Anonymous wrote:Um, am I the only one who is going to suggest Botox?

A little Botox brow lift makes me feel much cuter and more approachable.

Agree -- a little Botox is a confidence boost for sure.

Um, am I the only one who is going to suggest Botox?

A little Botox brow lift makes me feel much cuter and more approachable.

Earrings and lipstick.

Anonymous wrote:A good haircut that I can style. I recently saw pictures of myself from all angles, and was horrified about my pudge sticking out, but at least my hair looked nice!

I can relate to that.

walking everyday some how gives me confidence and when I paint my toenails too even though no one sees them I feel better.

Anonymous wrote:Yep, the hair. A good cut and style makes a huge difference for me. Also, exercise makes me feel fit and tight and strong. I know it’s mental, but when my muscles feel a little sore from working out I feel tighter and sexier. 😄

+1

Don't underestimate the power of this.

Having my hair done. When I'm trying to grow it longer and need to scratch the itch, I get a blowout.

Ovulation and the days preceding it

Seriously. My opinion of myself changes according to my hormonal cycle. I need to remind myself that I am exactly the same person regardless of where I am in my cycle and what my hormones are up to. The PMS bloat and fatigue is not visible to anyone but myself (if I fudge around with slightly more forgiving clothing for those days).

Happy Birthday, OP. You're 40. That's YOUNG. You are beautiful and strong!

Getting a manicure and pedicure always makes me feel very well cared for. It's not exactly the same as feeling beautiful, but it's a really lovely feeling. I don't get them often because they are too expensive in my area to justify regular visits. But I do a few a year, often before vacations or around my birthday, and I love how well kept they make me feel.

Also, I recently bought a steam straightener for my hair, and I love how soft and smooth it leaves my hair. I don't use it daily but will use it anytime I just want a bit more polish. I use with a heat protectant and smoothing creme. This is highly dependent on your hair type though. But it's good to have a default tool or strategy for doing your hair that just makes it look and feel good.

Taking extra time with eye makeup also helps me feel extra attractive. Most days I just do tinted sunscreen, mascara, a stick blush and a little lip gloss. But when I really want to love how I look in the mirror and in photos, taking an extra 10-15 minutes and doing eye-liner, properly applying eye shadow (watch videos online and take tips on shade selection, where to place it, and how to blend, it makes a huge difference) really doing a good job coating my mascara, and then also tending to and penciling in my brows, makes such a big difference in how my face looks. Not worth it daily but when I want a little extra confidence, totally worth it.

I appreciate this is annoying, but true for me. There is nothing that replaces good deep sleep and workouts. But if you are looking for something to cosmetic - great hair that can be easily styled to look its best.

Yep, the hair. A good cut and style makes a huge difference for me. Also, exercise makes me feel fit and tight and strong. I know it’s mental, but when my muscles feel a little sore from working out I feel tighter and sexier. 😄

a blow out (bonus if it is post haircut and color)

Having lost couple of pounds and feeling it.
Plump moisturized skin, and good hair day.

A good haircut that I can style. I recently saw pictures of myself from all angles, and was horrified about my pudge sticking out, but at least my hair looked nice!

Could be a piece of clothing, accessory, make-up, skincare, experience, anything really.

I’ve had a few stressful months in my personal and professional life which have left me feeling like a shell of myself. Also, it was my 40th bday this week so looking for some inspiration.