 Feeling the
part
Pregnancy and the subsequent sleepless nights have taken their toll
on your figure, face and fashion sense. For many mums, the anxiety about
returning to work is as much about how you look, as how you feel. We have
asked several experts to advise you on how to re-enter the job market
looking and feeling fantastic.
Smartening up your image
Linzi Boyd is the co-host of BBC3's latest makeover show - Say No To
The Knife. The programme sees her and psychotherapist Rachel Morris steer
their subjects away from cosmetic surgery by overhauling their images.
TV stylist Linzi urges mums to start by ditching those sick-stained t-shirts
and baggy jogging bottoms.
She says: "Smartening up your image needn't cost a fortune. Besides,
you've probably spent nothing on yourself for ages.
"Detox your wardrobe. Get rid of anything you'll never wear again. Buy
staple pieces to mix with what's left. Avoid 'must-have' items, but buy
a great coat which can last several seasons."
Many women find their feet go up a size in pregnancy. Linzi recommends
a dose of retail therapy.
"Invest in good shoes. Get something with a chunky heel that you can
run around in, but also wear with your kids."
If you've got it flaunt it, says Linzi, and if not… disguise it.
"Breastfeeding mums shouldn't hide their boobs away, but show some cleavage.
It's more flattering. Wear a belt - accentuating your waist will give
you an hourglass figure.
"Get measured for the right bra, as a properly fitted bra can actually
make you go down a dress size."
As for the dreaded baby bulge, Linzi says: "Never wear crop tops and
be careful of high-waisted stuff. Layering is a big look this season and
long vests are great for hiding your tummy.
"Buy some magic knickers. They hold in your bottom and your stomach.
Nobody sees them and your figure will look much better."
'Bad hair days and black circles
Having a baby can bring on a never-ending bad hair day. Linzi says: "Hormones
wreak havoc with your hair, sometimes causing it to fall out. Get a great
haircut as nothing makes you feel better. You can even get away with wearing
rubbish clothes if your hair looks good!
"Remember you are a woman, not just a mother. Walk with your head held
high - you've just given birth and that's wonderful. You deserve a major
pampering."
Professional make-up artist Amanda Kaye has plenty of pointers on reviving
tired skin and hiding hideous bags.
Mum-of-two Amanda says: "With hormone changes your skin can become oilier,
so you can get spots during and after pregnancy. Don't avoid moisturiser,
as dehydrated skin actually gets spottier."
A good skincare routine is essential, says Amanda.
"Working mums need something quick. Wash your face with cleanser, and
tone and moisturise day and night. Using a good moisturiser under the
eyes will help get rid of the tired look."
Good quality products will energise your skin, says Amanda.
"I use natural skincare products called Seisho™ from Japan. I also recommend
ThalassoKea™ gel pads which work like a face mask. They are full of nutrients
which sink into your skin.
"You can wear them for 20 minutes while you're doing stuff at home, and
they leave you looking like you've had a professional facial at the spa."
Amanda, who offers a personal shopping service for make-up, says: "The
best product to use in a hurry is a good concealer. If you have imperfections
go for a tone darker than your skin with a moisturising property.
"If you are pushed for time, concentrate on the t-zone - your forehead,
nose and chin."
She adds: "Don't use dark eye make-up. It makes your eyes look smaller,
shadows darker and accentuates fine lines. Lighten up the area instead."
 Losing
the baby bulge
A good diet also helps maintain that healthy glow. Amanda says: "Avoid
all the whites - bread, flour, pasta and rice. They have no nutritional
value. Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin.
"A good sleep also helps as the body heals itself at night, though obviously
that's easier said than done!"
Judy DiFiore, a specialist consultant in ante and post-natal fitness,
suggests simple ways to keep fit and burn fat at work.
"Get off the train or bus one stop early and walk the rest of the way.
If you're driving, park further from the office."
If you do plan to walk, however, remember to wear appropriate footwear.
"Once at work, use the stairs not the lift," says Judy.
"At lunchtime you could find a green space and do a bit of a power walk.
Alternatively, join a gym, but go with a friend to keep motivated."
There are also exercises you can do at your desk. "Do several sets of
pelvic floor exercises at regular intervals throughout the day," says
Judy.
"Sit in an upright position, because if your back is held in the correct
alignment you immediately look slimmer.
"Once you're sitting tall, pull your tummy inwards, towards the spine.
"Don't aim to do hundreds of sit-ups at the gym, but focus on drawing
in your tummy throughout daily life. You should concentrate on these deep
abdominals which hold your tummy in."
by Lianne Kolirin
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