Worried that if I start having ‘things done’ it’ll be a slippery slope

[CoastalGrey]

I have a big event later in the year and I want to look my best. I’ve got a couple of moles that I’m a bit self conscious about and I also hate my overplucked eyebrows so I’ve looked into getting microblading and the moles removed.

Neither would be cheap and I can’t really afford it but I’m also concerned that it will be the start of increasing dissatisfaction with how I look and constantly trying to ‘fix’ myself.

I’ve never been overly confident and now I’m starting to notice the signs of aging. I’d much prefer to accept them and grow old gracefully but it is tempting with all the different procedures available.

I worry that so many people rely on ‘a bit of this and a bit of that’ and those who don’t won’t compare favourably. But I don’t want the pressure of trying to fight the years - the people who love me are happy with me as I am but it’s hard trying to find a balance between feeling better about myself and going too far.

Anyone else feel like this? What ‘things’ do/have you all had done?

I have my eyebrows done and I've never been tempted to do anything else yet. I am 46 this year. Go for it! They make such a difference

I agree doing your eyebrows makes a huge difference. To me, it’s just like making sure your fingernail are neat and tidy. I can’t see how it’s a slippery slope.

I’ve had a couple of tweaks, had Botox once but wasn’t keen so easily gave up. Loved HIFU and happy with polynucleotides so will keep those up. I think it’s quite easy to stop, partly because of the cost.

I’ve had a little bit of lip and nose filler 👀 the only comments I’ve heard are ‘gosh you look well’. I don’t have any desire for anything wise at the moment and I don’t have a massive hatred for my looks either

The main things I've had done is 2 moles removed from my face and orthodontic work. No regrets, best things I have done for my self confidence.

Since then I have had botox, but I don't go mad.

For my body I have had hifu on my belly, would recommend this for loose skin after pregnancy even years down the line.

None of these have resulted in me wanting mad amounts of work done. I don't want filler or plastic surgery. The little tweaks have been enough to increase my confidence while still looking like me and looking my age!

I think the cost will definitely help me keep it sensible!

I find myself looking at people now and wondering if they really look like that or have done something. The lady who I had a brow consultation with had the smoothest glowy skin and I’m guessing it didn’t come out of a jar.

I've had some moles removed and my teeth whitened. I have a pretty detailed skincare routine, and look after myself in general, but no Botox, lasers etc and no plans for any of it either. I have a lot of grey / white in my hair and I'm letting it come through naturally. I'm 46 and very vain! 😁

I don't think it has to be all or nothing - you can find your own limits of what works for you

I’ve always been tempted to get my eyebrows done! Mine are always OK, but not much definition, but I’m also worried I’ll get microblading and it will look ridiculous. Has anyone got any tips about making sure I get a nice natural look. Shape and hair are there just not definition 😂

I have my eyebrows microbladed and haven't found it a slippery slope at all. It has just filled in my sparse natural brows. Have a look at photos and reviews for the person you choose.....if you're anywhere near Oxford I can recommend my amazing brow lady!

I think everyone chooses for themselves where their line is. So I have microblading and keratin hair straightening but don't dye my hair and am going grey naturally and don't have botox or filler. It doesn't mean that if you choose one treatment you'll start doing them all.

Tinted brow gel has been a game changer for me.

@muddyford which one do you use?

I am in my 50s and had Botox for the first time a few months ago. It made me look a bit fresher. I’m going to do it again. Getting your eyebrows done and a few moles removed does not sound like entry level Mara lago face. Go for it

I’m a believer in staggering treatments and only getting things done when needed, and not too early.

I’ve been having my eyebrows tattooed for about a decade (yearly colour boosts). It makes such a difference.
I then got Invisalign around six years ago with composite veneers (top four teeth only due to chips) and whitening.

I started Botox last summer and I love it (I’m now 40). I had cheek filler last year but this was due to weight loss. It should last around 18 months.
I also have microneedling and polynucleotides every couple of months.

I think I’ll need an upper blepharoplasty in a few years, but it’s something I’ll only get done when I think it’s really necessary.

Little and often is the key, I think!

Incredibrow. I have been using it with a sponge applicator and separate spooly brush, but have just bought one on eBay with the brush being an applicator too. You need micellar water to shift it!

@IwanttoWFH that sounds quite a lot to me! I’m unsure about anything where I have to keep going back for top-ups and further work. Apart from anything else I can’t afford it.

I think it’s quite normal, in people I know etc but it could seem a lot to some. I think I was a late bloomer only starting Botox at 40 😂
There are some great non-surgical treatments out there now, but most do need to be maintained.

It makes sense to think carefully before starting any cosmetic treatment. Small procedures like mole removal or microblading can help with specific concerns, but it is also important to keep realistic expectations and do things for your own comfort, not pressure. I once read some thoughtful perspectives on treatment planning on Visage Sculpture that emphasized balance and personal choice.

Very low tech and low cost option is dying eyebrows. I use Eyelure and it makes such a diference. I started it as I noticed a few grey eyebrows (which showed as mine are naturally very dark) but it grabs all the little ones so the brows look thicker and a better shape. Easy option to try and takes 15 mins.

You either care about looking your best or you don’t. I don’t particularly enjoy signs of aging. I’m 53 and have a bit of Botox, but nothing else. Same with most of my mates. I’ve managed to regrow my plucked brows with minoxidil and dermarolling.

@AsparagusSeason how do those work?

I do care but I sort of don’t want to!

Whats hifu?

You're right to think it's a slippery slope and it's best to see ageing as a privilege. Especially if you can't afford hundreds of pounds on tweakments. Botox along in one place, you are looking at several hundred a year. Realistically for upkeep you need it done 3 times a year minimum. And once you accept injections as a norm for you, it's easy to move onto fillers etc...

I had Botox once and when it wore off I thought God I look old and gross! I was mid 40s. It was more depressing than if I'd never had it. I can see that it's addictive. Fortunately the majority of my friends don't do it which makes it easier. They're all gorgeous and ageing naturally.

If you gave oily skin.microblading won't last as long... there is a risk wgrn the colour fades of you gave a tinyed smudge of colour on your brow area.

Mine faded after a few months but i was left with a blur of red from the undertone of the colour which took a couple ofcyears to fully shift, so I would offer caution depending on your skin type,especially if you can't keep up to tops ups, either time wise or financially (and it was a well known brow perdon I used not sone dodgy perdin!(

@Ionlymakejokestodistractmyself that’s exactly how I feel - I’m worried I’ll ‘correct’ one thing and it’ll highlight what else ‘needs’ doing.