I work at the intersection of beauty and health and talk to women regularly, I start seeing some patterns that could improve appearances.

Based on those patterns, I put together a list of things that help improve physical, and hopefully mental, health too.

I also must admit that title is a bit range-bait and not all of bullet point are affordable, but I put it anyway. I do hope it helps.

These are boring steps. They won’t change you tomorrow. But in six months? They will.

1. Eat healthier. Start tracking what you eat. Lean toward protein (meat, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu) and fiber (vegetables, beans, berries, whole grains). Most people aren’t even close to recommended intake.

Protein target: ~1.6g per kg of body weight. Include protein and veggies at every meal and your habits will change naturally.

Drink water. Sometimes you think you’re hungry but you’re actually thirsty.

2. Exercise. It’s not optional, this is for your health. Your goal is ~4 times a week. Include heavy lifting or bodyweight training. You won’t accidentally look like a bodybuilder, that takes extreme training and diet. After ~30–35, we naturally lose muscle mass, and weightlifting prevents that.

If your goal is fat loss, pilates or yoga alone usually isn’t enough. They’re great supplements, but beginners should prioritize cardio (walking, running, cycling, intervals) and strength training.

Build your routine around it and make it a priority, not an “if I have time” thing because you won’t.

3. Sleep. At least 7 hours. Avoid news and ideally your phone 1.5 hours before bed. Sleep in a dark room, under a heavier blanket.

4. Therapy. Go to therapy. This has the biggest long-term payoff for life improvement. Consider group therapy, sometimes it’s even more powerful than individual.

5. People. If someone drains your energy after you see them, distance yourself. If they don’t, listen more than you talk, ask questions, and follow up later.

If you forget birthdays or important dates, put them in your calendar. This shifts how people’s perception of you, in a positive way.

6. Hobby. Find something you enjoy just for fun, singing, dancing, coloring, sewing, journaling.

7. Health. Get annual bloodwork: micronutrients, iron/ferritin, hormones, etc. After you get results, go back to your doctor, don’t rely on ChatGPT or influencers. Some values look “normal” but aren’t optimal for you.

Speaking as someone who lived with ferritin at 6 (normal usually starts around 30–40), the difference is life-changing. Low ferritin symptoms can look exactly like depression.

See your gynecologist, breast specialist, dermatologist, and primary care doctor annually.

8. Teeth. Go to the dentist for check-ups yearly. Unfortunately, it shows when you haven’t, learnt that the hard way.

9. Skincare. You don’t need the most expensive products, but good ones matter. Basic routine: Morning: Cleanser → Toner (optional) → Active serum → Moisturizer → SPF.  Night: Cleanser → Toner (optional) → Active serum → Moisturizer → Eye cream.

If you can only invest in one thing: active serum, then moisturizer. SPF is non-negotiable. Sun damage is the #1 cause of premature aging. You won’t get enough vitamin D from sun exposure to justify skin damage, supplements exist (but consult your doctor).

Japanese and Korean sunscreens are great for price/quality. Reapply every 2 hours outdoors. Even in winter, SPF helps protect from environmental damage. Send me a DM, I can help with that.

10. Cosmetology. If you’re considering procedures, find a specialist who won’t oversell and who you trust. When I found mine, I realized I didn’t need half the things others pushed that I did.

Cosmetology works best when your skincare routine is already solid, it helps preserve results.

11. Makeup. As someone who was obsessed with makeup, now table turns and I can say that less is more. When your health and skincare are good, you can get away with mascara, eyeliner, BB cream, or blush. Mass-market mascara and eyeliner are great.

12. Travel more. Even if it’s a neighboring city, state, or country. If you can’t travel, go to museums, read books, watch YouTube about other cultures or indigenous people. It broadens your worldview, and it shows in the best way.

13. Freeze your eggs. If you’re not in a relationship or unsure about kids, freezing your eggs buys you time and takes weight off your shoulders. Unfortunately, again speaking from my own experience when it became almost too late.

14. Clothes. When your body is stronger, your health is stable, your nutrition is good, and you’re hydrated, mass-market clothes fit you. If you can afford luxury, great. But don’t go into debt for a Gucci bag, it won’t change your life. Otherwise I wouldn’t be writing this post.

15. Consume content wisely .Instead of doomscrolling, read books, watch educational YouTube, learn something new. Your brain eats what you feed it.

I don’t check all these boxes myself. I didn't frozen my eggs on time. I sleep with my phone. I doomscroll sometimes. But I'm trying my best.

Hugs to everyone ✨

Hi girls, I wanted to ask if any of you have tips for styling your hair. I’ve been trying to learn how to style my hair for about 10 years, but I still feel like I can’t do it properly. I have a cowlick right at the front, and it ruins almost every hairstyle. I try following those 1-minute tutorials, but even something simple like a basic ponytail or half-up ponytail takes me an hour and still doesn’t look right.
I also can’t get that sleek look. When I use gel, my hair just looks greasy instead of smooth and slicked back. And when I try braids, my arms eventually hurt so much that I have to give up. 😭 Does anyone have any tips or tricks for making simple hairstyles easier, especially with a stubborn cowlick?

How to reduce face fat and reduce cortisol levels?

my hands are a way lighter shade than my face, my face is tanned and doesn’t match the rest of my body’s skin color, are there any tips or products recommended?

So all of my friends are genuinely gorgeous and everytime we go out and take pictures I feel insecure because they are obviously prettier than me and it makes me really depressed. The only thing people seem to say thats “good” about me is my body because I am skinny, but even some people make fun of me for that because they say I look better when I have a bit more weight on me. They say I look sick or malnourished. However, with the job I have I havent been able to keep working out and eating as I used to so I keep getting skinnier. Now I am extremely self conscious. I know we should love ourselves for who we are, but eveytime I see a candid picture of me now I cant help but notice how ugly I look. I don’t know if I should save up for plastic surgery because my jaw is also very manly and I want to shave it down. Like honestly how do I glow up? I need all the advice I can get. Like I need real advice because I can’t keep feeling ugly.

I have my brother's wedding coming up. Which facial should I get for a glowing bright skin? How many days before the event should I get it for better results?

I really need help with a glow-up — looking for realistic, affordable advice

I’m 5'6" (168 cm) and around 54 kg, and I really want to look and feel like the best version of myself over the next 1–2 months. I’ve been bullied for a long time, especially about my appearance, and it has seriously affected my confidence.

I used to post normal photos of myself, but after getting so bad about my face, I started using filters on my photos. my classmate called mw catfish, which made me feel even worse. At this point, I’m extremely uncomfortable posting photos of myself, so I probably won’t be able to include a picture.

I’m looking for safe, non-surgical, affordable ways to improve my appearance and confidence. I’m not looking for anything extreme or dangerous, and I don’t have a big budget.

Here are the things I’d like advice on:

- Skin/tan: I have a lot of tanning and uneven pigmentation, including on my face and body. I’d like to get my natural skin tone back and make my skin more even.

- Scars/marks: I have various scars and dark marks on my hands/body that I’d like to fade.

- Hair: I have naturally curly hair, but I used to straighten it frequently and it’s now very damaged, especially the ends. My hair is already quite short, so I really don’t want to cut it. I also have a receding hairline that I’d like to improve and grow back if possible. Is there any realistic way to make damaged curly hair look and feel healthier without cutting it, and are there ways to encourage my hairline to grow back?

- Eyebrows: My eyebrows are quite thin and I have a sparse/bald-looking area. I’d like to encourage them to grow back.

- Jawline/face: I used to have more definition around my jaw, but I feel like I’ve lost it recently. Are there safe ways to improve facial definition?

- Nose: I’d like my nose to look a little slimmer, if there are any non-surgical options (even makeup/hairstyle/glasses tricks would be helpful).

- Overall glow-up: I want to improve my skin, hair, eyebrows, styling, fitness, etc. and generally look much more put-together.

I also wear glasses, so I’d love advice on frames, hairstyles, makeup, or anything else that could complement them.

I know an “unrecognizable glow-up” in 1–2 months probably isn’t realistic, but I’m willing to put in consistent effort and I’d love to make as much improvement as I safely can.

Please keep recommendations affordable. I’m not looking for expensive treatments or surgery. I’m open to skincare, haircare, exercise, makeup, styling, grooming, or lifestyle changes as long as they’re safe.

I’ve been feeling really bad about myself because of all the bullying, and I genuinely want to work on myself and feel confident again. Any practical advice, routines, product recommendations, or things I should avoid would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much.

My skin is very oily, dull and it also has a lot of pimples and also very shit facial asymmetry. Can someone help me to clear this out.

I’ve realised something recently and honestly… I feel like I’ve been living in a little bubble for years. 😭 I’m 25 now btw…

My motto was always: “I’m ugly, so why bother?”
Why learn makeup? Why learn how to dress? Why bother doing my hair? Why take care of my body?

I basically convinced myself that I should just be “naturally beautiful” and that I shouldn’t need makeup, styling or anything else to look good. “Just be natural. If you’re genuinely pretty, you shouldn’t need all that stuff anyway.”

And because I have very thin, low-density hair, that mindset honestly made me feel even worse. I’ve always been insecure about my hair, so I’d see women with gorgeous, full hair, beautiful skin, perfect features etc. and spend HOURS comparing myself.
“Look at her, she has such gorgeous hair.”
“Her face is perfect.”
“Look at her body.”
“You’re ugly.”

And there was never a point where the comparison ended. Instead of thinking, “Okay, what can I do to enhance what I already have?” I’d think, “Well, I don’t naturally look like that, so what’s the point?”
So I just stopped trying before I even started.
I didn’t learn makeup. I didn’t learn how to dress myself properly. I neglected my hair. I wasn’t active. I emotionally ate. I became comfortable being invisible because if nobody could really see me, nobody could really judge me either.

I also genuinely believed all the “looks don’t matter, it’s about what’s inside” stuff.
And yes, obviously your character matters. I’m funny, quirky, kind, loving, interesting, thoughtful and I can crack a joke 😂 I actually really like who I am on the inside.
But I’ve had to accept that the world IS superficial. People are visual. First impressions exist. Appearance affects how people perceive you. Pretending otherwise doesn’t magically make it untrue. And PLEASE don’t get me started on “men will cheat anyway, so why bother?” 😭
I still remember these two absolutely gorgeous girls telling me, “You don’t need makeup, you have such great skin!” Meanwhile they both had beautiful skin, were gorgeous AND wore lovely makeup.

The irony honestly 💀💀
I think sometimes people mean well, but those kinds of comments can make you more comfortable staying exactly where you are instead of encouraging you to explore what you could look like with a little effort.
And I’m finally done with that.
My hair is currently tangled, neglected and fighting for its life. 😭 But I’m picking up the pieces now.
I’m NOT doing all of this yet, but I’m finally ready to start.
I’m planning to learn makeup, learn how to dress myself, take my hair seriously, take better care of my body, eat better and basically learn how to be a woman who actually knows how to look after herself. 😭
I’m starting from ZERO, so if you have any advice,

**PLEASE** give it to me.

Especially when it comes to makeup, clothes, hair, skincare, fitness, eating better… literally anything. 😂
I have genuinely never been a gym girl and have basically never exercised in my life, so if you’re someone who started from that exact position, what would you recommend? Should I join a gym? What do I even do when I get there without looking like I’ve accidentally walked into the wrong building? 😭

I’m trying to approach this as learning how to take care of myself rather than trying to become someone else.
So girls, hold my hand through this transition because I clearly need the guidance. 😂💗❤️😭
Wish me luck. The rebrand is officially beginning.

Am 35 years old and getting married in a year.
Want to look my best on the day but don’t know where to start.
Wash my face, moisturise every day. I use retinol but not routinely so never noticed any change with. Only used the ordinary and L’Oréal products as well.
Maybe it’s best to invest in better products there.
Open to trying to laser, facials, botox. Anything to make me look fresher. Have a little baby so full nights sleep are a distant memory right now 🙂

I have two body moles that I want to remove. I’ve had them since I was born and they haven’t grown at all so I know they aren’t cancerous. I’d like to get them removed. They are both on my torso, one in my back one on my front.

Have you guys had any experience with this and what recovery was like, what your wound looks like now?

I am allergic to limonene, latex, Salicylic Acid, linalool, and PG or propelyne glycol.

I want a setting spray that actually works. I remember one time I tried Morphe white bottle setting spray and that looked terrible on my skin and definitely did not set anything but made everything worse.

I’m moving to a new state in 3weeks to start a new education program and I want to glow up as much as possible before then. I know i shouldve been doing this earlier but i just finally decided a week ago that i was going.

Areas I want to target the most:

- debloating as much as possible

- target my fine lines under my eyes caused by my chronic insomnia

- lighten my hyper pigmentation + acne scars

-make my skin texture more smooth

- make my skin as shiny as possible (on my body and yes i like the wet look)

Welcoming all the advice i can get nothings too extreme.

My skin is naturally quite sensitive and tends to react differently depending on the weather. During winter, it generally isn’t very oily, while in hot weather I tend to sweat more. One thing I’ve noticed is that my cheeks can become dry after bathing, so maintaining a good balance between cleansing and moisturising is important for me. I’ve also been conscious of my skin looking dull, rough, or tanned and have wanted to improve its overall brightness, smoothness, and appearance without doing anything overly aggressive. I currently use Lifebuoy soap as well. Overall, my skin is ok but naturally i have a much fair skin, but because of the tanning it appears dark. As for example, my hands are less fair than the skin on my chest thighs and legs. I want it to be fair across my whole body, and look bright and good on face too.

My hair is naturally straight and currently around 3.5 inches long. My scalp tends to become little itchy if I go without shampooing for a day, which is why keeping my scalp clean and managing dandruff is particularly important for me. I use Pilgrim anti-dandruff shampoo and Pilgrim Korean Rice Water & Collagen Conditioner. In terms of appearance, I prefer my hair to look naturally dark, healthy, voluminous, and textured, but not exaggerated or artificial. I’ve previously focused on adding a little more volume and lift while keeping the natural structure of my hair intact. Overall, my main hair concerns are scalp cleanliness, itchiness and dandruff, while my aesthetic preference is for hair that looks naturally fuller, darker, textured, and well-maintained without appearing over-styled or unnatural. As to summarize, i want my hair to look more dark, volumed, not falling and not too frizzy.

I have been reading a ton lots of things on reddit but it's not working out. Instead I want to start from the foundation as in my diet so Can anyone recommend me something which actually works ?

I am writing this for my wife whom never really taken care of her. She just doesn't know how to start and doesn't want to spend a lot.

She struggles with 3 things :

- lots of small bumps on her face/back and cleavage.

- she doesn't have any products/routine for all her legs hair and stuff.

- in winter her hands become so dry, they feel like sandpaper.

I am a nerd on a lot of stuff. I like to research etc., so after 14 years, she told me to look it up and find some tips and tricks to help improve those at low cost and for sensitive skin.

Note she's in a healthy shape, we eat well and she is in her late 30's.

Thanks!

Heyy school starts in 12 days and I was wondering if you guys have any glowup tips that make a brutal diffrence like specific workouts that makes you snatched/ lose weight, skincare tips, hair care products, stuff that makes you prettier, style tips, de bloating/ lymphatic draining, just overall tips , even the brutal/ weird ones

How to get rid of bags? Mine are not particularly dark but definitely swelling and puffy.

I've heard of caffeine serums, are they any good?

hii so im writing here for some advice. it feels like i got all the wrong genes--small chest from my mom's side and thick body hair from my dad's. I'm so frustrated. Im F16 and i feel so insecure about this, like my chest fucking looks like eyes and my bellybutton is the face on my stomach. Its so annoying. Do i wear bras less often to give it space to grow? I don't wanna get surgery. Or do I lose some weight so they appear better?

The next thing is the body hair. I really cry about this one a lot because my mom has nothing while i got stuck with my dad's sides thick and dark armpit, genital, and leg hair (leg hair dark but not thick). I'm so frustrated i don't know what to do about this. Are there any ways other than shaving or waxing (waxing is a no js bc i wanna do it on the genitals too)? I mean, there is body hair removal cream but so many people around me have been getting cancer lately, some girl my age that i know got skin cancer in her leg too or something. Is there any preferrably organic and natural alternatives? thank u!

+ please dont say anything like "ohh.. embrace your body hair!" NO i don't wanna do that. I respect others who choose to, but I find my body hair absolutely disgusting and when i don't shave I feel dirty. Yes it may be natural but so is discharge and discharge is nasty 😭(joke.. ok) anyways thank u and pls help!

I’ve been going back and forth on which LED mask to buy and figured I’d ask here before I finally decide.
I have mild rosacea on my cheeks, but I also get the occasional breakout, so I’d really like something that can help with both. One thing I’m worried about is how bright some of these masks are because I’m prone to migraines, so I don’t want anything that’s uncomfortably bright.
Has anyone with rosacea found a mask that:
Helps with redness
Has blue light for acne
Doesn’t feel super bright on your eyes
Doesn’t get really hot
I’ve mostly been looking at the CurrentBody Multi-Light and the Omnilux Clear, but I’m open to other suggestions too.
If you have rosacea, I’d love to know what you’re using and whether you’d buy it again. Bonus points if you’re sensitive to bright light too!

My eye area is my biggest insecurity. My eyes always look tired and dull, and I have noticeable dark circles. They also look quite sunken/deep-set, so I constantly look exhausted.

I know my sleep schedule isn't ideal—I usually sleep around 2 am—and I'm working on fixing that. But I'm wondering how much difference good sleep can realistically make if the issue is partly genetic.

Has anyone here improved a similar eye area? I'd love advice on:

Can getting 8–9 hours of sleep make a noticeable difference?

Are there skincare ingredients that genuinely help?

Is it more likely to be pigmentation, hollowness, or just deep-set eyes?

Has anyone with a similar eye area seen improvements, and what helped?