Post-baby glow up!

[BabybabybabyOooh]

This post is inspired by the multiple posts I’ve seen from mums who want to feel more like themselves again after having kids. And also the most brilliant thread on best beauty buys a few months ago.

After my first child I just felt invisible. I felt fat, never wore make up, never bought myself clothes. And I didn’t really feel like me - or anyone!

I’ve now had my second child and have been on a mission to feel like myself…. And it’s kinda working! So, in case any of this is helpful to others, here’s my list of everything I’m doing to help relearn how to take care of myself.

I didn’t do this overnight, just naturally built it up over the last year, and am now feeling good about myself! I’m not perfect or polished, never will be. But I feel like I like myself again!

I’d love to hear from others who’ve done a post-babies glow up too! Any tips on what you’ve done to feel good about yourself?

• Bought a decent under eye concealer (Nars) and cc cream (Eborian - based on recommendations from mumsnet!)
• Bought mascara in a dark brown instead of black. Black just looks way too harsh on me now
• Stopped dying my hair, and instead am investing in hair products that make my hair look healthy and fit my hair type. I also bought K18 off Vinted based on the tips on mumsnet - works brilliantly!
• Big bottle of water first thing in the morning! I add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• Started on marine collagen, hopefully investing in future health of my knees and skin!
• Got a bra fitting and bought 2 bras that actually fit me. I wish I’d done this years ago!!
• Did some online research and worked out my colour palette. I did a full review of my wardrobe, took out clothes in colours that are really not good for me (e.g. black makes me look dead) and sold on Vinted, and used the budget from Vinted to buy clothes that work for me. It also means my clothes now go together better as they’re a more coherent palette!
• I try to last as long as possible for breakfast each morning so I get a bit of a daily fast between 7pm and about 10am (otherwise I eat way too much snacking at night!)
• Try to walk at least 5,000 steps a day
• Not done yet but I plan to get some teeth whitening products (maybe a powder?) to brighten up my face. Recommendations welcome!

I hope some of these are useful for others. What else have you done to take care of yourself?

These all sound great, and its fab to take some time for yourself. Is the k18 really worth it?? It's so dear....

I do the fasting in the morning thing. It was how I ate naturally when I was young and very slim. I aim to get to midday but if I’m hungry I have a banana. I do feel in better shape already and it’s only been a week

@Scully01 i wouldn’t have bought the K18 full price as it is quite costly. There are loads on Vinted as they’re often in beauty bags/bundles and people sell the things they don’t need.

I found it worked really well on my hair. My hair tends to be very dry and it felt so good afterwards. I don’t think you’d need to do it very often… I’m conscious of not overloading hair/skin with products.

@Wiltingasparagusfern Midday is a good stretch! I usually only make it to 9/10 but am going to try to go a bit longer.

My big weakness is evening snacking so having a nothing after 7pm rule helps me avoid that 9pm zombie eating

Should add, I am not breastfeeding. There is no way I could have skipped any meal while still doing that!