Two Week Glow-Up - Can it be done?

[Spyweasel]

I'm starting a new job in two weeks' time and would like to walk in looking more polished and healthy.

I'm 50 years old, stuck in a rut with clothes and make-up, not technically overweight but would feel more comfortable if I was 9 - 10 pounds lighter. I don't drink alcohol, but have a bad snacking habit (I've had a miserable few months in my last job and have been comfort eating sugary foods). I've not properly exercised for around a year but have been a keen runner in the past. The thought of going for a run now fills me with dread.

I feel a bit down/flat/lacking in confidence, look tired and frumpy, and would like a bit of a lift.

I've got 2 weeks off, so have the days to myself between the school runs. Can you help me please? Where do I start? What shall I concentrate on? I know it's a short amount of time and I don't expect miracles but surely I can make some kind of improvement before I walk into my new job. Happy to throw a bit of money at this but would like to be fairly sensible!

Thank you for your help!

Following as would like to join you! Always see lots of drinking water, cut out sugar recommended!

If you don't fancy running....how about a brisk one hour walk a day or joining in an exercise video. Any exercise at all is good.
Go to a large department store and book a free make up session....you might have to buy something as a trade off. Could you re style your hair?
Can you perhaps buy a couple of classic jackets and or shirts to change up your wardrobe. Things that will go with anything to give a smart appearance?
You just need to do some small things to feel good about yourself!

Congrats on the new job! Is it an office-based job, is it very corporate or casual? Just asking so that people can advise on clothes.

I started mine a couple of days ago. I was diagnosed with heart failure about 18m ago and have not been allowed to exercise (low BP/fainting). Throw in the boredom and resulting depression and I have significantly more weight to lose than you do. I have started walking recently and am making sure I start each day with 500ml of water (will increase to 1L) and having a glass every time I get the boredom snack vibe. I make sure to have crudités right at the front of the fridge and tzatziki, hummus or baba ghanoush ready to go. I have been having a small serving of fruit if I get the late night sweet hankering, but really feel the need to cut sugar right back. (Just makes me feel bleh). I’m also making sure that I “reward” myself by doing a full-body moisturiser, fake tanning myself a couple of times a week, spending time on skincare and learning how to blow dry my hair and diy pedicures. (Will admit I don’t love doing any of these things but I am trying to reframe it.)

Swim, you will feel great after a week especially if you use the steam room / sauna too . New haircut and colour, manicure and some diy facials .

Office based professional role, casual (jeans are allowed) but dress appropriately for client meetings. Meetings can be either in the office or at clients' premises.

Although it's casual, I want to look "put together" but not like, I've made a huge effort, if you know what I mean. I always seem to end up looking scruffy or too smart/rigid/dated! There's no in-between!

Thank you, some great suggestions. Fake tan scares me but I think it could make a big difference. I just need to find one that is subtle and fool proof! Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I hope you are feeling better.

Thank you. A make up session is a good idea. I will investigate what there is at Bluewater (Boots or John Lewis maybe).

I agree about the small things, I just need to work out which things to focus on!

You can book a free personal stylist appt at some john Lewis stores.

Me too but 3 months ago. things I tried which might help

-water
-couch to 5NN and off with no guilt if I failed
-pick 4 new work items and look for slightly updated versions (vinted/sales). Stick to a budget. Mine were smart jeans, flats, useful shirt, jacket. I have 6 -8 outfits in rotation
-check cleanser/moisturiser is making me happy as my skin changes with weather
-haircut/conditioning treatments

i would add flu jab as well! Horrible being ill in first few weeks/monthd

good luck and congrats on new job!

10,000 steps a day (if you do 2x45 min walks a day that generally gets you there)

2l of water a day minimum

Cut the refined sugar

Skincare and sleep - prioritise

I wish I would practice what I preach lol

Pint of water first thing in the morning.
Start walking with a plan to get back running.
A good skin care routine.
Get some basic office clothes that you can mix and match. M&S do good office trousers that are comfy. A couple of tops and jacket/blazers should do,

Do you get your nails done? Hair and nails are the things that make me feel polished. A jewellery update too maybe? Instagram will have lots of inspiration. Let us know how it goes!

Im your age. I wish I only had 10 pounds to lose. I'm doing yoga. Makes me feel amazing. Can you get some exercise in you enjoy with the hope of maintaining it?
Clothing wise can you get all your work stuff out and see what you feel good in as a start so you can fill the gaps in.
Sounds like you need some quality every day pieces. I always think autumn /winter fashion is about lovely knitwear.
If I need to refresh my wardrobe I buy clothing online and have it sent to store that way I can try on other things and do returns at the same time.
Can you plan your snacks better? So they're more balanced,
Good luck on your new job.

Jones Road make up is lovely for that no-make up look. I am going for a make-up lesson today at the JR concession at Liberty.

I’m doing a 100 day challenge atm but 10 days in have really noticed the difference so could be worth a try.

bed at nine and up at five
movement every day (could just be a brisk walk)
no sugar
no upf
limited carbs (brown rice/pasta/sourdough)

I second getting your make up done at a counter and trying to replicate at home
hair and nails
possibly personal stylist appointment for new clothes
good skincare routine
all the supplements

As you aren’t overweight, I think in 2 weeks you can easily turn things around to look fabulous without spending loads. I would:

• download 30 day shred by Gillian Michaels and do this every day. It’s only 20 mins but it will dramatically change your shape in a very short time
• Plan what you are going to eat and stick to it. As you don’t need to lose weight, focus on healthy non processed foods rather than getting yourself into a calorie deficit. The exercise will take care of any lumps and bumps
• plan out one at home self care treatment a day (you can repeat some as necessary) - manicure, pedicure, hair mask, facial, body exfoliation,
• use the time to weed out unflattering clothes and organise your wardrobe. Plan out some outfits from what you have. Think about whether you need some new accessories, whether shoes need repaired or clothes dry cleaned. Polish all your shoes well
• book a few professional appointments if you can afford these towards the end of the two weeks - eg haircut/colour, teeth descaling/whitening, eyebrow shape and brow/lash tint, leg wax
• in between all of this don’t forget to relax and rest. Watch the movie, read the book, enjoy your garden or whatever makes you unwind and feel restored.

Good luck in the new role!

I’d look at this as a total project!! I’d book in hair appt at a really salon, nails, botox, teeth whitened, John Lewis personal shopping (at the end in case of a bit of weight loss) . I’d be run/walking every day, lots of batch cooking so that I can keep up healthy eating and top to tie clean and diet out of house ;to keep me occupied, energised and starting work in an energised bang!)

I wouldn't try to do too much tbh. Get outside for a walk every day - fresh air is good for you. Doesn't have to be 10,000 steps as that's an arbitrary figure plucked from who knows where. 7,000 have been proved to be beneficial and is more doable.

Work out your TDEE using an online calculator. If you want to lose weight, deduct around 300 calories from that and track what you eat and drink. Prioritise lean protein and a variety of veg every day. After a couple of weeks you will probably feel better.

Book a stylist appointment at John Lewis - focus on modern work wear. Get a make up lesson if that interests you.

Following. I’m older than you and a size bigger and looking and feeling a bit worse for wear.

One thing I noticed was how much healthier I looked when I was on holiday. My tan on my face has already faded, so I’m going to try some of those drops that you mix into your normal moisturiser. I think the Clarins ones are supposed to be good, but I’ll read some reviews first.

I recently bought a Nars Orgasm liquid blusher and a tiny bit of that does lift my face a little and stop it looking so dull. I also really rate the Nars tinted moisturiser.

Try to make sure you’ve got at least three outfits you feel good in, I think I’d start with:
black trousers
a blouse (printed)
a blazer
a dress
a cardigan
a blouse (plain)
a skirt (printed)
2 plain smart jersey tops

Fake tan. Gatineau do a really good one in a moisturiser - so you use it every day. I buy massive bottles from QVC

How about getting your eyebrows and eyelashes tinted, I’m lazy and it helps me look a bit more polished

Rest!
Do things you enjoy
Put any processed food in a separate place out of the way and make it off limits
Go shopping in your wardrobe - pack away anything that is ill fitting or frumpy, decide what foundation basics you are short of
Clean your shoes
Visualise you being you and getting off to a great start in your new job. Exciting new start - build on your assets and who you are, you are great.

Perhaps buy something like thus to go with jeans but smart ehen required. Doesn't have to be this one!
https://www.whistles.com/product/149999.html?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=17999921653&cq_term=&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=17999921653&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17347183346&gclid=CjwKCAjwz5nGBhBBEiwA-W6XRLV4WD70lfwTNCKtffM-6pvGwPBDFzcmgmbmh9JaEyvGvw0wxx8KJhoC6MYQAvD_BwE

Good luck with the new job. I totally need to join you in getting a bit fitter and feeling better about myself (for different reasons). Some thoughts I have had are:
-starting a couch to 5k. I also used to be a keen runner and had to stop for injury and post pregnancy issues. I am now able to start again and have been advised it is excellent for those returning to running, takes away the dread.
-pull your clothes out onto your bed and work out some new outfits when you can see what you have.
-if you can afford to buy some new clothes, and find it hard to pick outfits, you could get a John Lewis personal shopping appointment to get a few nice outfits for work. I want to do this but have more than a few pounds to lose, so am waiting until I have progressed further with this before buying many new clothes. It sounds like you don't need to lose massive amounts though, so might be OK to buy some new outfits.
-a haircut as someone has suggested.
-possibly a manicure, although I would probably just take the time to do my own properly at home, as nails are always something I think you can easily spend too much on.
-spening the time to do some yoga or pilates videos from YouTube (if you don't already have a regular practice or class) if you like that kind of thing. Also maybe some relaxation podcasts or YouTube videos, as it sounds like you are coming out of a period of stress at work.
-chat to or arrange to see a good friend who you know will boost your confidence

-visit the make up counter of a department store and see if they have any tips or products you want that will boost your look and confidence (without completely changing your look or wasting lots of money).
-remove snacks from the house.
-get some more sleep.

Hope the new job goes well.