Summer’s finally here, and it’s a good excuse to refresh—physically, mentally, whatever you’re into. Whether you’re hitting the beach, hanging out, or just in the mood for a little self-care reboot, this list is packed with stuff that’s worked for me. These aren’t shortcuts. They’re small, steady things that stack up. Let’s dive into how to glow up in summer.
1. Shape Your Eyebrows
Eyebrows are sneaky. You don’t think they matter much—until you shape them and suddenly your whole face is upgraded. For real. What I usually do: brush ‘em up with a spoolie, check the arch, and only pluck underneath and in between. That’s it. If you go too far, it’s hard to fix. Use a brow pencil to map things out if you’re unsure—it helps. High arches tend to flatter round faces, and straighter brows look great on long ones. No need to overcomplicate it. Clean brows = instant polish.
2. Find a Makeup Style That Suits You
Makeup’s personal. It should feel like you. I go for light bronzer because I’ve got sharp cheekbones—it just works. Maybe your thing is bold eyeliner or glossy lips. Summer’s a good time to keep it chill: tinted moisturizer, some mascara, and a swipe of gloss. That’s enough. Drugstore stuff is fine—Maybelline’s a go-to for me when I’m testing looks. The trick is knowing your strengths and playing them up. And don’t be afraid to experiment. You’ll figure it out faster than you think.
3. Do Your Hair!
Hair makes such a difference. You don’t need a full makeover—just play a little. I’ve dyed mine to suit my skin tone (blonde when I’m feeling bold, darker when I want to be low-key). Warm skin tones? Honey highlights kill. Cool skin? Ashy colors look amazing. No clue what works? Try a temporary dye. If you’re not into color, switch up the style. A high pony, soft waves, messy braid—easy stuff. And please, heat protectant if you’re styling. Split ends suck.
4. Find What Colors Look Best on You
Colors can be magic. Some shades make you look alive. Others? Total buzzkill. I used to wear whatever I liked… until I saw how much better I looked in certain tones. There are tools online that help (colorwise.me is one). But even holding clothes up in natural light can tell you a lot. Earthy shades if you’ve got warm undertones, jewel tones for cool ones. Once you figure it out, shopping is easier and everything just… fits better.
5. Focus on Skincare
Glowing skin isn’t a filter—it’s care. Doesn’t need to be complicated. Three basics: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen. That’s it. Add stuff only if you know why you’re using it. Oily? Salicylic acid helps. Dry? Try hyaluronic acid. I’m careful with fragrance-heavy products—they mess me up. A face roller in the morning feels nice, and exfoliating twice a week (gently!) keeps things smooth. And yeah, food plays a part. I cut back on dairy when breakouts hit. Skin reflects what’s going on inside, no question.
6. Keep Your Hair Healthy
Shiny, healthy hair looks good no matter the style. I do a hair mask once a week—sometimes just coconut oil. Before shampooing, rosemary oil on the scalp is gold. I leave it in for a bit, then wash it out. Shampoo and conditioner should match your hair type. If it’s thin, go for volume. If it’s curly, look for moisture. Leave-in conditioners help with softness. And always, always trim regularly. Even a tiny cleanup makes it feel fresh.
7. Get That Tan In
I’m all for a summer tan—but safely. Tanning oil helps deepen the color, but never skip SPF. Ever. I go with SPF 50, reapply it often, especially after swimming. If you’re sun-sensitive, a good self-tanner like St. Tropez is solid. Just exfoliate beforehand or it’ll look patchy. Tanning in small doses beats frying your skin. You want a glow, not a burn.
8. Get Some Movement In
Moving your body changes everything—energy, mood, skin. I’m not a gym rat, but I do something daily. Walking’s underrated. I aim for 10k steps but don’t stress it. Pilates is my go-to when I want to feel strong. Even dancing around my room counts. Find whatever gets you going—bike rides, hikes, runs, anything. The after-feeling is always worth it.
9. Stick to Health Tips
Tiny things, big difference. I don’t do intense diets or anything wild. Just stuff like drinking more water, eating real food, walking outside. I stopped chugging soda every day and swapped in more fruit. It helps. Also, I say affirmations even if it feels cheesy—“You’ve got this” in the mirror actually lifts my mood. Try staying off your phone now and then. Craft something, clean, whatever. It’s weird how doing random stuff makes you feel more alive.
10. Add Random Tips
Little things matter. A lash serum before bed? Love it. Cuticle oil? Game changer. I spray on a citrusy perfume after showers—it’s subtle but refreshing. Jewelry can pull your outfit together in seconds. Even something as small as standing up straight or smiling more adds confidence. These are the details that pull the whole glow-up together.
Final Words
That’s it. Not rules, not magic—just stuff to help you feel more like yourself, in a good way. Don’t think of it as changing who you are. It’s just turning up the volume on the version you already like. Try what clicks, skip what doesn’t, and enjoy the sun while it’s here. You’ve got this.