Please tell me your secret/not so secret tips and tricks for a polished look / beauty secrets

[MintheMiddle]

I didn't really know how to make the title actually make sense

Basically I've fallen behind since lockdown no 1 with any kind of self care. I used to get regular hair cuts and take a bit of pride in my appearance.

Now I like the idea of if and every Sunday think right this week I'm gonna drink loads of water, schedule time for catching up on life admin, use my body brush more that's currently sat gathering dust and do my nails. Every week it doesn't really go that way and I usually just do the bare minimum.

I'm just in the phase where I'm worrying about the future and what I do now (and how it will affect me appearance wise in 10-20 years)

So, any advice or wise words you were told that you could share?
It's only because I'm going to a family party tomorrow that I've actually got in for a lovely soak, body brushed, got my face mask, going to fake tan (haven't done this for a good 4.5 years) and gonna paint my nails.

Starting with getting regular haircuts, what else can I do that my future self will thank me for?

I have lots of ‘little’ things I do that are easy to make part of regular routine such as, apply cuticle oil every night before bed so keep the bottle next to my bed, wash make up brushes once a week, apply a face mask twice a week and remove excess with warm flannels and then apply an oil, feels like a mini facial. I use a little sugar with hand wash for a hand exfoliating a few times a week too.

I book hair and eyebrow appointments as I leave so I always have the next one in the calendar. Nails I do myself twice a week, just sitting in front of the TV, and things like body lotion and hand cream are just part of my daily routine do I don’t even think about it.

My ‘tomorrow’ future self will thank me for a haircut and a mascara that isn’t dried in the tube.
My ‘10-20 years’ future self, which is the one you ask about, couldn’t give a stuff about any of that! She probably cares about sunscreen and exercise.

For me it's diet, exercise and skin care that make the biggest difference.

Intermittent fasting - I eat in an 8/9 hour window - keeps me at at ideal weight

Walking daily

Polish my nails twice a week

Weekly pedicure

Planning outfits whether going on school run or for a night out

Wear minimum make up daily. Lipstick always helps me feel pulled together.

Clean, ironed clothes

Shoes polished

Perfume

Watching with interest for everyone else's tips!

I try to keep on top of things by thinking that even though I might feel like I can't be bothered, one little task only takes 5 mins (plucking a bit here and there, wax strip, file nails etc) but adds up to a more overall polished look so I'm best just to get on with it rather than spending ages doing it all together, I like to keep on top of it as I feel more confident.

Consistent hair cut and colour and a good skin care routine is important I think.

@Lovinglife45

Intermittent fasting - I eat in an 8/9 hour window - keeps me at at ideal weight

Walking daily

Polish my nails twice a week

Weekly pedicure

Planning outfits whether going on school run or for a night out

Wear minimum make up daily. Lipstick always helps me feel pulled together.

Clean, ironed clothes

Shoes polished

Perfume

Love this. Sounds like a very good plan, and one I could manage..

Retinol.

Wearing sunscreen daily, very easy and you won't see the benefits instantly but your future self will thank you.
Drinking lots of water (at least 2500ml, 3000ml if possible, helps with my dark circles and my skin being dull.
Retinol makes a big difference to my skin too, helps keep it smooth and I've not had any spots for years now!
I don't like wearing makeup as always think natural is better, but I do use a tinted moisturiser to give me a healthy glow.

Teeth whitening too! My teeth have shifted a little over the years (didn't wear my retainer) but they don't look bad as they as white. I am saving up for invisaline though...

Good shoes and a good haircut

Keeping to the normal BMI range, or at least maintaining a steady weight.
Good posture - weight exercises and yoga or pilates can help
Teeth

Alcohol intake. What you can get away with in 20s and 30s is different to how it can start to make you look in your 40s and 50s.

I get my eyebrows done regularly. Really makes a difference.
I recently moved to London from an area where the uniform is either baggy sweats or gym gear - I wear neither and felt pretty put together comparatively but definitely feel I need to up my game now! Brows, hair, a slick of make up, ironed (or steamed) clothes, shoes that don't look I just crossed a muddy field in!

OP - that's a tough one. I spend a lot of time trying to improve my appearance and do most of the things suggested on this thread, but somehow I never think I look good? Maybe women are just very self critical?

And maybe you already look fine just are you are?

Getting some good pointers her. What brand of retinol is best?

Agree with drinking more water, keep a jug or bottle on the go & make sure you drink the whole lot.
Also retinol & sunscreen