My Glow Up Tips: How I Started Feeling and Looking Like Me

I think a lot of us want to look and feel our best, but sometimes… we just don’t know where to start. For me, it all began with quitting laziness. Honestly, laziness is the root of so many of my problems.

There were so many mornings over the past four years when I just didn’t feel like doing anything. I’d wake up 30 minutes after my alarm, throw on a hoodie and jeans, toss my hair into a messy bun, and just… move on with my day. Those days felt invisible. I felt unnoticed. Forgotten. And it made me wish I had taken just a little time for myself.

Things started to change when I got a new job that required me to be on time, every day. At first, I groaned. But then something shifted—I had no choice but to actually take care of myself. I started paying attention to my hair, my makeup, my appearance… and it felt good. Really good. In the last month, I’ve noticed little but powerful changes: my mood lifted, my confidence grew, and I started walking a little taller. All because I stopped letting laziness dictate my life.

Here are some glow-up tips I’ve learned that actually work for me (and they might surprise you because they’re not your usual “drink water, sleep 8 hours” type of tips):

1. Set a Timer for Your Routine

I literally live on a timer. It keeps me on track, reduces my anxiety, and makes sure I actually have time for other things in my day. Even just 20–30 minutes of focused “me time” can completely change how you feel.

2. Don’t Be Afraid of Makeup

Everyone online seems to push the extremes: either a seven-step skincare routine or zero makeup. I get it. Natural beauty is amazing. But makeup can be fun, and it can make you feel… like you, but more confident.

I’m a brunette, and recently I tried a brown lipstick. I can’t tell you how many compliments I got—it made me feel fresh and like someone noticed me. That’s all it took. Just trying something new. Don’t wait for someone else to do it for you—if you want change, you need to make it happen.

3. Eyeshadow is Magic

Not enough people talk about eyeshadow, but it’s a game-changer. Learning how to highlight my eyes made me feel awake, radiant, and… well, like I finally knew how to make my own face glow.

4. Switch Your Hair Part

This sounds tiny, but it makes a huge difference. I used to stick to the same middle part every single day until I decided to try a side part. Instantly, my whole look felt refreshed. It’s such a simple trick, but it can completely change your vibe.

5. Jewelry Experiments

Don’t underestimate the power of jewelry. Try layering dainty necklaces, stacking rings, or switching earrings. Even with a plain outfit, the right accessories make you look polished, put together, and intentional.

6. Wear Colors You Usually Avoid

Try colors that feel “off” for you. I did brown lipstick (and loved it!). Wearing shades you wouldn’t normally pick can completely change your energy and how people perceive you. It’s like telling the world, “I’m bold, confident, and alive.”

7. Glow-Up Through Learning

One of the best things I did for myself was commit to learning new little skills. It could be a makeup trick, a new hairstyle, or even a style hack like the French tuck. Every time you learn something new, you give yourself another tool in your glow-up kit.

8. Audit Your Inputs

Take a look at your feeds, social media, podcasts, and even people you spend time with. Ask yourself: Does this make me feel inspired, or inadequate?

Unfollow, mute, or step away from anything that pressures you to be someone else. Replace it with content that makes you feel alive, creative, and inspired.

9. Start Journaling Again

There’s nothing like journaling to reconnect with yourself. Writing even just a few lines about your thoughts, wins, or gratitude reminds you that you’re growing, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

At the end of the day, a glow-up isn’t just about looking good. It’s about feeling good. Feeling alive, confident, and proud of the effort you put into yourself. Start small. Try something new. Take those little steps that make a big difference.

As you can see, I'm always experimenting, it's a fun journey and I love discovering more about myself as I grow older.

As always, thank you for being here,

Ana