I'm feeling terrible about myself right now -- what can I buy to make myself feel better?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like "projects" so I can feel like I'm making progress rather than a one time purchase. Makes me feel like I have some level of control.

I have Invisalign for my teeth. IPL hair remover. And individual beauty products for a targeted need - currently a dark spot corrector for some acne scars.

Yes!! To piggyback on the projects concept, a tube of tretinoin is less than $100. It’s hands down the best long term investment you can make for your skin. I use .05 every night and love the ritual of doing something for myself that I can stick with for the long haul.

[Anonymous]

A bkr water bottle in a color you really like. If you don’t have time to go to the salon, get the stuff for semi cured gel nails. Ohora has some really nice colors and designs and you can get them on Amazon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Clothes, makeup, skincare, I don't know. Some kind of treat. Under $100 would be great but I'm open to more if it would solve all my self-esteem problems on a temporary basis.

I'm 44, a mom, my career is stalling, peri-menopause is hitting me hard, I don't get enough sleep, I don't have enough friends, my marriage is okay but I feel like we're totally out of sync, I'm feeling all the middle-age "what does it all mean?!" hard and I just want to feel beautiful or well cared for or both, even if it's only fleeting and based on a great dress or fantastic perfume or something.

Yes, yes, it would be better for me to be asking for therapy recs. This is cheaper! Help a mom in a middle life crisis feel good about myself for a minute!

Go to your favorite book store and buy two or three.

Go to an art store and buy some colored pencils.

Go look at old pictures of your kids or when you and your husband fell in love or a great vacation you took.

Or go to Lucky Scent and buy a sampler pack.

[Anonymous]

What are your hobbies? I would buy something to advance my hobby or start a new one. (Also a Nars lipstick but only if that doesn't go over budget ...)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Therapy

Nah. Highly overrated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Rocky Road Haagen Dasz: temporary feel good, almonds for protein; don’t forget the calcium; and almost $100 these days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t make it a one time purchase, OP. Do nice things for yourself weekly.

Cater to each of your senses daily.

Flowers, plants, perfume, lotion, soaps - for smell

New sheets, pjs, new hairbrush, massage, yoga - for touch

Watch feel good movies, turn off the news, keep pretty flowers by your front door, new clothing, new jewelry - for sight

Explore music like you did when you were young - find new playlists on a Spotify, see live music, change up what you listen to in the car, spend time listening to the sounds of nature (birds, beach, quiet) - for sense of hearing

Indulge in coffee, tea, desserts, restaurant meals, fresh fruit, - sense of taste

Do these things often. If you want retail therapy, and are on a budget, shop places like TJMaxx and Marshall’s for nail polish, clothes, beauty items, etc.

Make treating your senses each week part of your routine. Don’t deprive yourself. Celebrate yourself and enjoy how these things make you feel. And yes, with creativity and forethought, this can all be done on a budget. Don’t overspend amd get into a financial pickle.

I love this! (I’m not OP).

[Anonymous]

Nothing like a good massage to instantly feel better

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Olaplex No. 3 from Sephora. It repairs hair and makes it shiny. I leave mine on for 30 minutes before rinsing. Always leaves my hair shiny.

I thought people were reporting Olapex to be the cause of their hair drying out and breakage.

[Anonymous]

I’m cautious about encouraging you to buy your way out of this slump. It hit me like an addiction. I was constantly shopping online, spending $$$, I didn’t have for the rush of something new and pretty. All of these things were empty and did not address the issue. It caused a lot of financial stress and took a toll on my marraige. Investing in a hobby for myself was the best thing I’ve done. Then, for appearance, I spent money on the things that would make a big difference: botox for the lines on my forehead that made me look anxious and upset, lip filler, nice highlights. Also the 30 lbs I’d gained made me feel frumpy and horrible, so an rx for compounded ozempic. I now feel like I’m looking forward to (instead of dreading) the rest of my life.

[Anonymous]

Botox. Not cheap but it does wonders for my self-esteem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fun nail polish and gradual self tanning moisturizer. You will look totally like yourself just a little bit more glow. Maybe you don’t need it, so it might not be relevant, but I always feel better when my skin is lightly tanned and moisturized. Hides all the spots

Not OP, but can you recommend a somewhat inexpensive self tanning moisturizer?

[Anonymous]

Grab a friend and go out for dinner.

[Anonymous]

To piggyback on the projects concept, a tube of tretinoin is less than $100. It’s hands down the best long term investment you can make for your skin. I use .05 every night and love the ritual of doing something for myself that I can stick with for the long haul.

Buy from ReliableRx.com or AllDayChemist.com and you can get a year's supply for $50.

[Anonymous]

OP here, thank you for the suggestions. Definitely buying flowers and a new vase this week.

I think I'd also like a new dress. I have an event for my kid coming up later this month and it's not super fancy but it would be nice to feel great about how I look that day. Anyone have and great day dress suggestions that might be a mood boost? Maybe something bright and floral but also super comfortable? I could definitely use the shot of confidence.

I really like karinadresses.com. Lots of sizes, prints, even dresses with pockets.