42, divorcing, single Mum, tired, demotivated and look like crap. Help!

[Nibblonian]

Title sums it up really.

I need to develop an exercise routine and lose some weight, but my overall body shape doesn't change much when I do. There's just less of it all over 😂

I'd like to feel better about myself and if/when the time comes, able to attract potential partners.

I'm 5'11", a curvy 12 when at my target weight and pretty well proportioned with a waist, nice decolletage area, light auburnish hair which is thick with a bit of a natural wave, green eyes, cool tone to skin. Currently a glasses wearer but toying with contacts for socialising. I'll look into whitening my teeth.

Because of my height I'm not keen on heels. I'm more of a trainers or chunky biker boot person. I wear a lot of midi dresses with v neck. I never look put together in separates and feel like a scruff a lot of the time. I have no idea what suits me really and easily feel too 'done' or uncomfortable.

I've got fine lines and redness to the face. Can be spotty sometimes. I've recently started using Facetheory multiserum but perhaps too early to say if it's helping. I could do with a good but affordable foundation that improves texture without settling/looking caked, and a concealer that does some heavy lifting. I've convinced myself I have jowls and they my jawline is slackening which is depressing.

Budget is pretty tight but if anyone has ideas of products, particular stores, or anything else then I'm happy to hear them please 😁

Have you considered vinted and ebay and charity shops? If you want new things at budget prices there is always Primark and matalan are shops worth bearing in mind. To me it sounds like having a few tops would be useful. Makeup wise I wonder if booking in with a consultant in a department store or Boots could be helpful. I will check back as posters on here seem to have excellent ideas.

I'd start by going onto pinterest and pinning all the outfits you like, that way you'll soon see what your style is and what your drawn too.

Also if your unsure of your body type there are a few online calculators that you input your measurements and they'll show you your body type then you can look on pinterest for what clothing suits your shape best.

I love a good fitting pair of jeans, I like levi's and abercrombie, they fit me well as they have a high percentage of cotton which helps hold my mum tum in 🙈😄
If I wear ill fitting jeans with too much stretch I feel awful in them as they go saggy/baggy throughout the day.

For your skin drink plenty of water and use a spf daily. Hyaluronic acid applied after cleansing on damp skin before moisturiser will help with any dryness.
Make up counters will give samples of foundations if you want to try before buying.
I'm also 42 and have dry, sensitive skin I use rimmel 24hr foundation, it suits my skin. I've tried a few different brands(I'm a beauty therapist) and keep going back to rimmel.

I love vinted and buy most of my jeans off there as much cheaper than buying them new.

Thanks both, some good ideas there. I've used Vinted, eBay, charity shops in the past and have had mixed results. I perhaps wasn't targeting better brands and paying accordingly.

Good jeans are a good point. I've always gone cheap/own brand and been led by leg length/tall range for the longer rise. I've always dismissed Levis etc as just too expensive, but you're absolutely right about the baggy bits of cheaper ones.

I'll check out that Rimmel foundation too.