It’s ironic that as I type this post I’m sitting in mismatched pyjamas with an oversize cardigan that could easily pass as my Nan’s. However, this post is one that I have been looking forward to writing for a little while so I’ll try to ignore that fact whilst I type. Recently I have been trying to re-evaluate a few things in regards to my personal life, I’ve been trying to decipher what actually makes me happy and what makes me feel good as I haven’t felt that way for a while. It’s a working progress for sure however I’ve started off with a few simple things.
Whilst I have been studying for what feels like an age I’ve found myself in somewhat of a rut. I have been at home a lot when I haven’t been at work and had found myself starting to feel as though I had ‘let myself go’. Staying in your pyjamas all day is perfectly OK on your day off yet I honestly felt as though I was living in mine. This had become more of a routine rather than a ‘lazy day treat’ which I knew I needed to nip in the bud pronto. By making the effort to pick out something nice to wear for the day and even wearing a little bit of makeup, regardless of whether I was actually going out or not I noticed in myself that I immediately felt more motivated and more on top of things. Have you ever had a telephone interview and been given the advice to be dressed as if you were having a physical face to face interview? I guess it’s the same principle that I’m trying to get across in my own roundabout way as by being physically prepared you are often more mentally prepared too.
This got me thinking about those little things that I do in my daily routines to make myself feel more confident and in some circumstances more motivated. There are many things that I could include within the topic of making yourself feel more confident and indeed happier within yourself however considering this is a beauty blog primarily I thought I’d focus on a few of my favourite things within that realm for today. Whilst not for one minute would I ever suggest that you need makeup or pretty clothes to feel good I know that deep down these do add to my own confidence. I don’t feel ashamed to say that.
I don’t know about you but no matter what anybody says I do find that having pretty lingerie always makes me feel good, even if I’m having one of those dreaded ‘I hate my thighs’ days. There’s just something incredibly satisfying about nice lingerie in my eyes, especially these days when there are so many different designs, colours and styles available. The One Jessie Bra* along with the many available within the lingerie range at House of Fraser is so beautiful, it is sophisticated and dare I say sexy, yet it is not over the top and comes in the most beautiful emerald green.
Painting my nails is always an instant morale boost for me, mainly because it shows I have achieved something by actually letting them reach a length which is suitable for painting. Picking out a nail polish and doing an at-home manicure always makes me feel good, I cannot lie that having painted nails makes me feel really feminine but that might be purely because I tend to have rather short stubby nails 99% of the time. Recently I have been opting for more nude shades and have avoided the typical spring pastel trend; Essie Ballet Slippers has been a favourite for a while and continues to be just that.
Both lipstick and fragrance are the final things that add the finishing touches (clearly I’ve skipped a few steps here), there’s nothing like popping on your lipstick and spritzing on your favourite fragrance before you head out of the door. The NARS Audacious Lipstick in the shade Anna was a shade that I had wanted since Christmas, therefore, it goes without saying that this is currently my shade of choice, whereas without fail when it comes to fragrance I always go for Stella by Stella McCartney; it’s a classic.
Obviously there are heaps more things you can do in order to make yourself feel more motivated and energised. I could list so many things right now such as exercising, eating more healthy, taking up a new hobby or going out and meeting new people. For now, I’ve stuck to beauty however I’d love to explore this type of post further, I think it is good to address the things that make us feel good so that we know what they are so that we are able to stick to them more.
If all else fails ladies and I really just cannot be bothered with all of the above then I’ll always turn to a good old book; it’s a fail-safe which more often than not cannot be beaten. Currently, I’m reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert because it has been on my to-read list for about three years now. I think it will be good although it’s too early to tell just yet, although whilst wrapped up in this cardigan I’m sure I’ll fly through it, it’s so cosy!
