How to look a bit better!

[Millie2008]

Hi wise ones!
Ok so, very unusual for me to post on this board, as I'm just useless and clueless when it comes to anything style let alone beauty! But here goes...

I'm 37 with 2 young children (5 and 3). Although I was previously very career driven, becoming a mum has totally taken over my life as my eldest has quite significant additional needs including autism. I'm now very isolated. And as a result feel like I just look awful all the time!
I've never been someone who's overly interested in clothes, and have never worn makeup. My daily routine has always been very simple; shower, a light moisturiser on my face and that's it. I think I used to get away with it pre-children as I had quite a youthful face! But recently when I've seen my reflection I've been quite shocked! I think the sleepless nights and general stress of my life have caught up with me.

I'd like to just feel a little better about myself. But don't have the time or mental energy to spend too much time on "upkeep" (if that's the right word!)- but just wanted a few tips or pointers. Like, 3 basic things that will make my face look acceptable! I know I need a haircut too, and need to stop just wearing joggers or leggings because they are practical for my lifestyle! Or maybe there are ways of making joggers and leggings acceptable?! I see other mums in causal clothes and they look amazing! I think maybe because their faces look better...

Anyway, any thoughts appreciated :-)

Well I don't think you're ever too old to feel good about yourself 😊
I really hope you find what you're looking for in 2023 and have fun along the way!

A finishing powder (may also be called a finishing powder) is used to reduce harsh lines from any makeup you’ve put on before, blur pores and lines, add luminosity etc. For general use all over the face, you want a colour that matches your skin tone. A lot of people use a lighter colour to brighten their under eyes and highlight their face.

The Charlotte Tilbury airbrush flawless finishing powder is gorgeous. It’s technically a setting powder but Nars light reflecting setting powder is my new go to. I’ve also heard great things about Mac mineralise skinfinish and Huda’s glowish pressed powder.

I’m jumping onto another persons recommendation for bronzer. Would again recommend Charlotte Tilburys powder bronzer or Benefit :)

In terms of brand, it doesn't matter all that much - just find one that fits your budget and skin type (e.g.if you have dry skin a heavier formula will be better etc.) and use consistently.

But honestly, if you want to see a real difference, I would recommend prescription strength retinol (called tretinoin). You can either get it from a dermatologist (expensive), or use a subscription service, there's Skin & Me or Dermatica - they are both a bit pricey, I believe about 20 quid a month, but you can change your order to stretch out a bottle of the stuff for 6-8 weeks if you want.
They also tailor it to other skin needs (like hyperpigmentation etc) by adding other ingredients. It does take a few months to see a difference in your skin but it's the best ingredient out there to improve skin tone, texture and fine lines and wrinkles.

I can't use those because I'm not in the UK, and I get mine from an online pharmacy instead called Farmacia Andorra.

However, tretinoin can be irritating and harsh on the skin at first, it takes a while to acclimatise to it, so some people avoid it and stick to over the counter stuff as it's easier to get and doesn't irritate the skin as much, but the long term results don't tend to be as good.

So for me it's good skincare and botox, just makes me feel so much better.
I don't dye my hair and blow dry it straight wearing it up on the 3rd day before washing.
The only make up I wear is mascara and lip balm. My eyebrows are microbladed and I have fairly clear skin.

Skin & Me looks like exactly what I am after. Thanks for the tip!

Work from the inside to the outside.
Lots of sleep and lots of water.
Good fitting underwear that doesn't go up the cheeks of your arse or cut into your hips. A bra that hoicks the boobs into place.
Good fitting shoes that don't make you wince when you walk.

Love this!
No chance of the sleep thing for me atm unfortunately!
But should def actually spend some ££ on underwear 😂

Retinol - the ordinary is a good brand.
No7 is good for makeup, good colours for skin tones and makeup lasts all day.
If eyebrows are thin or thinning would recommend wunderbrow if your good at drawing them on, does take some practice but lasts a couple of days with abit of pencil top up, or microbladding if you don't have time or not able to draw them on for any reason.
Fake tan always gives a boost, put in at night and wash off in the morning

Throw out anything that doesn't make you feel good about how you look and invest in a nice coat and shoes/trainers/boots that look nice and fit with your lifestyle.

Nails and eyebrows make you feel better about yourself. You don't have to pay for a nice manicure.

A spritz of perfume makes you feel good, even if it's just Avon.

Following for tips!

Lisa Eldridge videos are really helpful if you want makeup tips - lots on YouTube.
I found a session at Bobbi Brown really useful - if you want a makeup lesson it’s refundable on products, but I just wanted advice on looking less tired! Their Flawless Foundation is great, and I bought a corrector which covers shadows round the eyes. They match it to your skin tone - an excellent product! Agree with others that Clinique Black Honey is vg - suits many skin tones - Elf have a decent light lip colours too.

Hi everyone,
In case it's of any interest I thought I'd provide an update!

So, based on the advice here I did the following:

• got a haircut: hadn't realised how awful it was looking!

• bought a new coat: again, hadn't realised how old and grubby my current coat looked

Bought the following makeup:

• Estée Lauder tint release moisturiser: absolutely love this! It's lovely to put on, looks completely smooth (no claggy bits if that makes sense) and just gives a nice glow without being heavy- exactly what I wanted

• Bobbi Brown pot rouge: really like this too (although have nothing to compare it to as never used any kind of blusher before!)

• Clinique black honey almost lipstick: gorgeous! Have always been really nervous to use lipstick as it feels very bold! But this is perfect as it's just a hint but enough colour to add a little something!

• Lancôme mascara: seems good enough; again have nothing to compare it to.

• Hudabeaty brow pencil. Have tried to tidy them up myself with tweezers then use this pencil and brush thing. This is the one bit I'm not 100% on. They definitely look better. But I think I might need some tips on how to use the pencil and brush! So any thoughts are most welcome.

Also trying to generally improve my skin care routine - using a basic night cream etc.

Overall I feel a lot better so thank you so much everyone!

I'm thinking I might need a concealer or something providing a bit more coverage for my eye bags though- any advice welcome

Well done @Millie2008 !

Oh and I've also ditched the leggings and joggers for jeans!

I will probably get laughed off this thread for suggesting this but here goes...JML Mineral Magic. It is the mutt's nuts! Seriously good stuff. Use a big powder brush, not the diddy little thing that comes with it. Takes a minute to put on so great if you're in a rush or knackered. I don't work for them BTW!

On eye concealer once,
I had a space nk makeover and she said the colour matching was trickier on under eyes and different brands worked for different looking bags.

So my advice is, go somewhere like space that does several brands and see if you can and get targeted eye bag concealer advice from them.

Go to a make up counter, get help, try several different brands, pick the one that is best - I love maybeline mousse, other brands dried my skin. This will take about an hour to do.

Good luck.