Anyone interested in a glow-up support thread for tips and accountability?

[MrsWhites]

Is anyone interested in a glow up support thread? I thought it might be nice to have somewhere to keep me accountable, share tips and things to avoid etc.

Glow up can be for any reason, summer, anti-aging, wedding etc?

I’m just about to turn 42, always looked young but in the past few years I have noticed age creeping up on me. I need to lose a bit of weight, need to improve tone and texture of my arms and legs. My face is dull and suffers with open pores so lots to work on for me 😂

Would love to hear from anyone else looking to work on their appearance too 👋

I have to admit I am a bit bad with body lotion just a bit of double base if I remember I'll google African nets, might be slightly less scratchy than my metal glove. It is a bit like the metal pot cleaners but fab for feet. An oil spray sounds good too.

Hair dye done eventually!!
Armpit wax done
Hot bath ( I really don't like a bath so rarely have one)

look for Korean cloths on Amazon, they are like microfibre mittens, you can use them in the shower with cheap moisturiser on them, or use them after a hot bath on damp skin and they literally slough dead skin off (it’s kinda grim ).

Yy to the Korean Italy cloths.

I am persevering with the castor oil on my eyebrows and loving the Japanese manicure kit recommended upthread. My nails look so shiny and healthy - exactly what I’ve been after for ages.

Considering some henna shampoo or something similar to deal with a few greys coming through. I want something less than home hair dye. Any suggestions?

I don't know if henna shampoo has enough to cover greys , it is good for gloss though. There's Shrine Drops that you add to conditioner or Bleach London toners ( some bright fantasy colours like blue ,green) I love the Iced Coffee one as a colour boost ( I use Super drug semi permanent dye ,mix of 7.73 and a chestnut brown). The Bleach London one smells gorgeous too

What about colour shampoos ?

I started a thread a few months ago and got some really good feedback and advice on those colour shampoos. I have dark (dyed) hair and Snow White roots and I just feel like I am constantly topping up. I found the colour shampoos ok but not brilliant, and they give my dark hair an odd reddish purple tint which in the end was the reason I stopped using them, but I do think they buy you an additional few days of colour. I find the root sprays much better for coverage and colour but of course they are only temporary

Ah thanks. Sounds like it’s not the way forward. I am reticent about dyeing as I have had several bad jobs (two at home and one salon). I don’t think my hair is compatible! Worst was a brown that went green and had to be grown out. Might have to embrace the greys as they grow. I don’t want to try to improve things and just make it worse!

Not sure its glow up worthy but ive tried taking apple cider vinegar about an hour before meals. Its certainly helped my bloated feeling and I feel like my stomach is much flatter

I've just bought some apple cider vinegar tablets but haven't tried them yet. Glad they're working for you.

I'm very late to the party but would love to join this if possible please. Starting again at 0 after some health problems and really need some motivation in picking myself up again.

I look a shadow of myself with no beauty routine etc.

First place I'll start is having a shower every day (yep I did say 0!) and face care. Also sleep needs an overhaul.

@Chocolatecoffeecup I dilute it in a cup of water then use a straw as it definitely felt bad on my teeth. On the first day it felt a bit sting like in my stomach but fine the next. Definitely helps the bloat!

The last couple of days have been good for me.
I have done the full shower on Saturday, with a body scrub, shaved, then applied self tanner afterwards.
Sunday I painted my nails (fingers & toes), used the body scrub on my feet in the shower, along with my purple shampoo and toner for my highlights. After my shower I used a body oil with castor oil in it, along with some vitamins, to see how that does for my skin. It feels amazing!

I ordered the Korean mitt today, that'll show up later in the week, thank you to the PP who recommended it.
I have been doing the collagen peptides (with probiotics) in my coffee every morning for the last 3 weeks. I thought I had a UTI or other infection a couple of weeks ago, but after getting clear results from the doctor I came to the conclusion the probiotics in the collagen powder was detoxing me or something! I feel so much better now, no bloating or anything either.

I'm focusing on trying to get more sleep this week. I'm failing so far! I am 7 hours behind the UK, but should have been in bed an hour ago. I'll get there. I just have to adjust my evening routine.

Has anyone successfully got themselves to bed an hour earlier consistently? If so, how did you do it? What changes helped you? I struggle to get to bed before 11pm most nights, but have to wake up at 5:15am for work.

Be careful a friend of mine gave herself an ulcer with ACV

@Carriemac oh no, that's made me panic now!

I've got capsules so shouldn't damage teeth but the ulcer doesn't sound great!

I occasionally use ACV as it it the only thing that seems to help gastritis. I am very aware of ulcers though as both my parents have had them. I have had a good degree of success with chia seeds soaked in coconut water for a couple of hours in the morning.

Coconut water has electrolytes in too. It has really helped with bloating and for weight loss, as it helps you feel full. One table spoon has 5g of fibre. Ground flax seeds in soups or porridge is great too.

I'm in bed by 9:30 most nights, asleep by 10:30 usually. Up at 6:15. Had a couple of years of nightmare sleep from my autistic DS so once we got through that my DH and I just absolutely prioritise sleep. I don't really sit in my sitting room, once the kids are gone to bed and everything is tidied up we just head down to the bed room and go to bed and read or watch TV. I know a lot of people like to have some chill out time once kids are in bed but I prefer sleep.

On tge glow up front I'm getting my ears pierced tomorrow 😲 had them done in my teens and twenties but kept getting infections so want to try again as I think earrings can really help with looking "polished".
Also have a consultation on Friday for the 12 week blow dry.

Thank you for replying! I'm going to have to do the same - prioritise sleep. Our youngest is 16 now, so not the same as when we had young ones.
I have to wake up at 5:15am for work. I'm aiming for 7 hours each night as it's still more than I'm usually getting. Last night I was so tired I was actually asleep before 10pm! I just have to take my shower earlier I think, as that's the start of my bedtime routine. I have a good routine right now, just too late!

Yesterday I wore less makeup to work than normal and felt so good. I'm definitely going to keep going with that. I just used my concealer under my eyes, and Glotion all over my face, mascara and setting spray, no powder. My skin felt better, not dried out, and it could breathe!

Am checking in. Have lost about 4 kilos (in 6 months! Am taking it slow and steady) so am now more a size 8 than a size 10, and pilates 3x a week has given me a flat stomach again, hooray.

Cellulite on upper arms and thighs still terrible though (and am only 40!). Mum has always had bad cellulite though, so presume it is genetic and there is nothing I can do about it and it will just get worse. Open to suggestions though!

Otherwise, am enjoying the healthy eating, have a facial and a haircut next week, and will get some Korean cloths too as I had forgotten about them - but this thread reminded me so thank you 😊

Best thing for cellulite is cutting out sugar and alcohol, and dry brushing. It really does make a difference. I have very little cellulite as I run so much and I was told it’s a blood flow/ circulation thing, but when I go on holiday and drink lots I always have it visible when I get home 🤷‍♀️

My weekend glow up plans-
I must must must colour my hair. It’s looking dreadful. I have to straighten it first to make sure I get it all and then colour it, takes bloody ages 😢
I want to do my nails and give my feet a nice soak and scrub. I also really want to use my foam roller and give my legs a bit of tlc, they are so achy and tight at the moment.
I also desperately need some new bras and I may pop into town to next to have a look, plus I have listed a load on vinted and made some sales and I have another huge pile to go on. I’m doing a clothes swishing event in 2 weeks and anything not sold on vinted by then is going there so I am pricing it to sell and getting rid.

I haven't been sleeping well, due to hot flushes, but last night I did try going to bed an hour earlier. I think it did help a bit until ds woke me gaming at 3am 😆I'll try again tonight.

I loved both the Korean mitt and the glycolic wash. Diet and exercise has been consistent and I lost a grand old pound this week.

Next week I shall concentrate on hands and feet.

Glad you like the glycolic body wash @Neuronimo
I’ve had a good week. Kept up with logging calories, getting at least 10k steps and did an exercise class. Also lost 2lbs which I’m pretty happy with!
I did a body scrub, moisturiser and painted my toenails this morning. Planning to shape, push back my cuticles and paint my nails this evening and if I get chance put on a collagen face mask. Hope you have all had a good weekend

I also lost 2lb this week, coloured my hair yesterday.

My glow up goals this week are: to make a dr appt to discuss my HRT, to use my gleam strips again, and to have a bit of a ruthless cull of my wardrobe. It’s overwhelmingly full. I did a clear out and only kept what I like, but now I think I need to review what I like and decide what i actually need. Like, I do not need 5/6 hoodies, plus 5 jumpers, plus 5 cardigans. It’s just ludicrous. Plus I know I have things in the loft - there’s a pair of Uniqlo culottes I’m looking for that I want to wear to work and I can’t find!
I also am going to make the most of the World Cup and get a few early nights, as I have zero interest in football 🤣