How to Glow Up: A Comprehensive Guide for Women Aspiring an Elegant Life

How to Glow Up: 10 Simple Tips to Use!

 A “glow up” isn’t needed by every woman, however it can be beneficial when you need a boost of self confidence or if you feel like you’re in a rut. 

When I read “Glow Up,” my mind instantly conjures up pictures of women with lots of makeup or new hair and a gym body (usually unattainable!), but that isn’t necessarily the only way to do it! 

If you feel a little “blah” or need a change, an elegant glow up might be for you. 

I was suffering from this exact thing! I felt like I needed something different, but I couldn’t grasp what that was. 

So, I changed my hair and got bangs (which I highly recommend!), went through my closet and rearranged some outfits – it felt better for a short time, but then I started feeling the same “blah” way again! 

It wasn’t until I started fixing some habits that I saw changes and felt so much better! 

In this post, I’ll talk about consistent habits and daily tweaks to your life that will give you the natural glow up you’ve been searching for. It helped me, so I know it will help you, too! 

It’s not JUST about an improved skincare routine or trying out a healthier lifestyle per se, but about creating a more positive outlook on life mixed in with these elegant tweaks that will transform your life! 

First…What is a “Glow Up?”

A “glow up” is a way to improve yourself. 

I see that it usually happens when significant life changes occur. Whether that’s graduating high school and becoming an adult, maybe it’s a “midlife crisis” or when you look at yourself in the mirror and realize you’ve been in a rut for far too long.

According to the masses, a glow up is where you change your appearance (hopefully) for the better and that transforms your life! 

I say hopefully because I have seen it where a woman goes through a traditional glow up, but take away the heavy makeup and possibly even some botox. You’re left with the same insecure woman. 

A glow up needs to be from the inside and eventually the outside follows. This will ensure that it is a real change. One that will be sure to last longer and feel truly better! 

For an elegant woman, the process involves little tweaks (almost unnoticeable) that build up over time. The result is something more powerful than a quick fix.

It’s not just about beauty on the outside; it’s about cultivating an aura of sophistication and grace. 

When you are focused on elegance, this metamorphosis involves honing etiquette, investing in classic and timeless fashion, and nurturing an inner serenity that radiates through measured speech and composure. 

A glow up in an elegant context means creating a balanced, harmonious lifestyle where the pillars of her dignified existence enhance her life from every aspect!

The Importance of Elegance and a Glow Up

Is it possible to have a glow up without needing to go deeper? 

Of course. 

Do I recommend it? 

No. 

Let me explain why. 

Elegance is not just an adjective to me. It doesn’t embody this royal-princess-like lifestyle where you master manners and wardrobe, and that’s it. 

For me, it goes into the very reason why I do the things I do. It gives me serenity in my day-to-day life. It makes getting dressed in the morning easier. Elegance helps me when I’m getting angry at someone, and I realize that there is no reason to remain bothered, 

So, when I refer to a glow up, it’s impossible to become a better woman without referring to elegance in one way or another. 

What I would like to see is you do the same. It doesn’t need to be overbearing and cause anxiety in your life because your version of elegance will look different from mine. And that’s okay. 

We are in different life situations and circumstances. 

But this is important to me, and I imagine you too because you are here reading about elegance and improving your life. 

Let’s start with the easier version of glow up, the physical aspect! 

How to Glow Up Part 1: Improving Physically 

Today’s world is bizarre. 

I’m all for freedom, so if you want to look a certain way, I say, “Go for it,” but when the celebrities look their best, it is after they have altered themselves somehow. 

I want to let you know that this is not what an elegant glow up is at all. 

Let me break it down for you. 

First, before I start, let me explain that you don’t have to do all these things at the same time. That would be overwhelming and lead to burnout, which is completely counterproductive to having an elegant glow up. 

1) Regular exercise

The key word here is regular. 

It doesn’t need to be intense or for hours, but it does need to be regular. 

Remember when I said earlier with consistent habits? This is precisely what I’m talking about! By working out consistently (at a pace you can handle), you WILL start to see changes. 

My favorite part about doing something regularly is that you get to choose what that means. 

Is it every day?

Every other day?

Maybe it’s only three times a week?

At this point, the number of times you do it doesn’t matter as much as just doing it on a regular and consistent routine. 

However, what usually happens is that you get so ramped up to better yourself that you go for a run or go to the gym and end up hurting yourself or feeling so achy that you can’t return for a week! (I know from experience!)

That is a great way to ruin your consistency (and energy levels!)

Okay, so you know consistency is key — but what should you do?

Anything you enjoy. 

Honestly. 

First, living an elegant lifestyle isn’t about drudgery or fulfilling some puritan nightmare. It’s about finding the joy in every moment, which includes working out. 

Do you like yoga? Try that. 

Maybe it’s cycling? There are classes for it! 

Do you like to walk outside and feel the fresh air? That’s a perfect way to get that sun-kissed tan!

I’m not interested in what it is but find something that motivates you to move and do it for one week, and then that one week will become a consistent effort! 

2) Balanced Diet

“Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.” 

It is hard to believe that back in the middle 1800s, the gastronomist Brillat-Savarin fully understood how food can affect the entire body. And today? It’s something a lot of us don’t think about. 

Our skin health, the brightness of our eyes, the shine on our hair, the amount of energy we have every day, that extra bounce in our step – this all can be attributed to a good diet. 

We lost the connection of what we put in our mouths and how that can affect us (especially our skin!) 

But thankfully, it wasn’t lost forever, and people are starting to realize that your diet can truly affect everything. From your overall health to your energy and self esteem! 

Let’s get back to the idea of consistency again. 

Remember the scenario of the woman working out like crazy when she first started, only to feel sore and exhausted? She didn’t work out again for a week. 

Just as that is not set up to thrive — doing the same with food will lead you to the same outcome. 

I can write chapters on a balanced diet. 

Not only do we have different diets appearing on the cover of magazines and books every month, but there are also different diets in the sense of vegetarians, keto, vegans, paleo, etc. 

If you’re not confident in your cuisine, you will likely feel a little lost about the “best one.” 

I will come back to elegance again. 

It doesn’t matter what type of food you choose. If you’re a vegetarian, that’s great. 

Keto? Perfect.

Paleo or vegan? If you enjoy it and it gives you pleasure – keep doing it! 

What I find the biggest enemy to your eating is time and hunger. 

If you can master those two things, your discipline will be better, your willpower will be better (which I sometimes hate referring to that because we are all weak mortals from time to time!) and, of course, the idea of consistency. 

If you swap one juice daily for plain water or nibble on chocolates after lunch, you replace it with a delicious tea – after some time, you WILL see changes. Try removing all processed foods; right there, your skin will show a huge difference! And the best part about these changes is that they were harmless! 

You didn’t feel pain, discomfort or frustration, AND you still lose weight!

This is why elegance is an attainable and long term lifestyle! Yes, you get to where you want to (possibly a bit slower, but regardless, you’re there!) AND it was an enjoyable process! 

Now for the glow up tips!

What I recommend is to watch what you are putting into your mouth. 

Write it down in a notebook. Take pictures with your phone and save them to a folder labelled for every day. 

Have a big salad, and write it down. Drank a whole water bottle and write it down. Snacked on some nuts; remember to write it down! 

Do this for one or two weeks, and you will realize that you need to be consistent with the wrong types of food. Or the problem isn’t food necessarily, but you’re not drinking water (or enough of it!) 

You write everything down so you don’t forget what you ate but also see it from another perspective. Not only will you eat healthier, but you’ll stay hydrated!

I am actually in the middle of creating something just for you and just about the elegant wardrobe. I think you’ll love it because I simplify and make it very usable for every day. I’ll let you know when it’s out, and if you aren’t part of my email list – you won’t know it is available! (So sign up for it so you won’t miss it!) 

For a glow up, remember that it is about improving yourself and depending on the current state of your wardrobe, that might mean a massive overhaul. However, where that is expensive in the real world, choose one or two pieces a month (or every two months) that you can replace. Consider your body type and wether the clothes fit your body properly. 

It’s a slow process, but it will stick. And as you evolve, your clothes will start becoming more refined. If you were to go out and buy all new clothes, in a few months, you might feel that those clothes represent you better, and that’s different from what you want to spend your hard-earned money on. 

Besides my new project, here are some posts that go into this more deeply. 

How to Glow Up Part 2: Skincare and Beauty 

I am sure this is the part everyone thinks about regarding the glow up process. 

How many videos or shorts have you seen where women are entirely transforming their faces with contouring, highlights, blush, and the newest fad of beauty? 

I won’t lie. It’s pretty captivating, but once you wash your face and take the makeup off at night, where does the “new” you go? 

Down the drain with the soap and water, I suppose. 

Your confidence is back to where it was before, and even though you might be in the same boat, your wallet is much lighter! 

This is where I want you to embrace the elegant version of this glow up truly. 

I don’t think you need NEVER to wear makeup, but it should be an extra delight in your routine that you look forward to, but you don’t live by it! 

Let’s get started. 

4) Basic Skincare Routine

We all want smooth skin and natural beauty, and for some lucky ladies, it’s easy to achieve it. However, for the rest of us, we need to work on it. 

The good thing is that attaining that natural glow isn’t impossible, so long as we follow a proper skincare routine and some good hygiene tips. 

I’ll add that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on creams to keep your skin healthy, but a few solid products will help you attain glowing skin! 

A little disclaimer: I am not a professional, and if you are completely lost in your skincare, I suggest not listening to anything on the internet but seeking a professional. They will be able to direct you on the perfect path. However, if you need some inspiration or want a little tweak, my routine can help. I can personally attest that when I changed my skincare routine to what I have now, I saw a massive difference in the quality of my skin health. 

Since I don’t know much other than my own experience, I will write out my routine, and it works for me. This is after years and years of experimenting and trial and error. 

The first important tip is to know your skin type and the best way to care for it. 

Morning Routine for Smooth Skin

As cliche as it sounds, I’m trying to drink more water, so I will have that when I get up. It might be the most important of my beauty products! 

Since you washed your face last night, most of us won’t need to clean again. 

I like to think of wiping the night off with a light oil. 

In the morning, my skin is still hydrated from the night before – I take some argan oil and massage it on my face. After 30 seconds of massaging and getting the blood flowing to my face, I took a tissue and gently wiped it off. 

I believe in double cleansing (I can feel the deep clean), so I do it again. 

After wiping the oil clear from my skin, I spray on toner a few times and wipe it off. 

Once I finished wiping off my toner, I sprayed it on one more time but kept my face damp (I found this to help keep my face hydrated), and that’s when I added the hyaluronic acid and vitamin C oils. 

Honestly, I found this to be a life-changer! I was starting to get dark spots on my forehead (which I have now covered with my bangs!), but I wasn’t happy because I was in my mid-thirties and thought I was too young! 

Vitamin C has helped reduce them. 

After letting it dry a bit more, I add a little argan oil and gently dab it off! 

And that’s it! 

My morning routine doesn’t take very long but this is one of my favorite glow up tips! 

Evening Routine for Staying Hydrated 

After a long day, there is no better pleasure than washing the day off my face. 

First, I use the double cleansing method with oil to remove the dirt. In the morning, I use the oil and wipe it off until all the dirt is off. 

Afterward, I like to use a double cleansing with soap. 

As I told you before, I’m no professional! So please don’t get mad at me, but I just use a simple Dove soap. I use that on my face twice afterward, which is the best method to get an immaculate face (in my opinion)! 

I use toner again a few times, leave it on after my last spray, and use the same two oils as in the morning. 

After that, I use argan oil, and sometimes, if my face is dry, I use castor oil. 

Once or twice a week, I use a baking soda scrub with some essential oils, which helps clear the dead and dry skin. But I would caution you because I have now read that baking soda is not good for your face because of the ph balance. However, I’m not sure. It works for me, so I will keep using it. 

But that’s it! 

I swear, I used to be prone to acne, and after I adapted this routine, my skin is much more predictable, and it glows! 

I do have a facial roller, but I rarely use it. I received it as a gift, but I need help finding a difference in using it. Perhaps I’m using it wrong — but I still use it when I remember.

Another tip is to try a silk pillowcase! Not only does it help with my skin, but I have heard it helps prevent hair loss because there is less friction. 

Face Masks and Beauty Sleep for Radiant Skin 

This is one of my favorite parts of beauty! 

Not only do they have incredible benefits for your skin, but they also force you to take a break from your busy day and just relax. Have you tried doing laundry with your face mask on — it’s difficult!

You can find many types of face masks on the market, from sheet masks to clay masks, each with unique ingredients. After you find out your skin type, it makes it easier to find what mask will suit you best. 

I use a mild clay mask, and I do it once or twice a month and find it helps. Many other times, I use castor oil with some frankincense essential oil. 

This will be a preference because I know some of my elegant friends are more natural than others.

5) Makeup Tips for a Natural and Elegant Look

I will not lie to you, but this is where I feel like a fraud. I do not have anything against makeup, but I barely wear it. It’s not that I don’t need it either because my skin isn’t that glass-skin everyone raves about. But I don’t feel myself. 

Perhaps one day (especially if my forehead brown spots want to keep getting bigger), then I might consider it. 

I use a brown/blonde eyebrow pencil to fill in some sparse areas. 

I use a castor oil mascara that I curl after (this is the secret to wide-open eyes!) 

And some lipstick. 

That’s it. 

When I think of a natural, elegant look, I think of bare skin and bringing out your natural features. 

I added this to my “how to glow up” because I want you to know that you don’t need to wear makeup or change your look to feel confident. 

But honestly, the most important part is getting enough sleep and more water! 

How to Glow Up Part 3: Mental Glow Up

I prefer the mental glow up because just changing your wardrobe but not changing your attitude will not fix anything in the long run. No matter how nice your nail polish is, applying self tanner or removing all the facial hair, having a good mental health will work wonders! 

How you think about your life and your mental health will change your life for the better. Glow ups can be more than your make up and nail polish or wearing clothes that make you feel good. 

6) Developing a Positive Mindset

Cultivating a positive mindset is like wearing the most exquisite jewels. An optimistic perspective is perfect for the elegant woman, enhancing her allure and grace as beautifully as a strand of pearls might adorn her neckline. 

Remind yourself of your worth daily, for self-love is the cornerstone upon which your elegance is built. It instills confidence that radiates, captivating those around you with its luminous glow. By fostering serenity within, you create an aura that softly whispers of your refined demeanor and mastery over life’s storms. 

In your pursuit of an elegant mindset, indulge in literature, the arts, and the endless well of knowledge. These nutrients enrich the mind’s garden, allowing flowers of wisdom and insight to bloom. 

How to glow up as an elegant woman? It is this! Become a more positive person even when things don’t go your way! 

7) Importance of Self-Education  

The quest for self-improvement and sophistication finds a steadfast ally in pursuing self-education. To elevate oneself, the modern woman of elegance delves into the world of knowledge with the grace and curiosity of a timeless muse exploring her grand library. 

Through the pages of a well-chosen book, the arts, and the whisperings of history, she discovers the polished facets of her identity. This continuous learning journey allows her to converse with charm, respond with wit, and walk with the confidence of someone well-acquainted with the larger world. 

Learn a new language, read more books, or listen to operas. A huge part of a glow up challenge is growing your brain! 

You never stop learning! 

8) Stress Management and Self-Care Techniques 

In the tapestry of an elegant life, stress management and self-care are the threads that keep the fabric strong and beautiful. An elegant woman recognizes that the secret to her radiant aura lies as much in her soul’s serenity as in her attire’s grace. 

Soothing stress is like smoothing the creases from an exquisite gown; it reveals the garment’s true beauty, just as a calm mind reflects an impeccable, refined disposition. 

Meditation might become your private garden, a sanctuary where tranquillity blossoms, while a warm and scented bath could be likened to the soft embrace of cashmere, both offering solace and repose for the soul. 

For an elegant woman, managing stress is not an afterthought; it is an essential brushstroke in the masterpiece of her life. The balance gives rise to an effortless elegance that transcends the physical. 

Let these nurturing self-care techniques be your thoughtful choices so that your inner glow may be as captivating and graceful as your outward appearance. 

How to Glow Up Part 4: Emotional Glow Up

The next step in the glow up challenge is considering your emotional health. Although your physical and mental health is important, lifestyle changes shouldn’t be overlooked to improve the emotional aspect. 

I have seen it so many times when a woman will go through this process but skip past the emotional part and focus only on physical health. Yes, she saw many changes in her energy levels and maybe picked up some new hairstyles, but she still felt like she was missing something. 

She needed to work on her emotions to be the best version of herself. 

Your best self starts from within. Of course, healthy habits, breathing exercises and good posture will improve your life! However, the new person you are trying to become will always be stopped because you’re holding on to the past “you.” 

Regardless of how much lean protein, healthy fats, or starting your day with a fruit smoothie you do — there will still be negative emotions that creep up and impact your attempt at a glow up.

An elegant woman knows that true beauty comes from within, and that includes cultivating a positive and healthy emotional state.

9) Cultivating Emotional Intelligence

What is emotional intelligence?

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions as well as the emotions of others. It involves being aware of your feelings, being able to regulate them, and using them to guide your thoughts and actions constructively.

Why is it important?

By working on the emotional part of your glow up challenge, you will start seeing how the negative people impact your life. You will have more meaningful relationships with those you truly love and stop wasting time with those who frustrate you. 

Additionally, it allows us to manage stress better and handle difficult situations healthily. Think back to how many times you bent over backwards for people who didn’t notice or took it for granted. 

I never realized that this was something I needed to work on! I was a notorious “people pleaser” that left me exhausted! And for what? So that people would still “like” me? It was after this realization that I needed to be helpful but not be taken advantage of that the biggest glow happened!

How can we cultivate it?

1. Practice self-awareness: Pay attention to your emotions and try to understand them. Take time for self-reflection and journaling to gain a deeper understanding of yourself. 

2. Develop empathy: Try to see things from others’ perspectives and be open to understanding their emotions. This will strengthen your relationships and improve communication.

3. Learn to manage emotions: When faced with difficult situations, practice regulating emotions rather than reacting impulsively. Take deep breaths, walk away if needed, and use positive self-talk. Having enough sleep will also help with your patience!

4. Communicate effectively: Be aware of how you communicate your emotions and thoughts to others. This reduces stress because of how many times you have had an encounter with someone and then dwell on what you said to them! Trust me, I know! 

5. Practice mindfulness: Be present in the moment and observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Spend time reading the Bible, praying, or doing something that takes you out of your head. This improves your overall health and your life as a whole, too!

By working on your emotional part, you will improve your well-being and enhance your relationships, decision-making abilities, and overall quality of life. This new skill will soon become one of your favorite features.  

People will notice the changes on the outside, but they will fall in love with the real you. Your physical features will change as you age, but how you are as a person will be with you for your whole life! 

10) Practicing Gratitude Daily

Gratitude is a powerful tool for any glow up challenge. It helps us shift our focus from what we lack to how much we have, leading to greater feelings of contentment and happiness. 

Start each day by thinking of three things you’re grateful for, big or small. This simple practice can make a big difference in your overall outlook on life.

Tips for practicing gratitude:

• Keep a gratitude journal: Write three things you’re grateful for daily. This will help you cultivate a habit of focusing on the positive.

• Say thank you often: Whether it’s to your loved ones, friends, or strangers, expressing gratitude can make you and others feel good.

• Reflect on your blessings: Take time to appreciate the things in your life that you often take for granted, such as a roof over your head, food on the table, or good health.

• Count your blessings during tough times: It may be difficult to find things to be grateful for when going through a rough patch, but even something small, like having a warm cup of tea or a supportive friend, can make a difference.

• Write thank you notes: Let others know how much you appreciate them by writing a heartfelt thank you note. This simple gesture can brighten someone’s day and strengthen your relationship.

Gratitude is not just about saying “thank you” but truly feeling thankful for the blessings in your life. If you only do one thing for the emotional part, stay committed to gratitude, and you will see the huge changes. Your best features are how you make yourself and others feel. 

How to Glow Up: The Conclusion 

In my post, “How to Glow Up”, I want you to take away that it is important constantly to improve yourself, but it’s not just about self tanner and beauty. It’s about working on the inner you. 

Sure, your skin will thank you if you carry a water bottle and drink more. Your body will be happy if you move more. But the real changes to your life are through your brain and heart. 

I want you to focus on improving those areas the most. 

How to Glow Up