Alot of us who have quite a few pounds to lose might also like to spif ourselves up as we go along. Sometimes, I find that eating is one of the only ways I take care of myself. And I know that needs to change. So, I am starting this thread so that we can all post little tips on taking care of ourselves, beauty hints, meditations, great ways to destress, coping skills. It is all about us.
So, I will start. I have been doing research on chemical peels. My complexion is in great need of perking up. I have found on Ebay that they sell the products for chemical peels at an affordable low cost.But, I'm still looking at this topic. Also, I have started giving myself a facial. I use a facial steamer, then vitamin C peel away mask. Followed by an Aloe Vera freshener. It appears to be improving my skin and has the added benefit of allowing me to take care of me. What are you doing to take care of yourself?

[This message was edited by JenJen on 03-13-04 at 01:44 AM.]

I am making a point to put makeup on whenever I go out of the house. Before I never did. Also, I do not hesitate to use Loreal if the gray is starting to show. Pampering myself with Bath and Body Works spray and shower gels is always a nice reward too.

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320/279/150
Started Atkins 1-19-04

I am doing makeup now - didn't bother for a long time. But my face has really shown the weight loss (first) - and I like it better. Gray - what is that?? haven't seen it in years! Not even sure what my hair is like under the color anymore!

I was blessed with good skin, but I also have vitiligo (areas with no pigment) - and it is getting worse. I have always had coverup for facial areas, but now it is getting all over the place. So, I have taken to doing a self-tanner on legs/arms to control that. It seems to help a lot.

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Mary Kay 1/1/04 - 232
5/19/08 (5/23/08) - sw226/(cw222)/mg210/fg160

Huuummm, I guess I should take some time to put on some makeup, too. Even if it is just me and the kitties. A little lip gloss, mascara would perk me up. Also, I love perfumed bath gels. My favorite is Samsara. It was created by one of the Guerlains, for a woman he was so passionately in love with. Also, love Sublime by Jean Patou (Joy). I got one of those sample sets of perfumes from the house of Patou and loved it more than Joy. I buy almost all of my perfumes,lotions and bath products on ebay. I can layer my scent, then. Got over 200.00 worth of Samsara products for under $30.00. Was I in hogs heaven or what?

Since I have to be dressed up about 6 days out of the week, I make sure that I take a bubble bath at least one night a week. Very relaxing.
Since I also work in reatil and get a sweet discount, I sometimes treat myself to a new outfit or pair of jeans (that I never get to wear because of work, oh well!)
My next goal is to get into B&B Works and check out some of the body lotions and sprays. I love that store, but can never really afford much...maybe one day soon!!

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"Things are only as important as I want them to be"

Emily, there are about 3000 B&B products for auction on ebay. Some start as low as a penny!!All you need to do is got to ebay and type Bath & Body Works in search then in left hand list pick health and beauty. Then search within that category for the product you want. You can pay by checking account if you open a Paypal account (Free). Hope this puts a little glamour in your life. JenJen

I hate to wear make-up , but I take the trouble to put on jewelry every morning. I love earrings and a necklace.

Buying new clothes in smaller sizes is a very fun way to take care of myself. I've started to read books with clothing and wardrobe advice, very interesting.

Alice

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lc since 12/18/01

A couple of things come to mind.....

I find that I'm wearing at least some eye makeup every day. In the old fat days I figured "hey, I wear glasses most of the time, why bother?"

But my new guilty pleasure is getting a pedicure now and then. Love those little red pinkies, even in winter

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BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Makeup and jewelry always do it for me. I at least wear mascara every day, but more often than not, I do the whole shebang. It just makes me feel more together.

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Jen



179/179/120

Hey, I was wondering. If people do chemical peels on faces, chests, arms, etc to firm and reverse aging, could we prevent sag as we lose weight. Preventing arm lift, bust lift? Maybe using a low level peel on delicate areas? Just a thought. Anyone out there have any thought on this matter? JenJen

It's my understanding that chemical peels remove some cellular layers of the outer dermis, leaving newer layers exposed which do not have as wrinked an appearance. However, I don't think a chemical peel can tighten or prevent excess skin since that has more to do with losing the fat layers under the dermis.

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BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Thanks for the input, BC. May end up having to get a few things lifted after all.
One big thing that I did for myself is as a very mature adult, I got braces. Oh yes I did! And I had a wonderful time. I was so proud of them. I got toothcolored braces for the top, but had to get the silver ones for the bottom. I ended up getting colorful wires. My fav color was royal blue. I wore them for about 18 months and went once a month for adjustments. It was so worth it. I got used to being there with all those teenies. I had always wanted braces as my family was financially challenged as I was growing up. When I inherited a little money, I paid for them up front. Most orthodontists will take a down payment then monthly payment plans. Now, if I can just commit to going through a two week bleaching. I do it at home - yes, you can. I just don't seem to get through two weeks. I laughingly joke that when I die, I want my mouth wired open, so people can see my straight teeth. JenJen

JenJen -
I did the braces thing too. When both my teenagers had then, I went ahead and did too. I had them when I was younger, but didn't appreciate it and wouldn't do what I needed to - and let them get back into bad shape anyhow.

I'm much happier. I would recommend it to anyone who feels they need them. It helped me to smile a lot more than I used to.
They put metal ones on my bottom ones, but it turned out I was allergic to them (same with earrings). After 2 days, I looked like Bubba from the Forrest Gump movie.

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Mary Kay 1/1/04 - 232
5/19/08 (5/23/08) - sw226/(cw222)/mg210/fg160

As I read, I am wearing my retainer. I have a few more cosmetic things to do with my teeth. Sometime in the near future. It was liberating to me to go out and get braces. Like a dream come true. I wore them with pride. The day I got them I ran back to the office to show everyone. My orthodontist did not do the invisible ones, that can come off and on. Just clear braces on top with wires and metal ones on the bottom. I am going to pull out my bleach and get back to that. JenJen

Hi Jen,

I made it here. Wow, some great ideas!

As for myself, I don't wear much make up. I am a jeans and t-shirt gal, except when I'm with clients.

I've decided my "changing faces" will be getting my hair done differently. My hair dresser has been dying to put highlights in my hair to "soften" my look. I have very blackhair. I'm not too sure how one can "soften" black. Well, I trust her and will let her do it.

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Kelli (LCing since 01/01/03)
Restarted 02/09/04 @ 155.5