It’s tough finding a glow up checklist that actually delivers results… I understand! Pinterest and TikTok are overflowing with ideas, but let’s be honest, many of them aren’t exactly realistic for everyday life.
That’s why I’m sharing a six-step glow up checklist that’s not only effective but also designed for real, busy, and amazing people like you. Plus, I’ll let you in on a little secret that transformed my skin in under a week!
This is a game-changer, so make yourself comfortable with a cup of tea. Pin this glow up checklist now if you want to revisit it later!
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The Ultimate Glow Up Checklist That Works
Before diving in, let’s make a pact with ourselves.
Commit to incorporating these steps into your daily life and routine for the next 21 days.
Feeling ambitious? Go for 30 days. But aim for at least 21 days as a starting point.
Consistency is key to unlocking the full potential of this glow up checklist. Trying it for just a week won’t reveal the lasting transformations you’re capable of.
Lasting results require consistent effort and positive habits.
Challenge yourself to stick with these steps for 21 days.
I’m on this journey with you and will be sharing a follow-up article soon, complete with before-and-after photos and my personal experiences. So, stay tuned!
Ready for the 6-step glow up checklist?
Step One: Hydrate for a Natural Glow Up
Yes, yes, I know… drinking water seems like the go-to tip for every glow up guide.
But trust me, when done right, it’s incredibly effective. It really works.
According to research from Harvard Health, aiming for four to six cups of water daily is a good starting point for most individuals. To pinpoint your ideal daily intake, try this online water intake calculator.
The beauty of proper hydration is its dual benefit: holistic health improvements and visible beauty enhancements. We’re talking about seriously boosting your beauty game!
Beyond achieving radiant, healthy skin, drinking enough water helps combat various skin issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It aids your body in flushing out toxins, contributing to clearer skin.
However, it’s crucial to remember that water intake should complement any professional treatment plan if you’re dealing with these conditions.
Staying hydrated also prevents dehydration, which has numerous often-overlooked side effects.
Adequate hydration can reduce puffiness, smooth skin texture, and even slow down aging. Talk about a natural beauty elixir!
Calculate your personalized water needs and then add a little extra to fully embrace this glow up challenge.
A fun and effective trick I’ve found to stay on track is using a motivational water bottle. It turns hydration into a playful competition with myself and the bottle throughout the day.
Step Two: Consistent Skincare is Key + My Skin Secret
Let’s start with a crucial point: simplicity is your friend.
In a world saturated with endless skincare routines on TikTok, it’s easy to get caught up in trying new products constantly.
But remember, our goal is consistency for at least 21 days. Simplicity promotes consistency!
Every skin type is unique, and skincare routines should reflect that. For inspiration, here’s my minimalist skincare routine that has been incredibly effective for my acne-prone, oily skin:
Morning Glow Up Skincare Routine
Step one: Cleanse my face with Curology cleanser.
Step two: Apply Curology moisturizer to my face, neck, and décolletage.
Step three: Sunscreen is essential (I love this tinted sunscreen as it provides light coverage like a BB cream and contains acne-fighting zinc!).
Step four: Start the day!
Night Glow Up Skincare Routine
Step one: Cleanse my face with Curology cleanser.
Step two: Apply my custom Curology cream (Get your personalized Curology cream here).
Step three: Moisturize ( UPDATE: Currently, I’m using this moisturizer. My skin has never looked healthier and more radiant, and the scent is amazing! Plus, it’s cruelty-free and formulated without harsh chemicals!)
It’s a simple routine, right? But unbelievably, I used these same products for months without seeing noticeable improvements.
This was incredibly frustrating. Seeking answers, I started watching Hyram’s YouTube videos (because I think he’s one of the most genuine people online!). I stumbled upon this video.
In the video, he mentions that during his teenage years with severe acne, he was advised to change his pillowcase every single night. Sounds strange, doesn’t it?
My Skin-Transforming Secret
But it actually makes perfect sense. While we sleep, our pillowcases accumulate oil, dirt, and product residue from our skin.
Reusing the same pillowcase night after night means consistently pressing your face against accumulated grime, counteracting all the effort you put into your skincare routine and potentially triggering more breakouts!
I also noticed numerous comments echoing the same idea about using the same face towel daily, leading to similar negative effects.
So, I decided to experiment. I committed to changing my pillowcase nightly and using a fresh face towel every day.
I purchased an inexpensive 6-pack of pillowcases and a pack of baby washcloths on Amazon, and I’m not exaggerating when I say… WOW. It completely revolutionized my skin!
My persistent acne finally started to clear up. I still have skin goals to achieve, but now I know I’m on the right track!
I realized I had the right products all along, but I was unknowingly sabotaging their effectiveness.
By using fresh face towels and pillowcases, you’re supporting your skincare products in doing their job effectively!
One more tip I learned from Hyram: wash your face for at least 45 seconds.
Don’t rush the cleansing process. This allows the product enough time to work its magic and ensures thorough removal of dirt and oil.
These are my game-changing secrets for a remarkable skin glow up! Try them out, at least for the duration of this challenge.
Step Three: Move Your Body for a Full Body Glow Up
I’m a huge advocate for the incredible benefits of exercise, and I want everyone to know!
Movement can dramatically improve your life. It elevates your mood, boosts happiness, increases energy levels, and even contributes to healthier skin!
That’s why it’s an essential component of this glow up checklist.
For our glow up challenge, all these benefits can be amplified to another level.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to spend hours at the gym to experience the advantages of moving your body. Remember, simplicity is key to consistency.
Commit to moving your body for just 20 minutes every day.
This could be a brisk walk with your dog, a refreshing jog while listening to your favorite podcast, or a quick gym session. The trick is to find a joyful activity you genuinely enjoy.
For consistent effort and visible results, consider following a workout program. Thanks to platforms like YouTube, you can access professional coaching for free, right in your home.
Chloe Ting’s workout programs are popular and many fit within our 20-minute daily commitment. Explore her workouts here, choose one that appeals to you, and make exercise a fun part of your glow up checklist!
Step Four: Meditate for Inner Clarity and Outer Radiance
Did you think this glow up was only about external improvements? Think again!
Before you dismiss meditation as sitting cross-legged for hours, trying to empty your mind (which seems impossible!), I urge you to give it a try.
Meditation is included in this glow up checklist because it’s a profoundly powerful yet often underestimated tool for personal growth and mental well-being.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the incredible benefits of daily meditation practice.
From stress reduction and anxiety management to emotional regulation, meditation can also work wonders for your skin! Believe it or not.
Recent research indicates that meditation can reduce the activity of inflammatory genes. This translates to less skin inflammation (goodbye acne!) and fewer wrinkles as you age.
Isn’t that amazing?
To start experiencing these incredible benefits, begin with just two minutes of meditation daily.
Again, consistency is what matters.
If you’re unsure where to begin, I recommend exploring apps like Headspace and Calm. They offer a wealth of guided meditation sessions. Calm even has a 31-day challenge to help you integrate meditation into your glow up checklist.
Step Five: Read for at Least 10 Minutes Daily for Mental Glow Up
Reading offers so many incredible advantages, which is why it’s included in our realistic glow up checklist.
Reading reduces stress, alleviates symptoms of depression, and enhances your ability to empathize with others. Plus, it may even help you live longer. So, why not?
Start with just ten minutes each day. A helpful tip to make it a habit is to link reading with an existing routine.
For example, read while enjoying your morning coffee or unwind with a book after your evening shower before bed.
For this glow up checklist to be effective, choose reading material you genuinely enjoy. This could be personal development books, inspiring fiction, or anything that sparks your interest!
Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
Step Six: Journal Daily to Track Your Glow Up Journey
Journaling used to feel like a significant undertaking for me. But gradually, it has become one of the most valuable tools in my personal development toolkit.
For this glow up checklist, I highly recommend daily journaling. Science supports its benefits! Researchers have found that journaling is highly effective for processing overwhelming emotions and gaining clarity.
It aids in managing anxiety and provides perspective on your daily life and challenges.
If you’re new to journaling, try using prompts like these:
Aim to answer at least one prompt each day and write it down on paper, not on your phone!
For my daily journaling, I practice morning pages. It’s had such a positive impact on my mental well-being that I’m planning a dedicated post about it!
My Alternative To Journal Prompts: Morning Pages
My daily journaling practice involves morning pages. I’m so impressed by the positive impact on my mental health that I’m definitely writing a full post about it soon!
The concept is simple: immediately after waking up, before starting your day, sit down and write three pages longhand, a stream of consciousness writing for three full pages.
In essence, write down whatever is on your mind. It could be about a dream you just had or something you can’t stop thinking about. It doesn’t matter what it is. Just write it down.
Secretly me
Alt text: Animated GIF of a woman happily eating ice cream with text “Secretly Me,” playfully representing self-reward and enjoyment in the journaling process for a glow up.
This helps your subconscious offload anything that might be weighing you down in the background and allows you to start the day with a fresh perspective.
Sometimes I have significant breakthroughs during this practice. Other times, I write things like, “I really want ice cream right now, maybe hazelnut. It sounds fancy.” True story. Apparently, my brain secretly craves ice cream.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Life with This Glow Up Checklist
Glowing up is about more than just physical appearance.
This glow up checklist is designed to elevate you to a new level—mind, body, and spirit.
Give equal attention to both inner and outer practices. When you cultivate inner change, your outward demeanor naturally transforms. You’ll cultivate greater motivation, confidence, and a renewed perspective on yourself and the world.
Are you ready to take on this 21-day glow up checklist challenge? I believe you can do it!
Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are your thoughts on this 6-step realistic glow up checklist? Are you in for the challenge?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
And if you found these ideas helpful, be sure to pin this glow up checklist for future reference!
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