Time for a ‘glow up’!

[secondtimemumma]

Only a few weeks left until December and I’d really like to start feeling more confident in myself for upcoming events.
I’m trying to work hard on eating healthier and moving more.
But I’d love some tips on how to ‘glow up’. At the moment I don’t really do much in terms of self-care e.g haven’t had a haircut for months/never do nails etc but for me I feel it’s time to start.
If you have any tips or have ever had a bit of a makeover- what where the keys things that made a big difference/impact? Thanks you!

Good luck with the glow up OP!

The key things for me were:
teeth whitening
professional eyebrow shape
a trip to the hair dressers

Re. diet, I tried incorporating small healthy habits for at least a month e.g. one smoothie per day (no fuss - usually a mix of frozen fruit and veg) and a time marked water bottle to make sure I was drinking enough.

Skincare doesn't need to be super expensive. I'd recommend
Bioderma micellar water
Cerave hydrating cleanser
Indeed Labs retinol reface
spf (Beauty of Joseon rice spf or Hero Force Shield)

Also, love this shower oil as it feels moisturising.

Finally, do a ruthless clothes cull (things that don't fit and are beyond repair) and invest in a nice coat, handbag and a pair of boots.

Thank you @stardust777 that’s really helpful! Some really useful recommendations.
I am quite excited to start the process and start looking after myself a bit more. I’ll probably start with a clothes cull this week as that’s free and fairly easy to do and then I’ll book a hair appointment.

Any recommendations for good teeth whitening products for home use?

I had my teeth whitening at the dentist and used Enlighten. The results weren't as good as I hoped (I used the overnight trays which probably weren't ideal for me as I grind my teeth) but were still an improvement. Not sure which at-home treatments work well.

Can you join a gym? Glow from the inside!

I like to do a face mask, exfoliate all over, moisturise all over, manicure, hair dye and cut, brow shape and tint and sometimes lash lift.

@Gnomegnomegnome do you find the lash lift does a lot? I have dark lashes but they always need mascara. Does it replace the need for mascara?
I’d love to join a gym but we don’t have any very close by and I feel like I then wouldn’t go. Sticking with YouTube workouts for now!

I don’t do it often because I’m lazy but yes it would replace mascara. It doesn’t last long sadly.

My gym is near my work (an hour from home) so I go before work and treat it like an appointment. I would be the opposite and put off doing it in my lounge

• Hair mask once a week
• Some sort of nail strengthening treatment - Nail Envy or similar
• If you're not opposed to injectables skin boosters are incredible. I get them every couple of months when I get dermaplaned
• Make sure you're sticking to a regular skincare routine. Doesn't have to be anything fancy as long as you're consistent
• Chemical exfoliants have been a game changer for my skin ,(I use lactic acid)
• Body butter after the shower
• Some of face mask once a week
• Look after your feet - file/buff moisturise regularly and paint your toenails
• Agree with PP about clothes cull and investing in a nice bag, shoes and coat - they make an outfit
• Also this won't give immediate results but I put castor oil on my lashes and eyebrows before bed and the growth is INSANE. I've always had long lashes but they're incredible now and I don't compliment myself often! I don't bother wearing mascara for work now.
• I got some really cheap cucumber gel from Boots (£1.50) that I keep in the fridge and apply when my eyes are puffy before my period or when I'm tired
• And don't forget your sunscreen!!

Thank you @CasaAmarela. Can I ask- what are skin boosters? Also, would you be able to pop a link for the castor oil you use? Thanks again 😊

Im feeling really inspired by all your replies!

Skin boosters are a mixture of hyaluronic acid, amino acids and peptides. Like Profhilo/Jalupro/Lumi Eyes etc. These are naturally present in the skin but we make less of it as we age. I get the generic skin boosters (brand unlisted) from my local beautician for £60 and I can't stop looking in the mirror for days afterwards. My face just glows. I know beauticians have a bad rep on MN but mine is amazing and very reasonably priced.

This is the castor oil I use. I just apply with my fingers though and not the brushes.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eva-Naturals-Organic-Castor-Oil/dp/B07N8DZQX8/ref=sr_1_9?crid=2UYC7QEZPDA7H&keywords=castor+oil&qid=1699451391&sprefix=castor+oil%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-9

Oh and while I'm on Amazon these are the foot files I use and for cream I usually use the Palmers hand cream on my feet because it's cheaper than the foot cream and does the job.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Professional-Foot-Files-Hard-Skin/dp/B09KC579VN/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3DKOS9QMU5PET&keywords=foot+files&qid=1699451440&sprefix=foot+file%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-5

The Body Shop do some lovely face masks (The rice and ginseng one is my favourite) and for body scrubs Soap&Glory Scrub of Your Life is just the best.

Agree with lash lift and someone to shape your brows properly or even tint them if needed. My lash lifts seem to last ages and if I need to I use the loreal castor oil enriched mascara called lash paradise. You won’t need mascara but for an extra bit of length a bit just on the tips for events is nice.
One treatment I swear by is the dermapen, I can’t afford it in the clinic anymore so do my own version at home but it isn’t for the squeamish.

A nice haircut but a week or two in advance so you can adjust to it.
Nice simple jewellery always helps.
Heliocare is a good tinted spf with glow but stays on for ages as I am oily I normally avoid glowy products.

@CasaAmarela
Can I ask where you are in the country? That’s very reasonable for skin booster injections ( asking for a friend )

North East