Here’s a question for you, are you happy with yourself? Or is there something or some things you would like to improve on? Everybody wants to be at the top of their game and look their best, right? Well unfortunately, most of us don’t have the time or motivation to go through with a self-care plan. A lot of us don’t even have any idea on how to start. Not to worry though, because all you need is a little push. These 8 short and easy steps will help you achieve that long-awaited glow up you’ve been craving for months and won’t only make you look better, but also have you feeling better as well!

Develop a Skincare Routine

Our skin is our shell, our outer covering, our shield. It’s the first thing those around us  see when we meet them for the first time, so shouldn’t we make sure we feel good in it and keep it clean and smooth at all times? Skincare isn’t easy, different products react according to the person and their skin. The best way to go about this is to do some casual google research on your own about skincare products and skin types. Find mixtures best suitable for you! It’s even better if you have access to a dermatologist, because they can give you professional advice on how to improve your skin. If you don’t want to handpick individual products, go for a pre-made routine brand name like ProActive. Once you’ve figured out what you’ll be using on your face, make sure to stick with it. Routine and repetition is key. DON’T SLACK! Do your routine every morning and night around the same time for a few weeks to a couple of months and expect much clearer and balanced skin in the end!

Change Your Style of Clothes 

Style is a means of personal expression. We wear clothes that we like and clothes that we feel comfortable in. Maybe you’re really happy with your current wardrobe already, but ask yourself this, “Are these clothes really me?”. If the answer is yes, then congratulations! You’re already one step ahead, but if the answer is no, try switching up your closet a bit and see what items truly reflect your personality and taste. Try determining your aesthetic first if you work better with labels and themes. Do you have more of a soft vibe? Or are you edgy and kind of alternate? Do you have a particular interest in a certain 90’s decade? Or do you feel your best in clothes that just scream confident? Whatever your aesthetic may be, as long as you feel comfortable, you’re doing it right! Explore outside just our local shops and go-to stores. Browse online, go thrifting, enter a store you’ve never been to before, look for ideas on social media like instagram and pinterest, step out of your comfort zone. You may end up falling in love with a style you’ve never even considered in the past so just be sure to keep an open mind and remember to be true to you!

Try a New Hairstyle

A hairstyle can either make or break a person’s look, it’s just the facts. While a bob cut can make you look cool, some layers and curtain bangs could make you look like a model! Remember that there are way more hairstyles out there compared to what you just typically see out on the street. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but also don’t let yourself get impulsive. One rushed decision could have you living with regret for the next 7 months, so always think things through before doing anything. But with that, remember that hair grows back and that anything can look good if it’s worn with confidence! To determine your ideal hairstyle, study your face shape. Some styles just complement certain shapes better than others. Consider details like  bangs, layers, length, extensions, shaving, perming, and parting. Hair dye is another fun and creative way to add personality to your ‘do as well. In the end, style your hair the way you want it to look, not how others would prefer it to look.

Daily Affirmations 

A glow up isn’t only physical, it’s mental too. Your mindset is one of the most important things in self-care and in life in general. Yeah you look good, but do you feel good? Do you believe you look good? You could be wearing 3 big name brands on your body but if confidence isn’t part of your outfit, you won’t shine. It’s not narcissistic or conceited to compliment yourself and remind yourself you look good, it’s called self-love which is something you absolutely deserve! Every morning after you wake up and every night before you go to bed, go to the mirror and tell yourself that you look good, that you deserve good things, and most importantly, that you love yourself. It will feel uncomfortable and cringe at first, but that’s part of the process. It’s harder to say things we don’t believe, so the more you do it, the more you’ll feel comfortable and confident saying it and therefore, the more you’ll believe it. 

Get a Role Model or Support System 

As much as we’d like to go through all this character development by ourselves, we can’t do this alone. We’ll need a support system and a role model. A glow-up journey isn’t smooth sailing. It’s a bumpy road with obstacles, dead ends, detours, and sometimes backtracks, but you have to keep going and sometimes you just need someone to hold you up when you feel like crumbling. Surround yourself with people who accept you for you. Let your environment be a safe space. You should be able to be yourself around your friends and family and your support  system should be willing to see you on your best and worst days. Form strong bonds that are real and always remember your worth when it comes to any relationship. Try finding a role model as well. Sometimes our biggest motivation and inspiration is another person. They could be a friend, a family member, or even a celebrity. Finding comfort and hope for yourself in a person can be really helpful especially when you’re feeling down and discouraged. Celebrity role models, believe it or not, make great people to look up to because their ambition and accomplishments can serve as a strong fuel for yourself, and you don’t know them personally so they can’t disappoint you!

The common theme throughout all these steps is to feel good, feel like yourself, and to feel comfortable. Glow ups and self care should be done for yourself and only yourself, not for others. So the more authentically you you are, the better you’ll feel and the more effective your glow up will be!