If you’re wondering about how to have a glow up, then visit the beauty salon. Just kidding! ? What I meant to say is: You’re exactly in the right place!
Before we skip to the main part, let’s first define what it exactly means to glow up. What is a glow up, and why is it so important to us?
I’ll start with one of the definitions by Urban Dictionary, which I find really interesting:
“A Glow Up is a mental, physical, and emotional transformation for the better. Glow Ups can be both natural or planned. As well as being gradual and permanent, or fast and temporary.”
I think there’s no need to add anything else to this “divine definition.” As you can see, glowing up is not only about working on your exterior (read: physical appearance) but about a full physical and mental transformation.
It’s about taking care of yourself, improving your lifestyle, mindset, and many other things. It’s about being the best you can be, and therein lies its importance.
There are multiple ways to glow up, and today, we’ll focus on the most prominent ones that will help you transform yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually.
How To Have A Glow Up: 24 Glow Up Tips
How do you have a glow up? It’s actually very simple. From water intake to haircare and meditation, these glow up ideas are something anyone can implement in their life.
The only question is: Do you want to?
Given that you’re here, I suppose you’re totally ready for your transformation, so here are the essential glow up tips you shouldn’t miss!
How To Glow Up Physically
A physical glow up is not only about makeup or clothes. To glow up physically, you need to feel good in your skin. How do you feel good in your skin?
By taking care of your diet, exercising, implementing skincare routines, and other rituals. A physical glow up is about the following things:
1. Eating nutrient-rich foods (read: healthy food)
For all of you who aren’t familiar with it, nutrient-rich food stands for food rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients essential for your health. This food doesn’t contain too much saturated fat, added sugars, etc.
And yes, this type of food will both make your skin glow and make you feel AWESOME. Eat lots of fruit and veggies (especially if you’re craving that summer glow up).
Apples, avocados, and bananas are the top three fruits on Healthline’s list of super healthy food, so you can start with them.
In a nutshell, improving your diet will help you live a healthy life because beauty and health stem from your food and water intake as well as exercise (or the lack thereof).
2. Staying hydrated
How often have you heard someone urging you (be it in a commercial or real life) to drink water? Well, they do it for a reason.
Adult human bodies consist of 60% water, and our blood is 90% water. If you don’t drink enough water, it can negatively affect both your skin and well-being in general.
And if you’re wondering how to have a glow up overnight, hydrating is a must! It will not only make your skin glow, but it will also make you feel energetic, nourished, and moisturized.
I suggest finding a special water bottle and carrying it everywhere you go. That’s how I do it because staying hydrated is one of the most important things when it comes to your health and beauty.
3. Skincare routines
I don’t know about you, but I’m in love with skincare routines because they are so relaxing, and most importantly, they give outstanding results!
Here are some of the most important skincare rituals you should implement if you want to achieve that glow up effect:
• Moisturize twice a day! Invest in a great moisturizer because the skin on your face will be grateful for it. Use it in the morning and at night after washing your face with warm water.
• Use a gentle cleanser. If you aren’t familiar with micellar cleansing waters, then it’s time to give them a try because I couldn’t imagine my life without them. They are great for gentle cleansing and removing makeup. Just make sure you choose one suitable for your skin type.
• Use face masks once a week. I prefer DIY face masks based on lemon, olive oil, and honey, but you can always buy them in drugstores. While doing that, pay attention to pick one with natural ingredients. Say bye to pimples and hello to clear skin!
• Dear, I think it’s high time you start using sunscreen. Sunscreens are basically a synonym for summer self-care, but this shouldn’t be so. Applying sunscreen every morning might sound like a chore, but the benefits for your skin are long-term. It will help you prevent wrinkles and fine lines, and it will protect you from harmful UV rays. I suggest using SPF 30 or higher.
• Use exfoliators with acids once a week. I’m sure there are plenty of exfoliators on the market. Just make sure that you choose one with the most natural ingredients.
• COCONUT OIL. This is my favorite of all skincare products, and I use it as a lotion after a shower. After you use it, your skin will be smooth, moisturized, and awesome. The reason why it’s one of my favorite glow-up routines is that it’s 100% natural and effective.
While applying these skincare products, keep in mind that you deserve to be the hottest version of yourself.
4. Choosing the right products and hairstyle for your hair type
It’s time to renew your color, trim split ends, and use a shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask specifically designed for your hair type. Is your hair dry, oily, or normal?
There are products for each type, and I strongly recommend finding the most suitable products for your hair type. It took me ages before finding the right products for my curly (read: naturally dry hair), and the results are astonishing.
Read the reviews, test the products on your hair, and deal with the fact that not every product will be a success. However, patience is a virtue!
And yes, now is the perfect time to try out a new hairstyle that will be perfect for your hair type. If you’re not really sure about it, consult your hairdresser.
5. Wearing the right makeup
Wearing makeup is not the only “answer” to how to become pretty, but it also plays a role. If you ask me, wearing the right makeup means not wearing too much or too little.
Discover the power of under-eye concealer! This is my favorite makeup hack because it gives you an instant refreshing look.
I also prefer some lipstick, blush for my cheeks, and mascara. I call this my “makeup basics kit” that anyone can rock and look fabulous with little to no effort.
If you’re looking for something more inspiring or are unsure how to apply the desired makeup look, check out tutorials on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, you name it. I’m sure you’ll find the needed tips and inspiration!
6. Dressing in clothes that feel good and flatter your body type
If you want to glow up, then you need to dress to impress, right? The easiest way to rock any outfit is by paying attention that it is in accordance with your body type.
For example, if you have an hourglass body shape, don’t forget to accentuate your waist. Or if you have an apple body shape, you’d look great in A-line or straight coats, ponchos, or knee-length trench styles.
Of course, the emphasis is on wearing clothes that make you feel good, so pay attention to the material as well. Silk or satin materials will give you that glowing touch without much effort.
7. Building your own workout routine
Establishing a workout routine will give you a natural glow up in both your physical appearance and self-esteem. Exercising is not only great for weight loss (if you have a few extra pounds) but also for reducing stress and boosting your immune system.
After exercising, your endorphins (feel-good hormones) multiply, and they are responsible for you feeling good and looking good.
8. Getting enough sleep
Did you know that simply getting enough sleep could be the biggest glow up idea ever? I’ve had my fair share of sleepless nights. So, I can confirm that there’s a huge difference between not getting and getting enough sleep.
Here’s the thing with sleep: During the night, your whole body regenerates, and for it to do that, you need to be in a state of rest. Think of it as a computer that needs to be updated. While it’s updating, you cannot do anything on it until it finishes its job.
Well, the same thing applies to our bodies. If you want great skin, hair, nails, a healthy body, and mind, then let your body naturally regenerate through sleep.
9. Getting rid of bad habits
How do you have a glow up? Here’s one simple glow up idea: Get rid of bad habits that negatively influence your health. Quit smoking, reduce your alcohol intake, and reduce or quit eating junk food. Replace all your bad habits with good habits.
Guess what? Your body and mind will be grateful for it. They will reward you with beautiful hair, glowing skin, and a healthy spirit.
So, be transparent with yourself. Think of the things you could stop doing right now and replace them with new, healthy habits.
10. Improving your posture
Did you know that good posture can make you look a lot younger than you are? There are plenty of exercises that can improve your posture.
What’s also important is that you straighten your posture when standing or walking because this will make you look more attractive.
It doesn’t require much effort and has the power to make you look youthful and appealing (especially because good posture exudes confidence).
How To Glow Up Mentally And Spiritually
Just like the physical aspect, our mental and spiritual aspects require maintenance as well. This includes getting rid of all the negativity, practicing gratitude, challenging yourself, and so on.
If you’re wondering about how to get a glow up mentally and spiritually, then here’s what you need to do:
1. Get rid of negative thoughts and people
Get rid of negative thoughts. Get rid of toxic people and surround yourself with positive people. You need to target every source of negativity and ditch it.
If you want to keep growing mentally and spiritually, you need to surround yourself with inspiring and positive people. They will challenge your perspective and enrich your life.
Once you enter the world of positivity, you will raise your vibrational energy, which means attracting more greatness into your life.
2. Travel as much as you can
I know that you probably didn’t expect this one, but you have no idea how beneficial traveling is for every single soul on earth. If you can afford it, travel and explore the world as often as you can.
New cultures, stories, people, food, and landscapes will fill you with positive energy and new perspectives. If you ask me, traveling is the best remedy for our souls.
3. Set goals and make plans
Do you have any goals and plans in your life? Do you ever think about achieving your goals? I’m sure you do, and if you don’t, it’s high time you change that.
Setting goals makes it easier to find your purpose. You will be more organized in life, and every time you achieve something, you’ll enjoy that sense of fulfillment.
You can start by setting goals for the next day or week. Then switch to setting goals for the next year. Start with the easiest and move to the more complex ones and watch how your life magically transforms. ?
PRO TIP: Try manifestation techniques.
4. Gain inner peace by meditating
Meditating is certainly one of the best tips on how to glow up naturally. It will clear your mind, help you gain inner peace, and fill you with positive vibes.
Meditating is like pressing pause on everyday challenges. It’s when you focus only on your breathing, and at that moment, nothing else matters.
If you want to reach that inner glow, you need to allow your mind to reset. Meditating will do just that.
5. Embrace open-mindedness
If you’re wondering how to embrace open-mindedness, I suggest doing the following:
• Focus on listening more than talking.
• Be empathetic toward others.
• Respect other people’s opinions.
• Allow your ideas to be challenged.
• Be humble about your knowledge.
Being open-minded is basically about respecting everyone’s opinions and being willing to expand your knowledge. It’s about knowing that you don’t know everything and having a continual desire to learn.
That’s how you, ladies and gentlemen, keep your spirits and minds youthful and glowing.
6. Find happiness in the little things
If you don’t practice embracing the little things, then this is your most important lesson on how to have a glow up. If you can’t find happiness in the little things, you won’t be able to find them in bigger things either.
Discover the beauty of simple romantic gestures from your loved ones, the beauty of the bright blue sky, the summer breeze, your favorite food, and the list goes on and on.
Literally, from the moment you wake up, you have a choice to embrace all the little things throughout the day as they happen or ignore them. So, what will it be?
I’m sure you’ll make the right call.
7. Boost your confidence and self-love
The easiest way to reach that glow up effect is by feeling great about yourself! Focus on boosting your confidence and self-love every single day.
There are multiple ways you can do this. You can simply smile at yourself in the mirror, and your mind and body will create a veil of positivity immediately.
You can also implement daily positive affirmations. As the name implies, you should practice these affirmations every day. I suggest doing it in front of the mirror for a better effect.
There’s something truly empowering about standing in front of yourself and throwing out powerful words of affirmation that are bound to make you realize your worth.
8. Take a break from your routine
I’m pretty sure that at some point, we all fall into the shackles of routine. It’s when every single day becomes a copy of the previous. There is no element of surprise, and you’re just cruising through this journey called life in “silent mode.”
If that sounds familiar to you, then it’s high time you take a break from your routine! Think of some new exciting things you could implement in your daily life. Organize a road trip, go bowling, or apply for a cooking course.
Make every day count. Don’t allow your day to be a copy of the previous one. Make every day different and live to the fullest.
9. Practice gratitude
Gratefulness should be one of your primary spiritual goals because it can have an amazing effect on your well-being and attract greatness.
Learn to be grateful all year long, not only when something good happens to you. Practice gratitude for both the small and big things. When you do that, the universe will reward you with abundance and more positivity.
10. Social media detox
I’m convinced that every single human being should go on a social media detox at least once a year. I’ve done it multiple times, and it truly does wonders for your mental health.
In other words, when you leave the world of social media for some time, glowing up is inevitable.
During a social media detox, your stress levels will decrease, and you will feel more connected with nature and your surroundings. Also, you will hang out with your friends in real life more, not only in the virtual world.
11. Implement acts of self-care
Little acts of self-care have the power to transform your life in the shortest time. So, don’t ever underestimate their positive effects on your well-being. Here are a few self-care acts to start doing ASAP:
• Journaling (I suggest this for post-breakup glow ups as well).
• Relaxing baths (Feel free to add a glass of your favorite wine to the equation.)
• Breathing exercises (Similar to meditation, breathing exercises will help you relax your body and mind.)
• Massages (Ask your partner or a friend to massage you or visit a professional massage therapist.)
• Yoga (Synchronize your body, mind, and spirit with the healing powers of yoga.)
• Recharge your social battery (Attend events, join a club, take classes, or simply hang out with your loved ones.)
12. Find happiness in random acts of kindness
I firmly believe in the beauty of random acts of kindness. When you do something to help someone else, your happiness multiplies.
Glowing up is all about being happy and content with yourself, right? Well, you’ll achieve that state by doing something thoughtful for those close to you – your partner, family members, or even strangers.
It could be anything. You can pay someone a compliment, give someone your seat on a crowded bus, donate clothes and food, you name it. These random acts of kindness will fill you with love and a sense of satisfaction.
13. Find your purpose (if you haven’t already)
Regardless of whether you’re 20 or 40 years old, it’s never too late to find your purpose. After all, every single one of us has our own unique path.
If you haven’t already found your purpose, now is the time to do so. All you need to do is think of the things that inspire and move you. What are the things that (would) make your life exciting and more fulfilling?
14. Do what you love and love what you do
Learning how to have a glow up is also about learning to do the things you love. Things you’re passionate about are the main piece of the puzzle called “finding your purpose.”
I recently read somewhere that when you do something you don’t enjoy, it’s called work. When you do something you enjoy, it’s called passion. So, it would be silly if I just told you: Be passionate!
Passion is the result of doing something you love. So, do what you love and love what you do.
What Age Do You Normally Glow Up?
Generally, people can enter the glowing up phase as early as sixth grade and re-enter the phase occasionally after. The glow up process usually happens slowly, and there are different phases of glow ups during one person’s lifetime.
For example, after you break up with someone, you can enter the post-breakup glow up phase. Every glow up phase helps you become a better version of yourself and improves you physically, mentally, and spiritually.
How To Glow Up In A Week
For those of you who are in a hurry to achieve that “glow up” look and feel, here are the things you can do in a week:
• Eat fruit and veggies.
• Drink more water.
• Update your wardrobe.
• Implement positive daily affirmations.
• Update your hairstyle.
• Get a massage.
Does doing these things sound challenging to you? I bet you can do them in one week!
How To Have A Glow Up Overnight
I bet some of you are wondering how to glow up overnight, which is possible too. Though, keep in mind that the results will not be as great as a glow up process that lasts longer. If you want a quick glow up, here’s what you can do:
• Exfoliate your face after washing.
• Apply a face mask to hydrate your skin.
• Apply some oil to your hair. (I suggest argan or coconut oil). You can leave it in during the night and rinse it in the morning along with shampooing and conditioning your hair.
What Are Signs Of A Glow Up?
How will you or others know that you’ve undergone a huge transformation? Well, these signs don’t lie:
• You receive more compliments.
• Lots of hotties ask you out.
• Friends tell you that you’re a total catch.
• People are much more agreeable with you.
• You feel great about yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Do you need more signs? The biggest indicator of glowing up is how you feel about yourself. Do you feel energetic, inspired, and just awesome? Then you don’t need any more signs to prove that you totally rock!
Enjoy Your Glow Up Challenge!
When it comes to learning how to have a glow up, remember that your well-being and becoming the best version of yourself should be your number one priority.
Be yourself every single day (because everyone else is already taken)! Enjoy the glowing up process, and don’t forget to inspire your friends, partner, and other people close to you to join you as well!
