Glow up tips?

[Mayandwest]

I had a baby 11 months ago and I feel like I’ve lost myself (appearance wise) since then. I know this it totally normal but I’d like to try and look and feel a little better about myself. Can anyone share their glow up tips? I already do quite a bit of walking to try and shift some baby weight and have bought some new skincare. This isn’t about ‘bouncing back’, I just want to feel better within myself.

What do you do for yourself other than walking? I find a nice shower with a good body scrub, body wash, shampoo, conditioner etc really helps me feel glowy. Followed by body lotion, skin care etc. Also taking 5 &10 mins in the morning to put on a bit of make up and do my hair helps

A basic skincare and make-up routine. I use a vitamin c serum and SPF in the morning and then just a bit of CC cream, mascara, blush and tinted lip balm. Plus a spritz of perfume. It takes 5 minutes at the most but I catch sight of myself in the mirror and feel decent for the rest of the day.

Walking helps me feel good too.

When I'm in the zone I have the same breakfast every day. Kefir yoghurt, berries, chopped nuts and chia seeds. Plus a glass of water and a multivitamin with iron. It's high in protein and fibre, nutritious and sets me off on the right footing for the day without having to put any thought into it. If the rest of the day goes to pot I've at least achieved a meal first thing that is doing me some good.

I am in exactly the same position as you, my DS is almost 1 and I've decided to do a few 'glow up' things so I feel a bit more like me. It's definitely working, and this past week I've been feeling great. Things in my list were:

Hair cut and colour - just a trim and had a really subtle balayage so it's a shade or two brighter.
Started drinking more water - I try have a big glass more often throughout the day. I think this has helped my skin look better.
Buy a new bra! My pre pregnancy ones don't fit the same so I thought I'd treat myself to a nice everyday one. I've been living in sports bras, so needed to go back to a more normal bra.
Clear nail polish - makes my hands look nice and like I've made an effort.
Tinted face serum - as well as usual skincare, I have added in a tinted serum so I look a bit sunkissed instead of pale as a ghost.

I would also love a new summer dress, but am planning to buy it as a reward when I lose the last half a stone.

Hi there. Skincare-wise, the two ingredients that will make the most visible difference at this stage are a stable vitamin C in the morning, and a retinoid at night (starting low and slow). Both support collagen and cell turnover which is exactly what hormonally-affected skin needs. For hair, postpartum shedding peaks around 3-6 months and starts improving after that, so if you're past that stage you should start noticing improvement soon. A scalp massage to stimulate circulation genuinely helps. Beyond skincare are hydration, sleep whenever you can get it, and honestly just doing one small thing for yourself every day. You got this!