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!

I had broadly the same situation earlier this year. 2 weeks isn’t long but long enough to rest your mind in prep for the new job, especially if the previous one was a bit stressful.

Here’s a few things I did:

lovely long walks in nature most days (it was May so great weather tho)
hair cut
drink more water, eat cleaner (so much easier when you don’t have so much “life” going on!)
week 1 shop your wardrobe, week 2 go shopping if you need (or want!) to
makeup lesson is a good shout

good luck with the new job!

Love this!

I would have a two week heath kick - lots of healthy eating, ditch the snacks, drink plenty of water and find some exercise that you would enjoy. If you enjoyed running before, why not try couch to 5k to get you re-started?

in terms of feeling a bit in a rut style wise, maybe check out some Instagram accounts for inspiration and then go shopping. I like wearsmymoney, stylebyclairlopez can be good for putting together some capsule wardrobe looks. Mix and match good quality basics with something cheaper/high street to get yourself feeling up to date. There’s an a thread on here about autumn purchases, which might give you some inspiration about current trends. I picked up a mix of tops from John Lewis, mango, Zara and H&M for a bit of a wardrobe refresh recently for things to go with existing trousers and jeans.

I’m a firm believer that before you think about your make up, think about your skin. Is your complexion clear and bright or dull and dry? Water is great, but if you’re not happy with your face maybe have a look at your skin care routine? In the morning I cleanse, use an AHA toner, vitamin c, moisturise, always spf. The evening is for double cleansing, peptides, retinol, moisturise.

do you have any friends and go always look put together? Maybe they’d be joy a shopping trip with you?

Also, as others have said, if you need it, get a haircut.

Thank you so much for all the suggestions. This evening I will go through them and make a list and an action plan for the next two weeks. I'm feeling quite focused and haven't got the stress of work.

HI @Spyweasel don't know if this is of interest to you, but I've just had my make up done at the Jones Road stand in Liberty's and they did such a great job! It's free if you buy 95 quid's worth of make up. Just an idea if you feel your make up needs a refresh.

7000 steps a day, 7 glasses of water, 7 hours of sleep

And a haircut/colour. And get your nails done.

Absolutely!

I'd prioritise:

1. hair cut and colour
2. professional eyebrow shaping
3. dentist and then teeth whitening

For low maintenance beauty: tinted moisturiser, tinted lip balm (e.g. Clinique black honey), eyelash curler

Before buying anything, can you do a wardrobe audit? Are there pieces that are definite keepers? Can you revive any clothes with cheap alterations? Is there anything that doesn't suit you that you can sell on Vinted?

Wins the thread. I’m struggling with the sleep and am rubbish with the water but good on the steps. Going to try harder with the water.

The things that have helped me most are - cutting out all sugar (except wine) it's really hard at first but it gets easier and lose weight quite quickly esp on stomach, take boots own brand beauty vitamin blueberry gummy which really helped my skin and nails, a water bottle with time of day/volume on to monitor intake, the 'what to wear for' Instagram page for outfit ideas and actually going to the shops to try things on. I've only bought high street stuff - mostly H&M, Zara, New Look and River Island - I've found to be the best places for me. Dior nail glow for nails (two coats). Wow dream coat for hair - makes it lovely and shiny. Also watch Erica Taylor on instagram for make up ideas. And FitbyMik on YouTube for exercise!

Would love to know what you tried @Spyweasel !

Get on MYfitness pal the free version and log all your food honestly. Try and consume 100g protein a day and maybe stick to 1500 calories a day, drink more water and try and do 10k steps a day (try and cook/eat as much unprocessed food as poss).

Book an appointment at the hairdressers, get eyebrows done, leg wax if you need one, nails done and a facial. Maybe book an appointment with a John Lewis personal shopper or treat yourself to some new basic clothes that you feel good and confident in.

I would do any or all of:

Haircut
Botox
Gel manicure
Eyebrow tint and wax
Dental hygienist appointment and whitening strips if needed

Add a new outfit and you will walk in feeling a million dollars.

Thanks, everyone, for all your ideas and support.

So almost 2 weeks later and I'm feeling a lot better! Looking back i was feeling run down and overwhelmed from my last job. I'd developed a snacking habit and was comforting myself with lots of sugar.

Just being off work has improved my mood no end. I have cut out sugar, snacking and UPF. I've been recording and planning my meals in the Zoe app, which I had subscribed to at the beginning of the year but had stopped.

Also, been out for a short walk mornings and evenings and been for a couple of swims.

I already have hair appointments every 7-8 weeks but I've made an effort with styling it after washing. Done a few conditioning treatments. Eyebrows are not too bad as it wasn't that long ago that I had them threaded but I tinted them and they look better.

I did a huge wardrobe audit and have spent a couple of days wandering round Bluewater, chatting to knowledgeable sales assistants and buying a few staples for work. Today I literally tried everything on (new and old) in every combinination imaginable! So I feel happy with what goes together and what I still need (will probably have a good look online for some final bits).

I haven't updated my make up but, I have been taking extra care of my skin. I think that, together with the fact I have improved my diet (oh yes and drunk gallons of water per day!) has significantly improved the look of my face. I imagine the break from work and the chance to relax has helped too.

My teeth are pretty good anyway as I had them whitened a while back but I did a top up which has also helped.

Nails - have grown nicely. I was nibbling on them at the end of my last job because I was so stressed. I'm going to see if I can get a manicure tomorrow at the local salon. Gels wreck my nails but it would be nice to get them shaped, cuticles done, bit of clear polish.

I think that's everything. I even feel slimmer, although I know I can't be, but im probably less bloated from the improvements to my diet.

I'm just lucky to have had a full two weeks off with nothing else to worry about.

Love this thread. I also have a similar situation and want to get my shit together.

I was lucky I had some time off. I had got into bad habits and was skipping a lot of self-care. My mind feels so much clearer being away from a stressful work environment, which makes things easier. Perhaps start small with one or two changes and go from there.

Really good bra and underwear. A good bra will make you look 6 lbs lighter. Highbrow wax, eyelash tint, well cut clothing. Manicure and great hair cut. Throw some money at it and you’ll look fab :)