Glow Up Diaries: 5 Tips To Help You Glow Up Before the New Year PT.2
As the new year approaches, many of us are thinking about ways to improve ourselves and start off on the right foot.
One popular resolution is to "glow up," or make positive changes to our physical and mental health in order to feel and look our best.
If you're looking to make some changes in the new year, here are five tips to help you glow up before the start of 2022:
1) Focus on your skincare routine:
A consistent skincare routine can help improve the appearance and health of your skin.
Consider incorporating a facial cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen into your daily routine. Here are a few steps to consider incorporating into your routine.
Facial cleanser:
Use a gentle facial cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin. Choose a product that is suited for your skin type (e.g. oily, dry, combination).
Toner:
After cleansing, use a toner to help balance the pH of your skin and tighten pores. Look for a toner that contains ingredients like aloe vera or glycerin to help soothe and hydrate the skin.
Moisturizer:
Moisturizing your skin helps to keep it hydrated and prevents dryness. Choose a moisturizer that is suited for your skin type and consider using one that contains SPF to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays.
Sunscreen:
Sunscreen is a crucial step in any skincare routine, as it helps protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, which can cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it to all exposed skin at least 20 minutes before going outside.
Exfoliate:
Exfoliating a few times a week helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, which can improve the appearance of your skin.
There are two types of exfoliants: physical exfoliants (e.g. scrubs) and chemical exfoliants (e.g. alpha-hydroxy acids).
Choose one that is suitable for your skin type and be sure to follow the instructions on the product.
By following these steps and choosing skincare products that are suited for your skin type, you can help improve the appearance and health of your skin.
Remember to be gentle when cleansing and exfoliating, and always remove your makeup before going to bed to avoid clogging pores.
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2) Try a new haircut or style
Changing your haircut or style can be a great way to switch up your look and boost your confidence. Here are a few things to consider when trying a new haircut or style:
Consider your face shape:
Different haircuts can flatter different face shapes.
If you have an oval face shape, you can generally pull off most haircuts.
If you have a round face shape, you might want to avoid a haircut that is too short or too blunt, as it can make your face look wider.
If you have a square face shape, you might want to avoid a haircut that is too long, as it can make your face look wider.
Consider your lifestyle:
Think about your daily routine and how much time you have to style your hair. If you have a busy schedule, you might want to opt for a low-maintenance haircut that is easy to style.
On the other hand, if you have more time to devote to styling your hair, you might be able to pull off a more complex haircut.
Consult with a stylist:
A stylist can help you find a haircut that works for your face shape, hair type, and personal style.
Bring pictures of haircuts you like, and be open to the stylist's suggestions.
They can help you choose a look that will suit you and be easy to maintain.
3) Get organized
A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind, so taking the time to declutter and organize your living space can help improve your productivity and reduce stress.
Here are a few steps to help you get started:
Start with one area:
Rather than trying to declutter and organize your entire home at once, choose one area to focus on at a time. This could be your bed area, your desk or closet.
Sort through your belongings:
Take everything out of the area you're organizing and sort through your belongings.
Keep only the things you use and love, and get rid of anything you don't need or use.
You could donate, sell, or recycle items that you no longer want.
Use storage solutions:
Once you've decluttered your space, use storage solutions like bins, baskets, and shelves to keep things organized and tidy.
Consider purchasing organizers specifically designed for the items you have, such as a shoe rack for your shoes or a spice rack for your spices.
Maintain your organization:
After you've decluttered and organized your space, make an effort to maintain it.
Put things back in their designated spot after you use them, and consider setting aside a few minutes each week to tidy up and put things back in their proper place.
By following these steps, you can declutter and organize your space, creating a more peaceful and productive environment.
Remember to be patient and take your time – the process of decluttering and organizing can take some time, but the end result is worth it.
4) Use a Gua Sha
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves using a flat, smooth tool to massage the skin in a scraping motion.
It is believed to promote circulation, reduce inflammation, and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use gua sha on your face:
Cleanse your face to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup. This will help the gua sha tool glide smoothly across your skin and allow it to better absorb any skincare products you may be using.
Apply a facial oil or serum to your skin. This will help the gua sha tool glide smoothly across your skin and also help to moisturize and nourish your skin.
Hold the gua sha tool with the flat side against your skin. Start at the center of your face and move outwards, using gentle scraping motions. Be sure to use light pressure and make sure the tool is not digging into your skin.
Work your way down the neck and décolletage, using the same gentle scraping motions.
Finish by applying a facial moisturizer to help lock in hydration and nourishment.
Image: Franklin & Whitman
It is important to be gentle and mindful when using gua sha on your face.
Avoid using too much pressure, as this can cause bruising or irritation.
If you have sensitive skin, you may want to start with a softer gua sha tool and gradually work up to a firmer one.
Gua sha is a great way to promote circulation and improve the overall appearance of your skin.
With regular use, you may notice a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion.
As with any skincare routine, it is important to be consistent and patient, as results may take time to appear.
5) Use A Hair Mask Once A Week
Using a hair mask once a week can do wonders for the health and appearance of your hair.
Whether you have dry, damaged, or oily hair, there is a hair mask out there that can help address your specific hair concerns.
Benefits of Using a Hair Mask Once a Week
Hair masks are designed to deeply nourish and moisturize the hair, helping to repair damage and improve the overall health and appearance of your locks. Some specific benefits of using a hair mask once a week include:
Repairing damage: If your hair is damaged from heat styling, coloring, or other environmental factors, using a hair mask can help repair and strengthen the hair shaft.
Moisturizing dry hair: If your hair is dry and brittle, a hair mask can help add moisture and improve elasticity.
Taming frizz: If you have frizzy hair, a hair mask can help smooth the cuticle and reduce flyaways.
Adding shine: A hair mask can help add shine and luster to dull, lifeless hair.
Promoting healthy hair growth: By nourishing the hair and scalp, a hair mask can help promote healthy hair growth.
Tips for Selecting and Applying a Hair Mask
When selecting a hair mask, it is important to choose one that is tailored to your specific hair type and concerns.
Choose the right hair mask for your hair type:
If you have dry, damaged hair, look for a hair mask that is rich in nourishing ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, or shea butter.
If you have oily hair, opt for a lightweight hair mask that won't weigh down your hair.
Follow the instructions on the packaging:
Most hair masks should be left on the hair for at least 5-10 minutes, although some may need to be left on for longer.
Follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure you are using the hair mask correctly.
Apply the hair mask evenly:
Make sure to evenly distribute the hair mask throughout your hair, paying extra attention to the ends.
Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle:
After applying the hair mask, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair. This will help the hair mask penetrate the hair shaft more effectively.
Rinse thoroughly:
Be sure to rinse the hair mask thoroughly to avoid any build-up or residue.
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