Start your glow up journey with this ultimate glow up checklist. Improve your appearance and mindset to be your best self.
Are you looking for ways to improve your life, but don't know how?
It can be exciting yet overwhelming deciding you want to go on a "glow up journey".
However, following actionable steps consistently can be hard.
I know when I wanted to improve my life, I had no clue where to start.
Do I focus on enhancing my appearance? Should I be spending all day learning something new or going to the gym?
The thing I've come to realize is that everyone's glow up journey may look different... and that's perfectly okay.
After plenty of trial and error trying to improve both my appearance and mindset, I've come up with a glow up checklist.
It's important to remember you truly can't improve your outward appearance without doing the mindset work to feel comfortable and confident in who you are.
This post is filled with glow up checklist essentials you should consider in improving your life to look & feel your best.
In this post you'll learn have a complete glow up checklist to follow to become the best version of yourself.
What Is A Glow Up
A glow up is when you make a major transformation in your life. This can be physical in your appearance, a mindset shift, learning a life-changing talent, etc.
Commonly glow ups are closely associated with major physical changes to improve your appearance.
However, in order to make positive, lasting physical changes, you need to do the mental, internal work to better yourself.
How To Glow Up (that actually works!)
The key to actually achieving a "successful" glow up transformation are 3 things:
1. Consistency
2. Patience
3. Setting Realistic Goals
You cannot expect to glow up overnight and expect these results to be lasting, life-changing results.
Therefore, don't set unrealistic timelines and goals. Don't compare yourself to others. I know... it's easier said than done!
Instead, focus on truly improving yourself, at least 1% each and every day. You'll start to see gradual improvements with consistent daily effort.
Benefits Of Glowing Up
There are sooooo many AMAZING benefits of glowing up. This incudes:
- Being Healthier
- Learning More About Yourself
- Feeling Happier
- Feeling More Confident
- Discovering New Passions/ Interests
- Growing As An Individual
- ....and more!
Don't expect your glow up journey to be easy, especially in the beginning.
But... trust me, the hard work is worth it!
Physical Glow Up Checklist
Follow these physical glow up checklist essentials to improve your appearance.
Face
Your face is obviously one of the first things people look at when they see you. Use these 3 tips to naturally enhance your face.
Perfect Your Skincare Routine
It's essential you follow a healthy skin care routine morning and night.
Your skin is exposed to sooooo much grim and bacteria.
Therefore, to help clear your skin for effortlessly radiant skin, consider this skincare routine:
- Use a gentle cleanser.
- Moisturize your face (highly recommend a moisturizer with spf)
- Exfoliate your face twice a week.
- Apply spot treatments to breakouts.
It's essential you apply facial sunscreen each morning. Whether you have spf in your moisturizer or as a standalone facial sunscreen is completely up to you!
I LOVE the Cetaphil Face Moisturizer with SPF 35. Not only is it super affordable, but it's hydrating on the skin (without causing breakouts) and also has SPF.
Another moisturizer I'm OBSESSED with is the Elta MD Tinted Moisturizer. It provides a light coverage that makes you look like you're wearing foundation (without the breakouts haha). And it's also hydrating and has SPF.
Naturally Grow Your Lashes
Did you know there are lash serums to grow your lashes?!
Ever since I discovered the game-changing idea of eyelash growth serums I've never looked back.
If you want longer eyelashes that last, without getting lash extensions, lash growth serums are the way to go!
As long as you are patient (it takes about 4-6 weeks to start seeing results) you'll soon be getting soooo many compliments for your lashes.
The very first lash growth serum I ever used was the Rodan and Fields Lash Boost.
This product is AMAZING... the kicker is it's expensive.
Now I use the Grande Lash Enhancing Serum. I LOVE it because 1) it works just as well as the Rodan and Fields product 2) it's more affordable 3) you can get it on Amazon.
Use Face Masks
A face mask is a fun self care activity. It's also great at adding hydration to your skin.
There's all kinds of face masks at Target and on Amazon you can try.
Consider using the LAPCOS Pearl Sheet Mask. This will help brighten your face. And, it makes for a calming self care activity.
I like wearing a face mask once or twice a week just to add some extra hydration.
Hair
There are so many fun things you can do to change up your hair game. Whether you decide to color your hair, cut it, grow it out, try a new hairstyle, or use different hair care products.
Here are some physical glow up checklist hair essentials to try.
Schedule A Hair Appointment
Your hair is a great way to change up your look and enhance your appearance.
Consider scheduling a hair appointment to get highlights, dye your hair a completely different color, or get a hair cut.
Use Hair Oils
If you find you have really dry hair, consider applying oils into your hair before you shower.
Use a few drops of Jojoba oil and a few of drops of Argan oil and gently rub the oils throughout your hair and scalp.
Leave the oils in your hair for at least 15 minutes. Then, thoroughly wash your hair.
The oils will help with hair growth and help your hair feel silky smooth.
Wash Your Hair 1-2 Times Per Week
Another tip if you notice your hair is super dry is to ONLY wash your hair once or twice a week.
I know it can be hard, especially if you workout everyday, but hear me out.
The natural oils of your hair help hydrate and nourish your hair.
If you wash your hair every day, this just strips the natural oils from your hair, leaving it feeling dry.
Avoid Heat (Use Heat Protectant)
Another obvious hair care glow up checklist tip is avoid using heat on your hair.
Straightening or curling your hair with a curling iron each day will just damage and dry out your hair.
If you do need to use a hot hair styling tool, be sure to use heat protectant.
Heat protectant will help obviously protect your hair and make it feel smooth and look shiny, even if you just fried your hair.
Consider using the Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Heat Protectant. It smells AMAZING. Does the job of protecting your hair when using a hot styling tool. And, it doesn't make your hair feel crunchy and sticky like some other heat protectants on the market.
Use A Silk Pillowcase
Another quick tip for hair care (and skin care too!) is use a silk pillowcase.
Silk won't cause friction or tension on your hair that can cause unwanted hair breakage.
Likewise, sleeping on a silk pillowcase can help reduce your acne, especially if you notice you break out more on just one side of your face.
Try New Hair Styles
In order to glow up, you must be willing to get out of your comfort zone.
Consider trying new hair styles. There are soooo many fun ways to style your hair.
Learn how to braid your hair, put your hair in a messy bun, use a claw clip, use tiny clear elastics to make tiny braids, use a new scrunchie or headband.
Whatever it is... try out new hair styles and see what you like and don't like!
Need some inspiration? There are so many cute, simple hairstyles on Pinterest to give you some ideas to try.
Nails
Nails are a fun way to showoff your personality and style. Whether you choose to keep your nails clean or simple, or opt for a cool design, here are some nail care glow up tips to consider.
Schedule A Nail Appointment
Unless you're a pro at doing your nails (I unfortunately am not), consider going to a nail salon to get your nails done.
I recently took the plunge of getting acrylics a few months back and have been consistently getting them done ever since.
Although it's an absolute splurge purchase, it gives you something to look forward to once or twice a month. Plus, it makes you feel more confident and helps prevent you from picking at your nails.
Use Nail Care Products
If you struggle with hangnails or breakage of your natural nails, consider getting the following nail care products:
- Rubber Gloves for washing dishes. This prevents your hands and nails from getting dry and irritated.
- Crystal Glass Nail File. This prevents unwanted breakage from your nails when filing. Often, regular nail files can be rough on your nails.
- Hand Lotion. My favorite is The Body Shop Hand Protector. Consistently applying lotion will help add hydration to your hands and around your nails.
Use A Nail Kit At Home
If you don't want to go and get your nails done. Consider investing in a nail kit.
Gel nails are a great alternative to traditional nail polish as gel nails wear better overtime.
A gel nail kit that I LOVE is the Red Carpet Gel Nail Kit. It comes with everything you need from gel polish to the LED light station so you can have gel nails done at home.
Body
There are sooooo many effective body glow up checklist items that will not only help you look better, but make you feel your best too.
Clear Body Acne
Although rather specific, I know what it's like to struggle with "bacne" (back acne).
Back acne can bring your confidence down and make you not want to wear that cute crop top for fear of exposing your back acne.
An effective way that helped clear my acne is consistently using a cleanser I got from my dermatologist. Before this point, I struggled to find a cleanser that was strong enough to get rid of my stubborn body acne.
So, if you struggle with acne and have truly tried different cleansers without much help at clearing your skin, consider seeing a dermatologist to get a cleanser strong enough to clear your acne.
Likewise, it can sometimes be difficult to exfoliate and reach your back in the shower. Consider using a shower brush to help exfoliate your back which should also help clear your acne.
{RELATED POST: SHOWER ROUTINE FOR GLOWING SKIN}
Exfoliate
Exfoliating helps clear your dead skin cells to smooth your skin.
Only exfoliate your face and body a couple times each week. Otherwise, over-exfoliating can irritate your skin.
There are all different types of exfoliators for lips, body, and face. Below are the three exfoliators I LOVE:
- Body Scrub by Tree Hut. Use in the shower (again only once or twice per week) to achieve silky smooth skin. There are soooo many amazing scents to choose from too.
- Lip Scrub by Burt's Bees. This lip scrub smells sooo good. It tastes like honey/sweet taste without being too artificial. It also works well at getting all the dead skin cells off your lips.
- Facial Exfoliator by Era Organics. This gently exfoliates your face. Include in your skin care routine once or twice per week.
Self Tan
Although absolutely optional, self tan can help you feel more bronzed and sun-kissed.
Whether you want to wear a crop top, but feel your too pale.
Or, you're just looking for a way to achieve a natural tan without damaging your skin, self tan is AMAZING.
Yes, self tan can take a bit of trial and error to find the right one for you and your skin tone.
I personally love the Isle of Paradise self tanning water. It gives a nice deep tan without being orange or unnatural looking. Plus, it's super easy to apply, doesn't feel sticky, and doesn't have that intense self tan smell.
Shave
Shaving is another physical glow up checklist to achieve silky smooth skin.
The important shaving hack is to use a 5 blade razor. Often, men's razors are best to use and have 5 blades per razor. This helps give a cleaner, smoother shave compared to 3 blade razors which don't get as great of a close, even shave.
Moisturize
Just like your face, your body needs to be moisturized.
Consistently apply lotion to your body, face, and hands to ensure your skin stays nice and hydrated.
The Aveeno Daily Moisturizer does a great job hydrating your skin without feeling sticky or having an intense artificial smell.
Be Active
Try to incorporate daily movement into your routine. Being active is not only great for your body, but will make you feel stronger.
There are so many great ways to stay active. Go on a walk, run, join a gym, try a workout class, bike, hike, play a sport, swim.
Whatever it may be, try to find ways to be active. This will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, and look and feel your best.
Hydrate
It's essential you drink water periodically throughout the day. Water is good for both your physical and mental well-being.
Ever notice your brain gets foggy when you're dehydrated?
Drinking water will help keep you focused and will keep your skin looking hydrated.
Find Your Signature Perfume
Find a signature perfume to wear. Although a seemingly small physical glow up checklist point, finding a distinct scent that matches your aesthetic is a game-changer.
Try buying samples of perfumes you like to see if you long-term like a particular perfume best before paying the big bucks to buy a full size perfume bottle.
Whiten Your Teeth
Try using teeth whiteners to brighten your smile. Sometimes, brushing your teeth 3 times a day won't cut it to give you the white pearly smile you want.
I personally use a teeth whitener treatment a couple times a month, not everyday, and they still keep my teeth nice and white.
Consider using the Crest 3D Whitestrips with LED light. It's effective at whitening your teeth, just be aware your teeth may feel sensitive after use.
Makeup
Makeup can help enhance your natural beauty to feel confident, no matter where you go! Follow these top makeup glow up checklist essentials below.
Throw Away Expired Makeup Products
It's essential you take inventory of your current makeup products. AND throw out any expired makeup.
Yes, that old foundation that's been sitting in your makeup bag for 3 years should be thrown out!
If you use expired makeup, you risk exposing your skin to bacteria and infection.
{RELATED POST: HOW LONG DOES BLUSH LAST}
Try New Makeup Looks & Products
Whether you've been doing your own makeup for years, or are just learning about how to do your makeup for the first time, you should always be trying new makeup looks.
You truly never know what makeup look will end up being your new go-to look.
Full glam makeup with fake eyelashes, natural makeup with just some concealer and mascara, A new way to do your eyeliner. There are truly endless possibilities to try to find the right makeup look for you.
Also, try new makeup products out. Again, you never know when you'll run into your new favorite mascara or foundation.
Clothes
Clothing is another way to glow up and showcase your style and personality.
Donate Old Clothes
If you know you haven't worn a bunch of clothes in your closet, or have out grown some clothes, consider donating old clothes or reselling on platforms like Poshmark.
There's no point in wasting time digging through old clothes that you either don't fit in anymore or just don't like.
Use Accessories
Find accessories that match your style. Play around with different rings, necklaces, bracelets and layering those items to find what you like.
Accessories always add to any outfit. I LOVE getting jewelry either at Mejuri or on Etsy (for more unique, custom pieces).
Invest In Staple Wardrobe Pieces
Sometimes, all you need to revamp your wardrobe is a few staple pieces. Whether it be a couple high-quality denim jeans you can always count on or some staple plain t-shirts.
Whatever your style, instead of buying tons of new clothing items you only wear once, consider investing in quality staple items you can count on time and time again!
Mental Glow Up Checklist
Now it's time to explore the mental glow up checklist essentials you need to improve your mindset. Again, a glow up won't last without having healthy self care habits and routines to take care of yourself and your mental health.
Self Care
Self care, glow up or not, is essential to take care of yourself to be the best version of yourself.
Journal
Journaling is a great way to get your thoughts down on paper and learn more about yourself.
Whether you're an avid overthinker or need a safe space to reflect on your life, journaling is the activity for you.
Journaling can be an effective way to learn about your thought patterns, reflect on your life, and write down and manifest your goals and dreams for the future.
Read
Reading and learning about topics that interest you is another way to glow up your mindset.
Try to dedicate time each week to read and learn something new... you never know what you might discover!
Get Quality Sleep
Sleep is important to not just have a clear focused mind to be productive during the day, but your body needs quality sleep.
If you find yourself consistently not getting enough sleep, this can be harmful to your body and can make you look and feel sluggish.
Try to follow a sleep schedule where you wake up and go to bed around the same time each day.
And, try to get about 8-9 hours of sleep per day if you can!
Be Kind To Yourself
What you say to yourself matters more than you think. Often, we are the worst critics of ourselves.
Try to be conscious of what you say/ think about yourself. Be kinder to yourself and consider saying or writing down some positive affirmations.
Clean Your Space
You know the saying "messy room, messy mind" --this quote couldn't be more accurate.
Whether you have a cluttered desk or bedroom, this will negatively impact your productively.
So, if you are looking for an easy way to mentally glow up and feel your best to make major changes in your life, start by having a clean space!
Build A Routine
Glow ups are all about consistently doing healthy habits (mentioned thus far) day in and day out. Therefore, build a routine that fits your lifestyle while working on these glow up checklist points mentioned so far.
Set Goals
It's important to set goals: daily goals, weekly goals, yearly goals.
Getting into a routine of setting goals will give you something to strive for and more directly lay the ground work towards achieving your goals.
For instance, if your goal is to save $400 this month. Make it a goal to save at least $100 each week to reach your goal. This way, you'll have a specific goal you can target, and it will motivate you to not purchase unnecessary expenses that would stop you from reaching your goal.
Use Less Social Media
Try to make it a habit to use less social media and your phone (in general) less.
Social media not only isn't the best for your mental health, but can be a major time sucker.
Time that should be spent on you and your glow up journey!
Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone
Try to get into the routine of, yes, going outside of your comfort zone.
Although this may sound kind of counterintuitively, especially being a routine, hear me out.
Try to get into the habit of trying something new.
Go to a new workout class you've always wanted to try. Wear a piece of clothing you've always wanted to wear, but were too scared to do so.
By making it a daily habit to try new things, you'll discover more about yourself which helps with your glow up journey.
Spend More Time With People That Bring You Joy
Last but certainly not least, intentionally set aside time to spend quality time with those you love.
Improving yourself and being intentional about making positive changes in your life can be difficult.
Therefore, spend time with those that bring out the best of you.
This will inspire you to become the best version of yourself with the help of this glow up checklist!!
How Long Does A Glow Up Take?
There's no definitive timeline to how long it will take for you to glow up.
This is because glowing up, is really just working on making positive changes in your life.
And, self improvement, is never-ending. There's constantly more room to grow and learn.
So, don't look at glowing up as a means to instantly look better overnight.
Rather, make a conscious effort daily to work on yourself to look and feel your best.
This post is all about the ultimate glow up checklist you can follow to be your BEST self.
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