Glow up—it’s a term we hear often in the beauty community, but what does it truly mean? A glow-up is not just about transforming your outer appearance; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself, both inside and out. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion, a new chapter in your life, or just want to feel more confident every day, a glow-up can give you that extra boost.
This guide will take you through 12 simple yet powerful steps to help you achieve that radiant glow. From skincare and diet to fitness and style, we’ll cover everything you need to know to enhance your natural beauty and feel your best.

Step 1: Achieve a Healthy Body Fat Percentage
One of the most impactful ways to improve your appearance is by achieving a healthy body fat percentage. For men, this typically ranges from 8% to 17%, with 12% being the most optimal for an athletic look. For women, a healthy range is 15% to 25%, with 18% to 20% being ideal for enhancing your natural curves while maintaining a toned physique.
Maintaining a healthy body fat percentage not only accentuates your facial features, especially the jawline and cheekbones but also boosts your overall energy levels and confidence. To achieve this, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. Incorporate both strength training and cardiovascular workouts into your routine. Strength training helps build lean muscle, which gives your body a more toned appearance, while cardio helps burn excess fat.
Step 2: Supplement with Beta-Carotene for a Natural Glow
Who doesn’t want that golden, sun-kissed glow? The good news is that you don’t need to bake in the sun for hours or risk skin damage to achieve it. Beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach, can give your skin a healthy, radiant glow from the inside out.
Research has shown that beta-carotene enhances skin tone attractiveness by giving your skin a warm, golden hue. This glow is often more attractive than the tan you get from sun exposure. To achieve this look, consider supplementing with 12 to 18 milligrams of beta-carotene daily. However, if you smoke, avoid beta-carotene supplements as they may increase cancer risk. Instead, focus on getting this nutrient from food sources.
Step 3: Stop Touching and Popping Pimples
It’s tempting, but popping pimples can lead to permanent scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. When you pop a pimple, you risk pushing bacteria deeper into the skin, which can cause more inflammation and lead to a longer healing time.
Instead of picking at your skin, focus on a consistent skincare routine that includes cleansing, exfoliating, and treating your skin with gentle, effective products. If you have a breakout, use spot treatments with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to reduce inflammation and speed up healing. Also, remember to keep your hands off your face as much as possible to avoid transferring bacteria and oils.
Step 4: Improve Skin Homogeneity and Tone
When it comes to facial attractiveness, skin homogeneity (evenness of skin tone) is key. Studies have shown that individuals with even skin tone are perceived as more attractive, youthful, and healthy. Uneven skin tone, caused by redness, hyperpigmentation, or sunspots, can detract from your overall appearance.
To improve your skin’s homogeneity, focus on reducing redness and correcting pigmentation issues. Use products that contain ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and retinoids, which help brighten the skin and even out tone. Additionally, always wear sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage and prevent further pigmentation issues.
Step 5: Brighten Your Eye Sclera
Your eyes are one of the first features people notice, and their attractiveness is largely determined by the whiteness of the sclera (the white part of the eye). Clear, bright sclerae are associated with health and vitality, while red or yellow sclerae can make you look tired or unwell.
To brighten your sclerae, focus on getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and avoiding irritants like smoke and pollution. You can also use eye drops formulated to reduce redness if needed. Additionally, a diet rich in vitamins A and C can help maintain eye health and brightness.
Step 6: Choose the Right Hairstyle for Your Face Shape
Your hairstyle plays a crucial role in balancing your facial proportions and enhancing your overall appearance. The goal is to choose a hairstyle that complements your face shape and creates harmony between the upper, middle, and lower thirds of your face.
For example, if you have a longer face, avoid hairstyles that add height to the top of your head. Instead, opt for styles that add width, such as voluminous waves or curls. For men, a beard can also help balance the proportions of the face by adding structure to the jawline. Experiment with different styles to find the one that best suits your features.
Step 7: Shape Your Eyebrows for Balance and Definition
Eyebrows are often overlooked, but they have a significant impact on your facial symmetry and overall attractiveness. Well-groomed eyebrows can frame your face, accentuate your eyes, and create a more balanced appearance.
The thickness and shape of your eyebrows should complement your face shape and personal style. For example, if you have close-set eyes, consider trimming your eyebrows slightly farther apart to create the illusion of more space. If you prefer a bold look, thicker eyebrows can add definition and structure to your face.
Step 8: Correct Facial Underbites and Overbites
A strong, balanced jawline is a key component of facial attractiveness. If you have a noticeable underbite or overbite, it can affect the harmony of your features and your side profile. Correcting these issues can greatly enhance your appearance.
Orthodontic treatments, such as braces or aligners, can help correct bite issues over time. In more severe cases, orthognathic surgery may be necessary to reposition the jaw. While these treatments require time and investment, the results can be transformative, not only improving your appearance but also your dental health and function.
Step 9: Whiten Your Teeth for a Brighter Smile
A bright, white smile is universally attractive. Over time, teeth can become stained from coffee, tea, wine, and other foods and drinks. To maintain a white smile, consider professional teeth whitening treatments or at-home whitening kits.
It’s important to note that natural-looking white teeth, with a slight off-white tint, are more attractive than overly white, unnatural-looking teeth. Be mindful not to overdo it with whitening treatments, as excessively white teeth can appear fake and detract from your overall appearance.
Step 10: Treat Acne for Clearer Skin
Acne is a common skin concern, especially among teenagers and young adults. However, it can affect people of all ages and significantly impact self-confidence. Fortunately, acne is treatable, and achieving clear skin can greatly enhance your glow-up.
If over-the-counter treatments aren’t effective, consider visiting a dermatologist. Prescription medications, such as topical retinoids or oral antibiotics, can help control acne. In more severe cases, treatments like Accutane (a potent vitamin A derivative) can provide long-lasting results. Consistency is key, so stick to your skincare routine and be patient with the process.
Step 11: Adjust Your Head Tilt for Better Facial Angles
Believe it or not, the position of your head can influence how attractive you appear in photos and in person. A slight downward tilt of the head can enhance your facial angles, making your jawline appear more defined and your eyes more striking.
However, if you have prominent under-eye bags or dark circles, a neutral head position may be more flattering, as tilting your head downward can accentuate these features. Practice different head angles in the mirror to find the most flattering position for your face.
Step 12: Cultivate Inner Confidence and Positivity
Finally, no glow-up is complete without cultivating inner confidence and a positive mindset. True beauty radiates from within, and how you feel about yourself is often reflected in your appearance. Confidence can make you stand taller, smile brighter, and interact with others more authentically.
To build confidence, practice self-care, set personal goals, and surround yourself with positive influences. Remember that a glow-up is not just about changing your appearance; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself, inside and out.
Achieving a glow-up is a journey that involves taking care of both your inner and outer self. By following these 12 simple steps, you can enhance your natural beauty, boost your confidence, and feel more radiant every day. Whether you’re focusing on skincare, fitness, or finding the right hairstyle, remember that small changes can make a big difference.
The key to a successful glow-up is consistency. Stick to your routines, be patient with the process, and most importantly, embrace the unique beauty that makes you, you. With time and dedication, you’ll not only look your best but also feel your best—ready to take on the world with confidence and grace.