We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise. You can read full disclosure here.

If you are an avid reader of this blog, then you already know that I’m very big on glow up.

I have spent years studying, practicing, and researching the most effective ways to elevate my appearance and become the best version of myself.

Some people are naturally blessed with great skin, thick hair, the perfect body, and facial features that seem effortless.

Then there are those of us who have to work a little harder to achieve our desired look.

I belonged to the second category.

One of my biggest struggles was dealing with PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome). 

And if you have ever experienced hormonal issues, you already know how much they can affect your appearance. Your hormones play a major role in your skin, hair, weight, energy levels, and so much more.

For me, weight loss was very difficult. I also struggled with acne, and hyperpigmentation,

It affected my self-esteem, my mental health, and the way I saw myself.

Eventually, I decided that enough was enough. I wanted to change my life for the better, so I committed myself to learning everything I could about transforming my appearance from the inside out.

That’s when I realized that glowing up isn’t about expensive products, or overnight transformations.

It is about small, consistent habits that improve how you look, feel, and show up every day.

Sure, there are plenty of quick fixes that can give you temporary results, but true and long lasting glow up come from habits that become part of your lifestyle.

And the best part is that most of these habits are surprisingly simple to implement and easy to maintain.

So, without further ado, let’s get into the glow-up habits that made the biggest difference for me.

You Will Absolutely Love:

How To Glow Up In A Week

35 Glow Tips Every Tips Every Girl Needs To Know

1. Work Out At Least Three Times A Week (Strength Training, Pilates, Cardio)

Credit: miinniemarie

When we think about working out, the first thing that comes to mind is weight loss. But trust me, exercise does so much more than help you shed a few pounds.

Regular exercise improves your posture, boosts your energy levels, enhances your mood, and gives your skin that healthy glow.

It also helps regulate hormones, improve blood circulation, reduce stress, and build confidence, all of which contribute to a major glow up.

It could be strength training, Pilates, or cardio. If I were you, I would combine all three. The bottom line is that you need to move your body.

Pro Tip: Work out at least three times a week, but always give your body one or two days to rest and recover.

For strength training (lifting weights), practice progressive overload, which simply means starting with lighter weights and gradually working your way up to heavier ones while increasing your reps over time. And when I say gradually, I mean gradually.

Building muscle is not just for gym bros alone. 

When you build muscle through strength training, you help your body burn more calories, support healthy weight management, improve your posture, reduce the appearance of loose skin, and help you become stronger and healthier as you age.

Trust me, your body will thank you for it. Even after you finish exercising, you immediately feel lighter, your mood improves, and over time you will start to notice positive changes in the way you look.

That’s one reason why so many celebrities seem to look 25 in their 40s. They don’t play with their workouts. 

Yes, some of them may get cosmetic procedures, but they also know that without exercise, all that money spent on the surgery table would be wasted.

2. Get Enough Sleep

Credit: thegirl.eg

Girlies, for the love of God, please sleep.

Forget all those motivational speakers and so-called success coaches telling you that sleep is for the weak. Go to bed and sleep like a baby.

Sleep is more than just beauty rest. It is one of the main ways your body repairs, detoxifies, and rejuvenates itself.

I’m not joking.

If you are serious about levelling up your looks, then getting enough sleep needs to be at the top of your priority list.

Look, I don’t care how many moisturizers, retinol serums, or expensive skincare products you own. Heck, I don’t even care if you have had a facelift. If you don’t sleep, you are wasting your time.

Sleep improves your skin health, helps prevent premature wrinkles, boosts skin elasticity, and gives your complexion that fresh, well-rested glow. It also helps you to get rid of dark circles under the eyes. 

Additionally, it helps you maintain a healthy weight. When you are sleep-deprived, your body produces more cortisol, the stress hormone that can increase cravings and make you gain more weight.

And let’s not forget your brain. Lack of sleep leaves you feeling tired, unfocused, and less productive throughout the day.

Girl, I could go on and on.

Pro Tip: Sleep in your birthday suit and try to sleep and wake up around the same time every day. Whether that’s 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. or 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., consistency is key.

Create a bedtime routine. About an hour before bed, put away your phone, laptop, iPad, and any other gadgets. Let your brain wind down. Clean your room and make your bed with clean, dry bedsheets and blankets. Also, turn off the light (except if you are afraid of the dark) and use blackout curtains.

And while you are at it, invest in a silk pillowcase. Your skin and hair will thank you for it.

If you struggle with falling asleep, get yourself some melatonin supplements. My personal favorite is the Sleep Tight Gummies from LemmeLive.

3. Cut Out Processed Foods And Added Sugars

Credit: thevibecoffee

Put the canned foods down. Put down the sodas. And don’t even get me started on diet sodas, because they still contain a lot of sugar.

If you really want to glow up, then anything that is not fresh, whole foods should not be the foundation of what you are eating.

You need to start paying attention to what you are feeding your body.

Processed foods and excess added sugars are one of the fastest ways to dull your skin, mess with your energy levels, and throw off your hormonal balance.

If you have ever struggled with acne, bloating, or sudden weight gain, you already know exactly what I mean.

Now I know we all have a sweet tooth. Especially during your period or those intense cravings, girl, I get it.

You don’t have to completely deprive yourself. You can still enjoy your favorite snacks and desserts. But it should be occasional, not an everyday habit.

When processed foods and sugar make up most of your diet, your body starts to feel it.

Your skin becomes more prone to breakouts and inflammation. Your energy crashes easily. Your gut health suffers greatly. You feel tired for no reason, and over time, it shows on your face and in your overall appearance.

A glow up is not just about skincare or makeup, it starts from within.

Pro Tip: Focus on balance. Swap highly processed meals for whole foods most of the time. Add more fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats into your diet. When sugar cravings hit, go for naturally sweet fruits like dates, watermelon, grapes, apples, bananas, or pineapple.

Go on a “no added sugar month.” You can do this about three times a year, where you avoid foods with added sugars. This helps build discipline and resets your taste buds so you stop depending on sugar for quick comfort or energy hits.

4. Drink 3L of Water Daily and Stay Hydrated with Electrolytes

Credit: renewclincltd

I remember when I was desperately trying to clear my skin, I would ask people with really good skin what their secret was. And almost everyone said the same thing: drink water.

Honestly, I used to think they were gatekeeping and didn’t want to tell me the real secret. Until I actually started drinking enough water, and yeah, they weren’t lying.

When it comes to how to glow up, hydration is non-negotiable, honey, especially water with electrolytes (top tier).

Drinking enough water is one of the simplest but most powerful things you can do for your skin, and your overall health.

Even dermatologists and medical professionals consistently talk about drinking water because it plays a major role in how your body functions.

It is the cheapest “skincare routine” you will ever have, but also one of the most effective.

Water helps keep your skin looking plump, bright, and healthy. It also supports your intimate, hair, and gut health 

So yes, drink your water. Your skin, and your body, will thank you for it.

Pro Tip: Drink water first thing in the morning. It helps kickstart hydration after sleep and wakes up your system so your body can function better throughout the day. You can also add few slices of lemon, or a pinch of Himalayan salt or simply drink coconut water, as it naturally contains electrolytes that support hydration.

5. Have A Good Skincare Routine

Credit: tansnia_nehaaa

I can’t stress this enough, if you want to glow up, you need to have a solid skincare routine with good-quality products.

It is all part of beautymaxxing, babe.

But forget those 10–20 step routines. The best skincare routine for glow up is actually pretty simple. Your skin just needs consistency, the basics, and a few targeted actives for your specific concerns, and that’s it.

Let me give you the blueprint:

You need a gentle cleanser, a hydrating toner, a moisturizer (gel moisturizer if you have oily skin or combination skin, cream moisturizer if you have dry skin), and tinted sunscreen. I know sunscreen is not our favorite thing, but it is a must, especially if you are dealing with hyperpigmentation.

Then use one or two actives depending on your skin concerns: niacinamide, azelaic acid, alpha arbutin, vitamin C, salicylic acid , benzoyl peroxide (very good for zits) tranexamic acid, or retinol.

Now listen, don’t use all of these actives at the same time or in the same routine. You are going to break your skin barrier.

For example, retinol and alpha arbutin should generally be used at night. Vitamin C and niacinamide, on the other hand, are more stable and can be used in the daytime.

Personally, I use niacinamide and tranexamic acid, and they did wonders for my skin, but I never use them in the same routine. I also used some Korean skincare products and the transformation they gave my skin is unreal.

Also, not all actives are meant for daily use. Ingredients like retinol, salicylic acid, alpha arbutin, and tranexamic acid should be introduced gradually. Using them daily can damage your skin barrier, and that’s the last thing you want on a glow up journey.

This is one of the best glow up tips I can give on this list. If you want a more detailed breakdown on how to level up your looks, check out my article on how To Look Pretty.

6.  Limit Alcohol Intake

Credit: cove.monkey

I know that for some of us, completely cutting out alcohol might not feel realistic. But what you can do is to reduce how much you drink.

The truth is, alcohol doesn’t offer any benefit to your skin, hair, or body in general.

When you drink too much or too often, it can dehydrate your skin, make you look more tired, and even affect your sleep quality. You may also notice more puffiness, dullness, and acne.

The scarier part is that excessive alcohol consumption can seriously damage your liver and cause it to fail. Every time you drink, your liver has to work harder to break down and process the alcohol, which can seriously affect your liver.

I’m not saying you can never have a drink again. I’m saying drink responsibly and occasionally.

Pro Tip: If you do drink, stay hydrated before and after, and try not to make it a regular habit.

7. Book Facial Treatments

Credit: housee.ofbeauty

Let’s be honest, skincare products are good, but do you know what takes things to the next level? Professional facial treatments.

I’m talking microneedling, chemical peels, dermaplaning, laser therapy, hydrafacials, and other advanced skin treatments that go deeper than your regular skincare routine.

This is what gets the job done.

These treatments don’t just sit on the surface of your skin, they work on a deeper level to improve texture, fade dark spots, boost collagen production, and give you that real “glass skin” glow.

For example, microneedling helps with scars and skin texture, chemical peels help with hyperpigmentation and dullness, and dermaplaning instantly smooths your skin by removing dead cells and peach fuzz.

Of course, these treatments should be done by trained professionals, not something you experiment with at home. So DIY girlies, sit this one out.

8. Choose A Signature Scent

Credit: kim_mamou

You need to stop treating fragrance like an afterthought and start seeing it as part of your identity.

Your signature scent is the fragrance people associate with you. It is that smell that lingers when you leave a room and makes people think, “I know that’s her.”

Fragrance is powerful because it connects directly to memory and emotion. Long after someone forgets what you wore or how you looked, they will remember how you smelled.

When choosing a signature scent, don’t just pick something because it is trending.

Choose a fragrance that matches your personality and the image you want to project. It could be soft and feminine, warm and sensual, fresh and clean, or bold and expensive-smelling.

Think of it like this: your skincare gives glow, your outfit gives style, but your scent gives presence.

Pro Tip: Stick to one main fragrance for your “everyday identity” and maybe one or two backups for special occasions. Apply it consistently on pulse points like your neck, wrists, and behind the ears so it lasts longer.

Smelling good is more than just dousing yourself in perfume, there are ways you can smell so good without spending all your money on expensive fragrance, I talked about all this on How To Smell Good All Day (Even Without  Perfume). Do well to check it out.

9. Reduce Screen Time And Take Mindful Screen Breaks

Credit: sheilab

Okay, this one might be a little hard because we all love our TikToks, Instagram scrolls, and late-night “just five minutes” that somehow turns into three hour.

Some of us work on screens all day. So when we finally want to relax, the first thing we do is go right back to another screen.

But here Is the thing: too much screen time doesn’t just affect your eyes or productivity, it also reduces your collagen production, causes dark spots and eye bags from lack of sleep.

Excessive screen time can mess with your sleep quality (especially when you’re scrolling at night), increase stress levels, and even make your skin look more tired over time due to disrupted rest and constant mental stimulation.

This is why mindful screen breaks are important.

You don’t have to completely delete social media (absolutely not).

Just try stepping away from your phone for short periods during the day. Go outside and take a walk, stretch, connect with nature, drink water, or just let your mind rest without constant stimulation.

And most importantly, reduce scrolling right before bed.

Pro Tip: Set small boundaries like “no phone 30–60 minutes before sleep” or “screen-free meals.” Small changes like this make a big difference in how refreshed you look and feel.

10. Take Supplements

Credit: faceofkmw

Let’s talk about something people often ignore in glow up routines; supplements.

Sometimes, even when you are eating well, your body might still need extra support depending on stress levels, lifestyle, or specific deficiencies.

For example, supplements like vitamin C can support skin brightness and collagen production. Collagen gives you a radiant, plump and healthy looking skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Omega-3 helps with skin hydration and reduces inflammation. Zinc helps to achieve a clearer skin, especially for people dealing with breakouts. And biotin is commonly used to support hair and nail strength.

But here is the key thing: you don’t take everything at once and certainly not every day. You don’t just start mixing supplements like skincare products.

You take what your body actually needs.

Pro Tip: Before starting any supplement routine, it is always best to understand your body first, either through observation or a proper health check. A few targeted supplements taken properly will always beat a drawer full of random pills.

11. Go On A Low Inflammatory Diet

Credit: inspiredwithval

Your diet is super duper important. You cannot be eating burgers, extra-large fries, cheesy pizzas, hot dogs every day and expect to look good, girl be for real.

Remember when I talked about supplements? I said they can only support you but can never replace a good diet.

Healthy food is everything. Healthy food heals your body, supplies it with the nutrients it needs to function properly, and supports things like clearer skin, stronger hair, and better energy levels. A healthy diet is not optional, it is a necessity for a  glow up.

One of the best ways to eat better is to follow a low-inflammatory diet.

A low-inflammatory diet is a way of eating that focuses on foods that reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is your body’s natural response to stress or irritation, but when it becomes chronic (from too much processed food, sugar, or unhealthy fats), it can show up on your skin, weight, energy levels, and even your mood.

When you eat low-inflammatory foods, you Are basically helping your body function properly, heal better, and look better from the inside out.

Examples of low-inflammatory foods:

– Fruits like berries, apples, oranges, and watermelon

– Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, carrots, and cucumbers

– Healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, and nuts

– Proteins like eggs, chicken, turkey, fish, and beans

– Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and quinoa

Pro Tip:

Eat more protein than carbs. Eat your vegetables and fruits. Basically you want to fill your plate with color because the more colorful your plate is, the more nutrients you are getting.

This doesn’t mean you should cut out carbs completely and start eating greens only like a rabbit. It just means controlling your carb portion.

For example, a balanced plate could be:

– Two or three scoops of rice 

– A generous portion of protein like chicken, fish, turkey, or eggs

– Vegetables or a fresh salad

– Healthy fats like avocado

– And some fruit after your meal.

12. Start Red Light Therapy

Credit: _erinwhite_

When I tell you that red light therapy helped improve my hyperpigmentation, I’m not joking. There is something about that red light, honey, they don’t play.

Red light therapy is a skincare treatment that uses low-level wavelengths of light to support skin healing. It works by stimulating collagen production, improving blood circulation, and helping the skin repair itself over time.

For people dealing with issues like dark spots, uneven skin tone, or acne marks, it can be a really helpful addition to their skincare routine when used consistently.

Keywords ladies, CONSISTENTLY!

Pro Tip: Red light therapy works best when done consistently, about 3–5 times per week, depending on your device and your skin’s sensitivity.

Each session usually lasts around 10–20 minutes. You don’t need to overdo it, consistency matters more than intensity. It works best when combined with a solid skincare routine, sunscreen, and healthy lifestyle habits. 

13.  Have A Scalp Care Ritual For A Healthy Hair

Credit: addict_to_beauty_

I don’t know what sorceress lied to you, but dirty hair doesn’t make your hair grow longer. Wash it, babe, please wash it.

Also, you need a proper scalp routine. I’m talking about oiling your scalp weekly, gently exfoliating with a scalp scrub, using leave-in conditioners, deep conditioning, and sealing with hair creams or butters.

All of these steps help improve scalp health, which can support healthier, shinier, thicker and of course longer hair.

Pro Tip: Massage your scalp in circular motions for about 5–10 minutes daily. This can help improve blood circulation to the scalp, which supports a healthier environment for hair growth.

14. Cold Showers

Credit: ngillaflow

Uncomfortable but highly recommended.

As women, we love that hot water, you know, the one that feels like we are cooking. Yeah, that one.

And it is actually not our fault.

Generally, women tend to feel colder more easily than men, which is why we naturally gravitate toward hot showers.

However, very hot water can actually do more harm than good.

It can strip the skin of its natural oils, weaken the skin barrier, and lead to dryness, irritation, and other skin concerns. If you battle with eczema or have sensitive skin, hot water is something you really want to avoid.

Let me give you a tip to help you get the best of both worlds.

After your shower, you can switch the water to cold for about 30–60 seconds, or you can schedule certain days where you take cold showers.

Cold showers help to improve circulation, tighten the skin, and leave your skin looking more refreshed and radiant.

15. Have A Good Oral Care Routine Not Just Brushing

Credit: labels_or_love3

Brushing is not enough. There are some areas a brush will never reach, so you need to start flossing, tongue scraping, whitening strips, and using mouthwash.

You also need to start oil pulling. This helps improve oral hygiene and freshens your breath. My favorite oil to use is coconut oil, it has a mild taste, feels very soothing in the mouth and does a fantastic job in removing all the gunk out alongside with giving you a fresh breath.

Pro Tip: Get yourself an electric toothbrush, girlie (it works better than a regular one)  Also, instead of fluoride, you can try hydroxyapatite toothpaste. This combo is elite when it comes to keeping your teeth clean and your smile looking fresh.

If you want to learn more about taking care of your body properly from inside out, I have got the perfect guide for on 31 Feminine Hygiene That No One Told You About .

16.  Start Practicing Affirmations, Meditation, and Breathwork

Credit: _rebecca_moore

The world is chaotic.

You have to clock in to work, sometimes work multiple jobs, run a business, pay bills, deal with unexpected expenses, navigate toxic boss or coworkers or both, deal with family issues, sometimes deal with a difficult partner, go to school, study, pass your exams, and the list just goes on and on.

It feels like a race that never ends.

As adults, we rarely catch a break. It is always one issue after another, and if we don’t take a moment to pause, our mental health will eventually pay the price.

Which is exactly why you need affirmations, meditation, and breathwork.

Your glow up is not just physical, it is mental too.

Affirmations are positive statements you say to yourself that help shape the way you think about yourself and your life. 

They are not magic spells, but they can help you develop a healthier mindset and challenge the negative thoughts that constantly run through your head.

Meditation helps you slow down, quiet the mental noise, and become more present. In a world that constantly demands your attention, taking even a few minutes to sit in silence can do wonders for your stress levels and overall well-being.

And then there is breathwork.

Breathwork is one of the quickest ways to calm your nervous system when you are feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained. Something as simple as taking slow, deep breaths can help bring your body out of fight-or-flight mode and back into a state of calm.

As someone who once had serious anger issues, breathwork helped me tremendously.

Pro Tip: Start small. Spend 5–10 minutes each morning practicing affirmations, meditation, or deep breathing.

You can say affirmations while getting ready, meditate before bed, or do a few breathing exercises whenever someone is trying to get you to act out of character or life starts feeling overwhelming. 

17. Curate Your Personal Style And Capsule Wardrobe Essentials

Credit: tenij_

First off, you need the basics: tank tops, tailored pants, denim jeans (could be high-rise or low-rise depends on your preference and body type), shorts, mini, midi, and maxi dresses, jackets, blazers, trench coats, button-down shirts, and skirts (mini, midi, or maxi).

These are wardrobe staples that you can mix and match endlessly, and they’re suitable for almost any occasion.

Remember, fashion is not one-size-fits-all. We all have different body types, shapes, and sizes, and it is important to dress in a way that works with your body, not against it.

I recently wrote articles on A Stylish Guide to Short Torso Outfits, How to Dress for Big Arms, What to Wear If You Are Short and Chubby, and 17 Flattering Styles to Hide Belly Fat That Fashion Girls Swear By.

Don’t let society discourage you. Every woman is beautiful in her own way, and everyone deserves to feel confident, stylish, and beautiful regardless of what their body looks like.