The only checklist you’re ever going to need to give yourself the ultimate glow-up and feel like a pretty woman.
So, I’ve been seeing a lot of glow up posts around these days with about 20 different steps, like develop a new skill, change your wardrobe.
And listen, I’d love to be able to do all that, but not all at once.
It’s honestly exhausting just thinking about reading a self-help book, covering 10k steps, and journaling my thoughts every single day.
But you know what? The most stunning transformations I’ve seen (and experienced myself) come from mastering the basics really, really well.
Glow up doesn’t come from expensive skincare routine or wearing designer clothes. Nope!
It comes from actually focusing on the bare minimum and important stuff and doing it on repeat every day, week, or month (whatever the requirement may be).
I used to be that girl who would get inspired by a reel at 2 AM and decide I was going to completely change my life the next day. But it never really worked.
What did work was focusing on just a few key areas and actually sticking to them. And that’s exactly what this glow up checklist is about.
In this post, we’re looking at 9 things you can do to glow up for real by just pouring into your beauty, health, and fashion (just a little, I promise).
It’s all doable, no madness is involved, and you’re going to love practicing all of them (well, maybe not all, why lie). But let’s take a look, shall we?
How To Glow Up (Simple Checklist)
1. Do Morning and Evening Skincare Without Fail
I know, I know. You’ve heard this a million times. But there’s a reason skincare is always at the top of every glow up list. It’s because it actually works!
I’m not talking about a 12-step Korean skincare routine. I’m talking about finding a simple skincare routine and just sticking to it for life.
Your morning routine should be about protection: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and lip balm.
Your evening routine should be about repair: cleanser, treatment products if you use them, a good moisturizer, and night lip balm. That’s it!
Your skin is with you for life, so investing those extra five minutes morning and night is honestly the best thing you can do for your appearance.
2. Brush Your Teeth Twice and Do Whitening Strips
Okay, next thing on the list that’s just as important as skincare? Brushing your teeth, twice.
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so you need to make sure it’s something you’re confident about.
Brushing your teeth twice a day should be non-negotiable, but if your teeth need a little extra help in the brightness department, do whitening strips for a week.
Fresh breath and clean teeth might be basics, but they’re basics that make a huge difference in how you feel about yourself and how others perceive you.
3. Start Wearing Clothes That Truly Fit You
I could give you a hundred fashion tips to be more stunning, but the most basic way to achieve a glow up is just to start buying clothes that actually fit you well, regardless of your body shape.
This means if you’re buying a tee, buy one that sits well on your shoulders and hugs you in the right places.
If you’re buying flared pants, they should cinch your waist comfortably and nicely.
And for the love of all things pretty, stop buying clothes do not make you feel good.
I used to buy clothes based on the size I wanted to be or the size I thought I should be, instead of the size I actually was.
And let me tell you, nothing kills confidence like wearing clothes that don’t fit properly. So, I was massively underconfident as a teen.
When you wear clothes that fit your body as it is right now, you instantly look more put-together, more confident, and yes, more attractive.
So, take the time to try things on. Pay attention to how clothes feel, not just how they look.
And please, please don’t hold onto clothes that make you feel bad about yourself.
Your wardrobe should be full of pieces that make you excited to get dressed, not clothes that make you critique your body every morning.
4. Do Bare Minimum Makeup
You can absolutely do a full glam makeup look if that’s what makes you happy.
And you can also skin makeup altogether if you don’t like it.
But having been on both ends, I have realized that just a little bit of makeup is where the ultimate glow-up lies.
Here’s my everyday makeup routine
- Skincare routine including sunscreen
- Tinted serum
- Concealer only in the darkest spots like under-eyes
- Eyelash curler
- Mascara
- Lipstick or lip gloss
- Very little blush so I don’t look like a ghost
This simple routine enhances my face but doesn’t cover my natural face, which I like.
When you master the art of natural-looking makeup, you look effortlessly put-together without looking overdone.
Also, your skin will thank you for not piling on heavy products every single day.
5. Drink Lots and Lots of Water
Okay, I tried my best to keep putting off this point in the list, but I cannot put it any below number 5.
It actually deserves the first spot, but it’s such an overdone tip, and I hate being cliche.
But anyway, yes, just like any other beauty writer, I cannot stress this enough. You need to drink water, girl. Loads and loads of it.
Water is literally magic for your skin, body, mind, soul and everything that makes up your existence.
When you’re properly hydrated, your skin looks plumper, your eyes look brighter, and you just have this ehtereal glow that no highlighter can replicate.
I’m not going to tell you to drink a gallon of water a day because that’s not realistic for most people. But I will tell you to drink more than you think you need (eh, at least 8 glasses, if you can?).
Keep a water bottle with you, set reminders on your phone if you have to, and pay attention to how you look and feel when you’re consistently hydrated versus when you’re not.
The difference is honestly dramatic, and it’s the easiest glow up tip that costs nothing and works for everyone.
6. Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables
Most women make the mistake of either having an excellent diet, or eating unhealthy stuff only.
But I am asking you to eat your fruits and vegetables every day, even if you’re on a diet or not.
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing, you know.
I mean, if you’re having a pizza night, who says you can’t have an apple in the evening before that?
Your skin, hair, nails, and energy levels all reflect what you’re putting into your body. When you consistently eat nutrient-dense foods, it shows.
So, yes. Add berries to your breakfast, throw some spinach in your smoothie, snack on carrots and hummus, and order a side salad with your burger.
Small additions add up to big changes over time, and your body will absolutely show you the difference, trust me.
7. Get Your Brows Done and Remove Upper Lip Hair
This is a non-negotiable monthly activity for me.
You can take my concealer from me and even steal my lipsticks (I’ll cry but, fine), but you absolutely cannot take my monthly eyebrow appointments from me.
Well-groomed brows frame your entire face and can make you look feminine and sharp without any other effort.
Whether you get them professionally done or learn to do them yourself, having a clean brow shape makes such a difference.
And let’s talk about upper lip hair because we’re all adults here. Most of us have it, and removing it just makes you look more groomed.
Whether you wax, thread, or use a depilatory cream, find a method that works for you and stick with it.
These might seem like small details, but they’re the kind of small details that separate someone who looks effortlessly put-together from someone who doesn’t.
It’s all about those finishing touches, babe. So, gotta add them to your beauty checklist.
8. Cut, File, and Polish Your Nails
Your hands are always visible, right? So only makes sense to keep them maintained, and also make them pretty while you’re at it.
You don’t need elaborate nail art or expensive manicures. Just clean, trimmed, filed nails with a coat of clear polish or a neutral color (that’s what I do).
Taking care of your nails is also a form of self-care that feels really good. And you immediately feel prettier afterward.
Make it a weekly ritual to care for your nails. Put on your favorite show, do your nails, and enjoy the process!
9. See a Dermatologist for Persisting Skincare Problems
If you have healthy, naturally glowy, and perfect skin with no issues, congrats. You’re done, and don’t need to bother with this one.
But most of us women are usually dealing with some skin problem or other. And if that’s the case with you, then stop wasting time and see a professional.
I spent so much time and money trying every acne products off the Internet when what I needed was a dermatologist.
I saw one about five years ago, and she’s the one who gave me actual answers for my skin.
Till date, when something goes wrong with my skin (which is about every six months), I go to my dermatologist without second thoughts.
Dermatologists aren’t just for serious skin conditions. They can help with everything from stubborn acne to dark spots to texture issues.
And they can save you so much money in the long run by telling you exactly what your skin needs instead of you buying random products and hoping for the best.
So, invest in your skin, and then follow the advice your dermat gives you. You’ll thank me later for this one, trust me.
And That’s It!
See? I told you this wasn’t going to be complicated.
Those are nine very simple steps that you can start implementing today.
Pick two or three that you need the most and start there. Once those become habits, add in a couple more.
You’ve got this, and I can’t wait for you to see how amazing you feel when you start prioritizing yourself like this.
What step are you going to start with first? Let me know in the comment box before you leave
