Help! 8 weeks to stop looking like the walking dead!

[DanceMonster]

I’ve got an event in 8 weeks that I want to look half way decent for. I’m currently exhausted, pale, hairy and chubby.
Now I know I’m not going to miraculously lose loads of weight in that time, or change my looks dramatically, I just want to look… better.
What are the best things I can do in those 8 weeks to help me not look like a zombie? Thank you in advance!

Start exercising, if you’re not already - it will help on multiple levels: you may lose weight and even if you don’t you’ll add tone to your muscles and also your skin will look better - not to mention that you’ll feel better for doing something for yourself.

id also look into new haircut or maybe gentle highlights if you’re not up to more dramatic changes.

I was the same recently for an event which was last Sunday. I spent the two months beforehand worrying about being pale, flabby, hairy, etc.

I did manage to increase exercise - can you make time at weekends for some activities you like? I planned long walks every weekend for those two months, which really helps tone up my legs and bum and I’m convinced outdoor exercise makes me look better generally

I managed to eat healthily for all of two weeks beforehand, maybe you can do better! I cut out carbs after lunch, sugar and alcohol, didn’t really lose any weight but I felt better and much less bloated.

I got my hair cut and coloured, which was a big expense so I did my own nails and a little home spa evening (face mask, veet, foot scrub…) in the few days beforehand.

And I found a forgiving dress in the sales. I didn’t bother trying to squeeze into something clingy - too much pressure!

So no huge changes but I looked and felt better by last weekend and have now gone back to eating crisps and not shaving my legs.

Good luck OP!

Thank you. I usually do a lot of walking with my dog but sadly he’s just passed away. I do a Pilates class twice a week but can certainly up my exercise. Good call on the highlights/good hair cut.

You sound like me, OP. I sympathise. Have a plan for hair removal, eg if waxing or shaving, start gentle exfoliating in the shower now, so your skin below is prepped, then moisturise. You could put on a tiny bit of gradual tan on too, but really only a dot mixed in with some moisturiser. Will help to give you a healthy glow. Nice manicure and pedicure looks good too. I really need to take my own advice!

Hi OP, off topic but I wanted to say that I’m sorry for the loss of your dog. It’s a heartbreaking thing to go through and I’m sure that the loss of your routine with him, including your long walks, can’t be helping how you feel about things. Be kind to yourself, it’s a hard time. Thinking of you.

Thank you, that’s very kind.

There is loads you can do for a glow up!!

Easy wins: drink more water- even if it’s just one glass more a day but aim for 1.5 litres every day.

Book your beauty appointments tomorrow and don’t put it off until nearer - fake tan, nails, eyelashes, brow wax (you might be able to find someone who can come to your house and do all those things over a couple of days).

You want to book your hair appointment for two weeks before the event, as I think that’s the magic time when hair looks it’s best.

If you want to lose a bit of weight (not saying you have to) then keto/low carb high fat is really easy.

Quit alcohol and get a big water bottle to drink every day. Tan drops in moisturiser on face and neck every few days. Cut and blow dry the week of the event!

The 30 Day Shred used to get recommended on here all the time and I have to say it's one thing that definitely makes me see a noticeable difference when I do it, especially on how toned my arms look.

That and drinking loads of water, when I up my water intake my skin looks so good.

If the event is in 8 weeks then book in for a wax now and then another a couple of days before the event.

Start using a gradual tanner/moisturiser now or some short sunbed sessions (yes I know they're frowned upon - I always feel better if I do 2 or 3 x 6 minute sessions a week leading up to an event).

Eyebrows and a lash tint always make a massive difference for me and make me feel a million times better. Likewise a nice manicure with a natural colour gel polish.

Get your hair appointment booked in now so you don't leave it too late and can't be fitted in anywhere.

A few little things that make you feel better immediately will give you the motivation to do more.

Drink lots of water, exfoliate a couple of times a week and moisturise daily.

Also make sure you have the right undies for whatever outfit you're wearing, something you can breathe in but that allows your outfit to sit nicely, skim over any bumps and not be static-y and ride up/down.

How exciting! I’ve got something coming up at the end of April too and am scheming up a few things to make me feel a million bucks

1. Wednesday cleanse day (Australian, but sure you can find something similar) Such a scam to be paying to not eat, however I’ve done it once before and I felt amazing after and lost a kilo :)
2. Going to book into mecca for a makeup. Costs 90 bucks but redeemable against product, so will walk away with a new perfume!
3. upping yoga, walking, water

if a new outfit comes my way, I’ll be happy, but have plenty in wardrobe, will pull out, try on, iron etc

Another recommendation for exfoliating.

Face masks. Night and day cream.

Get your heart rate up and blood pumping around your body regularly and drink lots of water

Thanks everyone, some great ideas. Definitely going to up the water and exercise, and also book in some beauty treatments and a hair cut/colour. I’m in that rut of having 3 young children, a job and no time to myself but I need to start looking after myself a bit better.

Agree withPenny re 30 day shred. When I bother doing it (literally for 30 days and not again for 3 years) it makes an enormous difference to my body shape.

I’ve looked at the 30 day shred before and never actually committed to it, but maybe now is the time!

Starting now:
Start drinking two litres of water a day.
Try and get 8 hours of sleep.
Cut down on alcohol.
Start dry body brushing and exfloitaling twice a week.
Try to fit in some exercise each day.
Get your hair cut/coloured if needed.
Buy flattering underwear and outfit.

Week before:
Book manicure, plus pedicure if you fancy.
Shave/wax.
You could try a spray tan? I've never had one, but might be helpful if you feel you look washed out. If not, I really recommend benefit blusher in dandelion.

Day of: Book a blow dry.

If you only do one thing, book a blow dry. Book it now!

Yeah the sleep is a problem, I have a severely autistic 4 year old who sleeps about 4 hours a night. So I need to do all the other stuff to fake the illusion that I get plenty of sleep 😂.
The event is a wedding abroad, but it’s in the town my in laws live in so I’m going to ask SIL to book me a hairdresser for the day. That should help!