Forget A Makeover. Just One Little Thing From This List Can Change Your Look Entirely.
With the turn of a season, there’s the urge for an update of some sorts - from decor, to learning new things, to the way we look. And while a head-to-toe makeover sounds fun, it’s not only pricey, but it often tends to backfire.
“Going for a full appearance overhaul runs the risk of you hating the results - and having a long way to backpeddle.” says Stephanie, beauty and fashion editor. “Plus, when a makeover is too drastic, we simply don’t feel like ourselves, which always makes it harder to feel beautiful in our own skin. But one small step at a time affirms we’re headed in the right direction.”
We asked our editors their favorite little steps they incorporated into their life that make a massive difference in their appearance.
Exercise Regularly & Stay Active
Instead of scheduling intensive workout sessions multiple times a week, try working in 10-20 minutes of exercise a day instead. Select a few activities you like such as walking, yoga, pilates, or cycling, for a little variety and allow yourself to select whatever you are drawn to that day.
When it comes to looks, workouts do more than change the shape of our bodies. They build strength which improves posture, and boosts circulation which improves skin tone and texture, as well as helps with a youthful glow. Additionally, physical activity can give us confidence and give us perspective, which can change how we see ourselves all together. It’s a great way to reduce and manage stress as well, which makes everything better. Right?
Try A New Hair Style
When it comes to the hair salon, there are two major mistakes we see happening time and time again. The first, is going for a drastic change in hairstyle, which generally results in tears, 50% of the time. Instead, go halfway between the cut you have and the cut you can’t seem to get our of your mind. If you still want to go all the way later down the line, the change will be less shocking. And if you hate it, you’re already halfway back to where you were!
The second mistake we often see is sticking with the same hair dresser even if you don’t like your cut. As funny as it may sound, sometimes, it’s less about the style and more about who is giving it. Asking for the same cut with a different stylist may result in the exact change you’re looking for - without a complete redo.
Eat Healthy Foods
Eating well has mega benefits for our health - but also for our looks. When we eat healthy foods and make active choices towards better nutrition, we can reduce anxiety, minimize skin blemishes as well as fine lines and wrinkles, have shinier hair, stronger nails, clearer eyes, and the list goes on. One easy way to change the diet for the better is to opt for cooking more at home. It naturally rules out more processed foods and makes eating fruits and vegetables and lean proteins a lot easier. Plus, food cooked at home tends to have less sugar, enriched carbohydrates, and saturated fats.
Take Care of Your Skin
You don’t need to hit up a med spa or dive into injections for better skin. Especially if you’re not in the habit of washing the makeup off your face every night. Doing this plus a good moisturizer and sunscreen will do more for your skin than nearly anything else Finding a skincare routine that you can stick with is light years more beneficial than one with a million high-tech products that takes forever to maintain.
Clean out The Closet
Instead of running to the mall for a new wardrobe, take that same amount of time and spend it cleaning out your closet. Start by removing clothes that don’t fit well, or are out of style and that you know you won’t wear the next time around. Make room for well-fitting and stylish clothes that lean towards timeless over trendy, and that make you feel comfortable and pulled together, whether you’re dressed up or casual.
Get Adequate Sleep
Lack of sleep can cause us to have dark circles under your eyes, our skin to break out, and can affect our metabolism. Engage in a bedtime routine that relaxes you and makes you feel like crawling into bed each night instead of doing things that might stimulate your mind. Configure your room for optimal sleep (we bought an old school alarm to keep the phone out of the bedroom, and it was game changing) to give yourself a better chance of falling and staying asleep.
Smile More
Yea, we know how that sounds. But if we smile more often, we feel happier. And that can translate to looking and feeling more open and confident.