How much "maintenance" on your appearance do you do?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do you people have time for all this upkeep? I work FT and hardly have time for a pedicure, highlights and a haircut every 3 months.

+1. I work FT, have a Ph.D. in an area I'm passionate about, and am a parent of a young kid and we have no family in the area. I'm pretty low maintenance. Sure appearance has some importance and I like to look nice sometimes, but it isn't central to my identity. I've had a manicure twice ever. Don't really wear lipstick that often. Haircut about every 3 months. Got very subtle highlights a couple months ago--first time in years. Never wear other makeup, and never have. Exercise is important, and I get regular exercise to stay healthy, but worrying about appearance is just not a priority.

With that PhD, you understand that different people have different priorities, right? (Mostly kidding, ) I have three small kids and work 60+ hours a week. I spend 5-10 minutes applying make-up every morning and aim to do maybe 1.5 hours out of the house doing something "for me" on the weekend, which in a rotation covers highlights, mani/pedi, facials, etc. I work out after the kids go to bed. It isn't really all that time-consuming and it makes me feel pulled together.

I always have trouble with people saying they work 60-70 hours/wk with multiple small children, then implying that they are home every night and have weekends off. When, exactly, are you working and taking care of kids? At some point, you are just lying. 60+ hours/wk with evenings and weekends off and still cooking from scratch and taking care of kids is what? Getting up at 3:30am, leaving at 4:00am, getting to work at 4:30 am, working until, what, 5pm? Then coming home at 6pm, cooking dinner, feeding kids, bath, story, bed at 8pm, then clean up, bottle prep for daycare, working out, and to bed at what, 10pm at the earliest.

Come on, either you don't actually work 60+ hours/wk, you are lying about having hours to yourself on the weekends and evenings to do whatever you want, you only need to sleep four hours a night, or you have some very significant help with housework and childcare outside of your working hours, either from a sp-use or housekeeper/nanny. If that's what it is, just say so. "I am able to do this because my husband is a SAHD and takes care of everything at home," or "I have an amazing nanny who is able to take care of three kids and get most of the housework done so I don't have to worry about it," or "I am one of those people who only needs to sleep 5 hours/night, so I have time to work out and get facials."

Don't say "oh, it doesn't take that much time, anyone can do it."

I'm a SAHM now but I used to work 60+ hours per week. I did very little to no housework when I was working. I spent very little time with my child on weekdays but spent plenty of time with him on weekends. I always got mani pedis. I prefer a massage to a facial.

DH is a surgeon and works 60+ hours per week. He goes to work very early and works late 2-3 nights per week. He does not work weekends unless he is on call and eats dinner with us most nights. We have a PT housekeeper and I'm a SAHM. DH works out a few times a week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:General Health/weight: eat healthy and exercise most days
Skin Care: wash face, use moisturizer when skin feels dry
Hair: get it cut a few times a year, brush daily, very occasionally put in ponytail or style in some way
Clothes: Wear clothes daily
Hair Removal: Shave underarms when needed. Legs when it's too hot for pants.
Nails: Paint myself when I feel like it. Usually they are half painted.
Make up: Wear it when I feel like it... maybe once a week.

Does this really need saying? Gosh, how unkempt must one be not to even brush one's hair daily? (Unless one has the kind of hair that doesn't allow for brushing).

I have curly hair and don't own a hairbrush. Imagine a life other than your own.

Um, read my last sentence. I'll type it out again, since you seem a bit slow: (unless one has the kind of hair that doesn't allow for brushing). I specifically made allowance for people such as you, but you'd rather be offended than read accurately. yourself.

That's the thing about communication: when the first thing you write is stupid and judgementsl, people aren't likely to read any further.

My hair "allows for" brushing, I just choose not to do so. I'd guess brushing daily is more likely to be the outlier.

Then what the hell do you do with it? Leave it a mess?

LOL that you seem to think the only two options are daily brushing or mess.

FWIW, I run my fingers through it while washing, put in product, and style with my fingers.

[Anonymous]

I spend about 10 minutes a day on make up and hair. I work out about 45-1 hour every day. So that's pretty simple, I get about an hour or so of self care every day. Then maybe another 1 hour a month on hair and nail services (pedi only, I don't get manicures). I don't look real fancy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do you people have time for all this upkeep? I work FT and hardly have time for a pedicure, highlights and a haircut every 3 months.

+1. I work FT, have a Ph.D. in an area I'm passionate about, and am a parent of a young kid and we have no family in the area. I'm pretty low maintenance. Sure appearance has some importance and I like to look nice sometimes, but it isn't central to my identity. I've had a manicure twice ever. Don't really wear lipstick that often. Haircut about every 3 months. Got very subtle highlights a couple months ago--first time in years. Never wear other makeup, and never have. Exercise is important, and I get regular exercise to stay healthy, but worrying about appearance is just not a priority.

I also work FT and have a PhD in an area that I'm passionate about. For me, self-care is a priority and I also find it great fun. Exercise, clothing, and a comprehensive skin-care routine makes me feel great and confident. Feeling great then supports my efforts as a mom and employee. How do I have time for this "upkeep"? I make time- even if I have to wake up very early or work late into the night. It's worth it to me.

Same here. Science PhD and two young kids. I used to do very little because I didn't need much, but as I've aged and years of sleep deprivation from young kids have added up, that's no longer an option if I want to feel good about how I look (and it does matter to me). I run 2-3 times per week and do weights 2-3 times. I also get highlights/trim every 6-8 weeks, have a pretty regimented skincare routine, and recently introduced Botox, fillers and some laser procedures. Luckily the latter two last for 1 or more years, and Botox every 4-6 months, so not terrible for me. I do my nails at home. Just short with clear polish there. I also try to dress in a way where I will look hot to my dh. That's also important to me and he notices and has said he appreciates it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I sometimes feel seriously exhausted with all the work it takes for me to look half decent. DH insists I "look good" without makeup and in sweatpants but I don't feel that way. I get regular manicures and pedicures, facial hair removal, color my hair, keep my weight below a certain threshold, invest in a good wardrobe. On top of that I do skin treatments and have a good skincare regimen. I style my hair on a daily basis and wear makeup every single day day.

I wish I could be a low maintenance woman, but I don't believe I have the natural beauty to pull this off. I hate that I feel uncomfortable in jeans and a ponytail. Even when I am put together, it never feels good enough.

OP, your post sound more like a post from insecure woman rather a high maintenance woman. Why would you style your hair and wear makeup every single day? You cannot go two days without washing your hair? How about days when you go to the beach, race, mountain hike?

You don't need to be a natural beauty to pull of the jeans, t-shirt and ponytail look. you have to be confident.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Same here. Science PhD and two young kids. I used to do very little because I didn't need much, but as I've aged and years of sleep deprivation from young kids have added up, that's no longer an option if I want to feel good about how I look (and it does matter to me). I run 2-3 times per week and do weights 2-3 times. I also get highlights/trim every 6-8 weeks, have a pretty regimented skincare routine, and recently introduced Botox, fillers and some laser procedures. Luckily the latter two last for 1 or more years, and Botox every 4-6 months, so not terrible for me. I do my nails at home. Just short with clear polish there. I also try to dress in a way where I will look hot to my dh. That's also important to me and he notices and has said he appreciates it.

Which lasers?

[Anonymous]

The days when I could attract men like flies are over. But I still spend a lot of time on this, for myself, now. It's not wasted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OMG! LOTS and LOTS of maintainence.

Older woman (50+), limited budget and time. I have weekend maintainence and daily maintainence routine. My husband and kids appreciate how I look and if I don't do all this then after a few months I can start looking very rough. I spend around 40 minutes daily and around an hour weekly. Weekly routines and nighttime routines are the best. Health and Beauty both become important when you are older (after 35 years). It becomes difficult to bounce back in health and looks as you age. Maintain a regular healthy weight for most of your life. Do not yo-yo for more than 2 pounds and your face and body will not sag for a long time. All celebs who have continued to look great in their old age have maintained their weight.

Weekly -

HAIR - Color my hair at home every 3 weeks. I buy online the organic brand of haircolor sold at Whole Foods at 40% of the price. Haircut every 3 week. Once a week hair mask or dandruff treatment.

NAILS - Short and shaped at home. I use a metallic color to give a well groomed look. I refresh my nailpolish every week.

PEDIS and MANIS - I use the 1 minute scrub from BB&B for hands. Baby Foot treatment once every 3-4 months.

BODY HAIR - I got my upper lip hair lasered. I hardly need to do any maintainence. Home Brazillian (I got addicted to taking everything off) using Gigi Hard Wax. I also wax through Winter - especially my underarms. I will Nair or shave my legs and arms daily or as needed. Facial hair and neck bleached at home. One facial a week at home.

TEETH - Straight teeth, I do a 3 minute bleach treatment.

Daily -

BODY - Prebath coconut oil application on body. Wash with Glycerin soap. Body cream with extra glycerin and water (equal parts glycerine and water) added to the cream + Tendskin + grapeseed oil.

Hair - Prebath Coconut oil application on scalp. Loreal shampoo + Moroccan oil. Style hair every day.

FACE - Serum, moisturizer with sun-screen, retin-a, Primer, StriVectine for neck, face and eyes. Very light make-up - everyday. I have an unlined face and very youthful face and skin.

TEETH - Twice brushing, daily waterpick with hydrogen peroxide or listerine mouthwash, tongue cleaning twice a day. Many people have nasty breath or bad teeth. Going to the dentist regularly is the biggest thing you can do for your face and your facial structure.

MAKEUP - Eyeliner, mascara, eyebrow filler and lipstick every day.

EYES - Eye exercise every day. Lutein and Latisse. Still not wearing reading glasses.

Clothes that work for me, good shoes that are stylish and comfortable in neutral colors, (ditto with the handbags) and earrings. Layered perfume. Always invest in excellent quality eyeglasses.

Supplements? Hooooo ...this is a long list ...here goes... Iron during periods (still having my periods like clockwork), D3 (5000 mg), B-12, Lutein, Magnesium (Ionic liguid), COQ10, Iodine (2-3 drops occasionally), Cranberry extract, multi-vitamin, calcium (occasional), amino acids, quick dissolve aspirin (once in a while), Ashwagandha, Triphala, Gugul, Ashoka, Brahmi and Shatavari.

LOTS of probiotics yogurt and kombucha everyday, lots of fiber. Turmeric and honey. Avoid cola and junk. Green tea, lemon balm tea, fennel and ginger tea. Lots of fluids. Maintain liver, thyroid health, maintain blood sugar. When you are ill, you will age rapidly on your face and neck. RAPIDLY after 35 years of age and you will not spring back so easily. I do not eat after 6 pm most days.

Yoga, breathing exercise and walking with weights.

How do you not yo-yo more than 2 pounds? I "yo-yo" 4 pounds over the course of one day.

[Anonymous]

Exercise every day (walking the dog, pushing the stroller, lifting my kids, cleaning).
Wash face only at night. Low concentration Retin a every night. Moisturize.
Never step foot outside the house without sunscreen on.
Haircut every 3 months.
Wash hair every 3rd day only.
Botox every 3-4 months.
Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and drink water.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OMG! LOTS and LOTS of maintainence.

Older woman (50+), limited budget and time. I have weekend maintainence and daily maintainence routine. My husband and kids appreciate how I look and if I don't do all this then after a few months I can start looking very rough. I spend around 40 minutes daily and around an hour weekly. Weekly routines and nighttime routines are the best. Health and Beauty both become important when you are older (after 35 years). It becomes difficult to bounce back in health and looks as you age. Maintain a regular healthy weight for most of your life. Do not yo-yo for more than 2 pounds and your face and body will not sag for a long time. All celebs who have continued to look great in their old age have maintained their weight.

Weekly -

HAIR - Color my hair at home every 3 weeks. I buy online the organic brand of haircolor sold at Whole Foods at 40% of the price. Haircut every 3 week. Once a week hair mask or dandruff treatment.

NAILS - Short and shaped at home. I use a metallic color to give a well groomed look. I refresh my nailpolish every week.

PEDIS and MANIS - I use the 1 minute scrub from BB&B for hands. Baby Foot treatment once every 3-4 months.

BODY HAIR - I got my upper lip hair lasered. I hardly need to do any maintainence. Home Brazillian (I got addicted to taking everything off) using Gigi Hard Wax. I also wax through Winter - especially my underarms. I will Nair or shave my legs and arms daily or as needed. Facial hair and neck bleached at home. One facial a week at home.

TEETH - Straight teeth, I do a 3 minute bleach treatment.

Daily -

BODY - Prebath coconut oil application on body. Wash with Glycerin soap. Body cream with extra glycerin and water (equal parts glycerine and water) added to the cream + Tendskin + grapeseed oil.

Hair - Prebath Coconut oil application on scalp. Loreal shampoo + Moroccan oil. Style hair every day.

FACE - Serum, moisturizer with sun-screen, retin-a, Primer, StriVectine for neck, face and eyes. Very light make-up - everyday. I have an unlined face and very youthful face and skin.

TEETH - Twice brushing, daily waterpick with hydrogen peroxide or listerine mouthwash, tongue cleaning twice a day. Many people have nasty breath or bad teeth. Going to the dentist regularly is the biggest thing you can do for your face and your facial structure.

MAKEUP - Eyeliner, mascara, eyebrow filler and lipstick every day.

EYES - Eye exercise every day. Lutein and Latisse. Still not wearing reading glasses.

Clothes that work for me, good shoes that are stylish and comfortable in neutral colors, (ditto with the handbags) and earrings. Layered perfume. Always invest in excellent quality eyeglasses.

Supplements? Hooooo ...this is a long list ...here goes... Iron during periods (still having my periods like clockwork), D3 (5000 mg), B-12, Lutein, Magnesium (Ionic liguid), COQ10, Iodine (2-3 drops occasionally), Cranberry extract, multi-vitamin, calcium (occasional), amino acids, quick dissolve aspirin (once in a while), Ashwagandha, Triphala, Gugul, Ashoka, Brahmi and Shatavari.

LOTS of probiotics yogurt and kombucha everyday, lots of fiber. Turmeric and honey. Avoid cola and junk. Green tea, lemon balm tea, fennel and ginger tea. Lots of fluids. Maintain liver, thyroid health, maintain blood sugar. When you are ill, you will age rapidly on your face and neck. RAPIDLY after 35 years of age and you will not spring back so easily. I do not eat after 6 pm most days.

Yoga, breathing exercise and walking with weights.

Wow! Very impressive!
Where do you get the ashwagandha and the other herbal supplements?

[Anonymous]

Mom of 2 kids under 2. I shower daily. brush my teeth and hair. I get my eyebrows waxed once every few months and highlights once every few months. My AM routine can be completed in 4 minutes including brushing teeth. I know this bc I timed it as part of a joke that it takes DH longer to get ready. I am naturally slender so that helps but of course I'd look a lot better if I had my hair and makeup done.

[Anonymous]

I exercise for about 12 hours each week. Yes its a lot but its my passion.
Botox every 4-5 months
I don't cut my hair very often as I'm growing it out, but get a glaze every 3 months
Wax brows and lip as needed, maybe every 2-3 months?
Pedicure every 2 weeks
weekly manicure
I take a long shower daily where I exfoliate and take my time putting on lotion etc
Massage every other week (90 min)
I've spent a lot of time getting to my lowest weight since adulthood and I like buying clothing that looks good on me.
I eat tons of vegetables, fruits and meat. Few (but some) grains and dairy.

[Anonymous]

I wash hair daily (except weekends) but I wish I didn't--its baby fine and straight and looks limp, greasy. I usually do not blow dry though, only special events or when I have time.

Take care of my teeth, obviously: flossing nightly. brush 2/3x a day, use rinse.

Skin routine is super simple because I have rosacea and can't use much: light milky cleanser, metrogel, moisturizer at night. I should use eye cream but forget.

Do my own nails (Hands), but get pedis every couple weeks in summer only.

cut/color every 10 weeks or so.

makeup most days is minimal: bb cream with sunscreen, mascara, lip gloss. occasionally some highlighter/eyeshadow. Only do more make up for evening event.

exercise 3 days week, should be more.

IPL a couple times a year for rosacea; I just started botox at 46, we'll see. I also have a home led light that I occasionally use when I have rosacea breakout. sunscreen daily.

do not need to wax anything, I'm practically hairless (unfortunately latisse does not work on me either).

Eat healthy but drink wine a couple times a week. Occasionally remember vitamins.

massage every 6 weeks or so.

sleep.

work casual most days but have a lot of evening events.

work f/t with 2 elementary school kids, and I too have a phd .

[Anonymous]

I don't do much - never really have, to be honest. I'm one of those low-maintenance people in terms of appearance. I'm 45 - probably did more in my 20's.

I do work out daily, and am in good shape.
I shower daily and wash my hair daily.
I shave the armpits every day and the legs pretty often.
I keep my eyebrows neatly groomed, and my hair is always brushed, but rarely blow-dried.
Teeth are brushed 2x/day and flossed nightly.
I wear makeup sometimes, but not always.
I put in my contacts sometimes, but usually only for functional reasons, like I'm going on a run and don't want my glasses to fog up.
I'm finally starting to get more gray, so I need to start dying my hair, but I don't care that much.
I paint my toenails but not my fingernails.
I have good skin, so I don't need to do much to it.