10 Practical Beauty Tips You Can Start Doing Today
Need some practical beauty tips? Some feel that reading about how to be “more beautiful” is superficial. I get it, isn’t inner beauty more important than physical beauty? Sure. But the truth is, most people care about the way they look. And that’s okay! The way we show up in this world matters, and it’s an unfortunate reality that a lot of our experiences are influenced by the way others see us and the way we see ourselves.
Going under the knife to adjust physical appearance is nothing new, but research shows it is becoming more and more common. One research study found that cosmetic procedures skyrocketed in the United States after the pandemic. A UK research study found an astonishing 102% increase in women’s cosmetic procedures from 2021 to 2022. Cosmetic procedures are expensive and so risky—and yet their popularity continues to surge!
However, there are many downsides to cosmetic procedures, especially health risks, botched operations, and fluctuating beauty trends! It is wiser to invest in healthier, natural beauty options. These 10 tips will help you feel more confident and attractive while spending little to no money!
1. Nourish Your Hair
A lot of what it takes to keep your hair nourished comes from within (like eating healthy foods), but products make a big difference also, so don’t skimp on using the good stuff! Treat your scalp and strands with love by finger detangling and daily scalp massages. It doesn’t matter how expensive your hair products are if you break your strands when detangling. Love your hair long? Make sure you keep your ends split free. Love your hair short? Make sure to keep up with regular trims to keep it shaped.
Think about changing the style of your hair to frame your face or even your body. I love having big curly hair, but when I’m on the leaner side, I feel my hair takes over my whole look, making me feel like Cousin Itt from the Addams family. So, every now and then I cut off most of my hair. A blunt cut shortens and widens the appearance (making you look heavier) while longer hair elongates (making you look slimmer). Don’t be afraid to make changes, but appreciate the hair God gave you.
P.S. If you have textured hair you may feel concerned about the lack of shine, but I can assure you, shine and moisture are very different. Just wanted to throw that out there for my curly & kinky friends.
2. Develop and Hone a Skin Routine
As someone who struggled with cystic acne (the worst and most painful acne, in my opinion), I know the struggle of not having clear skin. Many people who never struggled with problem skin are ignorant to all the factors that can contribute to breakouts. I’ve even heard it asked if people with acne wash their face. So rude! But, listen, friend, when we have issues with our skin, just like any other part of our body, it is a sign something is not right.
You are worth discovering what type of skin routine will help you look your best! Acne can hurt your self esteem, as research shows even skin tone is more attractive. If this is an issue for you, see a professional to see if your breakouts are a result of a poor diet, hormone imbalance, food/gluten/dairy sensitivity, etc.
3. Do Your Eyebrows
Our eyebrows shape our face. If you are exploring a different look, consider a new brow routine. If your eyebrows are thick and grow fast, try a different shape with eyebrow threading. If your eyebrows are overplucked, try growing your eyebrows out fully. This can take up to 6 months. After that, see what your natural shape is, and keep them touched up with some tweezers. If your eyebrows are thin and light in color, try filling them in with a slightly darker brow pencil for your new look.
4. Consider makeup
If you’re a natural gal like me, you won’t want to read this, but makeup is not your enemy. I don’t like looking different with makeup on because I start feeling dissatisfied with how I look without makeup. Invest some time in learning makeup hacks and different makeup techniques. Try to learn about makeup from people who resemble you or for whatever you want to learn more about, such as skin tone, ptosis (eyelids), nose shape etc. Makeup does not have to be dramatic or make you look different, but it can be a powerful tool to bring brightness to your face and highlight your favorite features.
5. Maintain Your Dental Hygiene
Teeth are a major source of insecurity for many people for a variety of reasons, like overbites, crooked teeth, metal cavities, gaps, yellowing, etc. If you can relate to any of those, you may feel discouraged by the physical appearance of your teeth and maybe have said you would start taking care of your teeth once you have the money to get them “fixed.” But, you should never wait to have healthy teeth and gums! Keep your teeth clean and healthy even if they are not in the state you want them to be in. That means regular brushing, flossing… and, yes, going to the dentist for cleanings!
P.S. Wear chapstick. Buy several to keep one for the car, one near your bed, one in the bathroom, one in your favorite coat, etc. so that you’re never without!
6. Work Towards a Healthy Fit Body
Between our genetics, bone density, body structure, and overall lifestyle, we all have a unique physical makeup. So, a fit body will look a little different for us all. But, be honest with yourself. Have you put 100% of your effort into your fitness journey? There are no shortcuts in this area, no matter what anyone tells you. That is why research shows so many people gain weight after weight loss surgery. This may feel overwhelming but you can always start slow like taking walks on your lunch break and skipping soda. There is no BBL or liposuction that will beat getting into the best shape of your life.
7. Keep After Your Clothes
Keep after your clothes even when they are not even on your body. Do not ball up your clothes when you’re not wearing them. Even if your clothes are dirty, don’t keep them on the floor. This sends a message that you do not value them. It is better to have a pile of clothes on your couch or chair than on the floor.
I find hanging up clothes keeps them neater, and it’s much faster to throw clothes on the hanger than folding. Purchase an iron…and use it occasionally! Treat stains right away, even if you’re in public. Whenever you see hanging threads, cut them right away (don’t pull them). The quality of your clothes will impact your appearance.
P.S. Please upgrade that 5-year-old bra!
8. Be Self-Aware
Beauty is connected to health or perception of health, and science proves that. If you want to be more physically beautiful, take care of the temple you were given to the best of your abilities. Try to be self-aware of your physical appearance when it comes to matters of hygiene. Here are some mistakes to avoid from head to toe:
Hair: avoid dandruff.
Skin: avoid dry skin, dead skin, old makeup, and looking like you just woke up (see #9).
Smell: avoid smelling unfresh and wearing unfresh clothes (most people who smell bad do not know due to olfactory adaptation).
Groom: avoid body hair that can trap odor such as hair in armpits and clip and clean your finger and toe nails often.
9. Drink Water & Sleep!
I know you want to scroll past, but don’t ignore this one! If you don’t drink water and sleep a healthy amount, it will eventually catch up to you, and it will react havoc on your outward appearance. There is no dodging the consequences of neglecting what your body needs. Stop telling yourself you only need 5 or 6 hours of sleep when science continually proves we need at least 8. Drinking water and getting enough sleep prevents puffy eyes and premature aging and leaves you with clearer brighter skin.
10. Forgive
Yes, forgiveness will improve your physical beauty! I know you clicked on this to just read about looks, but inward work illuminates outward beauty. Most people won’t tell you this, but I will: There is no way on earth a new hairstyle or body can mask a heart full of bitterness. That’s like putting a bandaid on a gunshot wound. Forgiving people, situations, and yourself will change everything and leave you smiling for no good reason. And yes, we forgive people even when they dont deserve it.
Bonus! 11. True Confidence
True confidence is the icing of your appearance, and I just couldn’t forget it. Confidence is worn on the outside but comes from the inside. As you understand your strengths and weaknesses , you will learn to love your current self.
As you make changes and improvements to the way you look, extend grace to yourself. If you honestly put effort into these 11 things, your physical beauty will surprise even you.
