so much more put together) I am also in healthy BMI and waist- height ratio for the first time in years. My whole timeframe has been since the first lockdown, so almost two years.

I did a bit. Not a big makeover, but started taking care of myself.

Good hair cut and colour,

dental hygienist to get the teeth really white,

eyebrows threaded,

facial tanning oil,

new methods of applying make up (look up Ali Andreea on you tube. She is the best.)

Updated wardrobe with well fitting jeans and some tops in more interesting colours than washed out neutrals.

I forgot - lots of exercise too. Loads of it. From couch potato to gym bunny.

Thanks for your ideas it has given me hope!

Maybe the self neglect just starts to show more in your 40s having putting DC first for so many years???

My confidence is too low to think about clothes yet and my shape is such that even if I wore an £800 pair of jeans I would look like a bloody mess. I’m hoping a new haircut will boost me as I haven’t had an actual style for years. I need to get a lot of box dye cut out and a professional colour.

I will go for a walk to the supermarket today rather than take the car…. Baby steps that should hopefully all add up.

Any ideas on skin care routine? At the moment I use cheap wipes and L’Oréal supermarket moisturiser, that is it

Honestly @Lovingthemalbec, buy some new jeans. Dark denim in a style and cut that suits you. M&S really is OK for interim clothes while you are trying to get in shape. I find supermarket jeans aren't well cut but a style like M&S Sienna hides a multitude of muffins.

Skincare will depend on your skin type. I absolutely love Nivea Q10 which is around £10-12 a pot but often on offer somewhere for half price. They do a day version of it and also a good pore version of it that acts like a good primer if you are wearing foundation.

If you want to experiment with makeup before splashing out, Rimmel is just brilliant for cheap but good versions of almost everything.

I'm on the 2022 princessing thread with the same idea. Might be worth a look if you want to join us for motivation and encouragement.

I've started from the base up, with healthy diet and supplements, lots of water and no alcohol etc, a decent skincare routine- specifically tretinoin for anti aging, it is prescription only but it does work, so far my marionette lines have visably tightened which has made a big difference to how aged I looked. I know it can take up to 6 months to get the full effect and fine wrinkles to disappear but so far, it's very positive. I also had four ear peircings to get the curated earring look. They can take a while to heal for cartilage so I opted to do these early on, I think the daith peircing is around 9 months for fully healing. Also health MOT doctors/dentist/opticians.

Next on my list is hair, colour and cut, possily extensions. Then microblading after so it can be done to suit my hair as well as face shape.

I'm looking at some cosmetic surgery, but that's obviously personal choice, and definitely not needed for most people.

The finishing touches will be nails, tan, eyelash extensions (i have sparse and short lashes) and new wardrobe of clothes/accessories/jewellery. I'm focusing on high quality materials like silk and cashmere, and timeless peices that will carry well over time. I have started buying bits and pieces as I go along for my wardrobe.

I don’t think it’s just an age thing, I think it’s environmental/circumstances. The last few years have been a shit show. I’m 5 years younger op and also have an autistic child. I feel very similar!

Me, we'll sort of anyway. I've lost 6 stone, I'm pretty sure I looked 40 when I was 40 now at 50 still look about 40 ish.

Ngl though I threw a lot of money at a lower face and neck lift as my skin sagged v, v badly on my neck from the weight loss and I hated it.

Been using fillers and Botox since 44 ish too so maybe that's helped ( maybe not though ).

I use retinol regularly as of the last 5 months and it's made my actual skin look 100 percent better. Fairly cheap Aldi moisturiser and an acid toner and that's about all I need.

My body is a state from 5 DC's and being so overweight. And I could still do with losing another couple of stone, luckily I can hide all that under clothes and get some Spanx but yeah, I think I've reversed things a little bit

I think its health first - physical and mental - and then everything else follows. Good old fresh air and exercise.
If they still do it, see if you can book an appointment for a session at a makeup counter to find new make up ideas and colours. Estee Lauder did mine for free a few years ago, and the No 7 lady helped my DD when she first started wearing make up.
I'm crap at clothes at the minute with my extra weight, but find simple, good quality basics are my go to.

Do you have a skincare routine OP? I think that's a good place to start. Personally I love the Body Shop and The Ordinary products. Can you afford to buy yourself some new make up? You could go to one of the counters and ask for help.

I'm early 30s and had a bit of a mental crisis when I turned 30. I started taking skincare seriously and have been taking further steps to improve my looks and health ie cutting down on alcohol, eating a whole food plant based diet and exercising regularly. I do a lot of strength training now (often just in front of the TV) and feel amazing for it.

I really recommend the book "Atomic Habits" to help you get into the habit of making lifestyle changes. I'm only a quarter of the way through but it's really helping me to change my way of thinking.

Liquid collagen supplements have honestly taken years off me. Quite pricey but I am lucky as work for a supplier. Worth a look though if your skin needs a boost.

I have. I lost 4 stone last year and liked my post lockdown long hair so much I've kept it that way. I think the hair makes most difference actually, as the old mum bob did me no favours. I tried lash extensions which looked great for a while,but my eyelashes couldn't take them forever - I'd certainly have them again for a special occasion. Exercise makes a lot of difference, I do yoga, pilates and body pump classes but it is the running 3 x pw that seems to have given me a waist back and boosted my morale most. I've got lots of new clothes too, mainly fitted dresses as I'm very small build and look swamped in anything baggy. People say I look amazing, which is great but the fact that I now feel amazing is better.

Focus on what goes in rather than on you.
Get your 150 minimum minutes of cardio a week.
10k steps a day as a min.
Go outside everyday.
Yoga.
5-10 portions of fruit and veg a day.
Veggie dinners most nights.
No alcohol cigarettes drugs etc.
2L water a day.
Cut caffeine.
You will look and feel great in 6 months.

I use Skin and Me prescription Retinol and Botox, I'm 45 but reckon I look the same as I did in late 30s. I watch my diet carefully but I do like wine! Find an exercise that you love, before I got Covid recently it was spin, because it's only 45 mins and is really loud, endorphin inducing fun. I'm also spending more on fewer clothes - as PP said, silk, Cashmere, investment pieces that I really look after. Rather than I'll fitting fast fashion.

I am 50 and was told I look young for my age which is nice. I lost 4 stone, dress better and recently started to use botox. I haven't told anyone with the botox and friends have said my skin looks fresh. I don't look any different but definitely fresher. My confidence was knocked years ago by some comments but feel better about myself. I also do alot of excerise. Weight classes at the gym and walking my Dog.

@Lovingthemalbec

Thanks for your ideas it has given me hope!

Maybe the self neglect just starts to show more in your 40s having putting DC first for so many years???

My confidence is too low to think about clothes yet and my shape is such that even if I wore an £800 pair of jeans I would look like a bloody mess. I’m hoping a new haircut will boost me as I haven’t had an actual style for years. I need to get a lot of box dye cut out and a professional colour.

I will go for a walk to the supermarket today rather than take the car…. Baby steps that should hopefully all add up.

Any ideas on skin care routine? At the moment I use cheap wipes and L’Oréal supermarket moisturiser, that is it

I adore beautypie. You get really excellent quality as lower price, I’m 40 and my skin looks better than it did 10 year ago (when I just used wipes).

Good hair cut and colour, clothes that fit (book into a personal stylist at John Lewis and get capsule wardrobe) and good makeup (trinny London good for no fuss makeup )

I had my rather sparse eyebrows micro bladed which has made a huge difference. I feel ‘put together’ with no effort (just plucking any stray hairs). It was well worth a little discomfort and the investment (£220 but will last 18-24m) - this is my first ‘procedure’!

Also I’d recommend a John Lewis style consultation, you don’t need to buy anything.
And a good haircut! Good luck

@Lovingthemalbec

Thanks for your ideas it has given me hope!

Maybe the self neglect just starts to show more in your 40s having putting DC first for so many years???

My confidence is too low to think about clothes yet and my shape is such that even if I wore an £800 pair of jeans I would look like a bloody mess. I’m hoping a new haircut will boost me as I haven’t had an actual style for years. I need to get a lot of box dye cut out and a professional colour.

I will go for a walk to the supermarket today rather than take the car…. Baby steps that should hopefully all add up.

Any ideas on skin care routine? At the moment I use cheap wipes and L’Oréal supermarket moisturiser, that is it

Don't use wipes, they are good only for festivals/travel/emergencies; use a balm cleanser, with a flannel soaked in warm water. One of the best things you can do for your complexion.

I’m nearly 40 and have given up a bit.
I’ve never really bothered with my skin or hair.
My teeth aren’t great either.
I’ve accepted a bit that I’m way past my best!
The only way is downhill from here on in for me I think.

Skincare: vitamin C cream, retinol (or better tretinoin) at night. SPF 50 every day. Those are the basics.
Cleanser is down to preference but definitely not wipes.

I love a gadget so either Nuface or Foreo Bear microcurrent devices are good.

Then diet; lots of good fats, so salmon, avocado, nuts, etc. Lots of veggies and some fruit.

I take collagen powder in my coffee every day.

To be honest the above takes quite a lot of time and money so would understand why people give up!

Following

Me but it’s been expensive BUT absolutely worth it.
I had a gastric bypass (lifelong overweight) lost 9st cost 5k. I did my research extensively and went to a clinic in Riga Latvia.
I’ve had Botox and fillers to bring back a more youthful face 1k.
Lip brush semipermanent tattoo lips (given me a lip line I never had before, years of cold sores took the colour) £200
I’ve had composite bonding on my teeth to create a new whiter smile 1.2k
Hair done at a top salon colour correct and cut £400 ( 2 appointments) worth every penny especially!
Invested in retinol face creams + better skin care products £100
I have my nails done and a pedicure once a month £70 a time
Eyebrows waxed and tinted once a month £15
Invested in an at home hair laser machine £350 (now shave and top up with machine once a month)
It’s not been an easy road but I feel so confident now. I was always the fat ugly friend at the side cheering on the pretty mates eating my feelings.
Cousin died young from Covid and I decided to live my life. Bypass wasn’t easy it took 9months to adjust but 9st was gone.
I could do with a boob uplift and tummy tuck but right now I’m happy as I am.
Obviously it’s been expensive and there is upkeep costs + I now love buying clothes but I have a loving a supportive husband and family and we had the money available. Because of the current climate I won’t be spending on any more I.e boob job ect until I know financially things are stable as it is costly.