How to Glow-Up: The 5-Level System That Changes Everything

Want to know exactly how to glow-up step-by-step? Continue reading and don’t forget to get on the list at the end of this post for the Glow-Up Protocol (coming soon).

If you feel like you’re constantly trying to “glow up” but never actually seeing results, this is why. Many of us are tempted to go straight to surface-level fixes like makeup, Botox, and procedures without building a strong foundation or addressing the root cause.

This glow up guide takes the opposite approach. It’s built like a pyramid, with each level supporting the next. Without a solid base, the rest simply doesn’t hold up.

I first came across this concept deep in a Reddit rabbit hole on the r/Vindicta forum. It was originally posted as a “looksmaxxing” guide. And while the Vindicta space can definitely be controversial, I’ll admit I enjoy browsing it. I’m always on the hunt for the best glow up hacks to feel and look my best. You can view that full post here:

The intent of this guide is to help you take a more strategic, layered approach to beauty so you’re not constantly wasting time or money on things that don’t stick.

You don’t need to do everything at once. Use this as a framework to figure out what level you’re in now, where the gaps are, and how to move forward in a way that actually creates lasting results.

Let’s glow up!

Step-by-Step Glow-Up Guide

Level 1: The Foundation

This is where every true glow up begins.

Before you worry about skincare routines, fillers, or new clothes, you need to get this part straight. Without it, everything else is just a temporary fix. Of course, if something at a higher level makes you feel good, go for it! But the truth is, many of us can see a massive transformation without spending much at all.

The real investment is in your habits, discipline, and daily choices. Prioritize this level first, and everything else becomes easier and more effective.

Diet & Supplementation

Eat Whole Foods: Focus on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory meals that include lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to support energy, skin health, and hormone balance.
Supplement Strategically: Use high-quality supplements to fill gaps, not replace good nutrition. My favorites are high-quality magnesium, creatine, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D.
Limit Alcohol: Cutting back on alcohol reduces inflammation, supports hormone balance, and improves sleep and skin clarity. Even small changes, like skipping your nightly glass, can have a noticeable impact on your energy, mood, and appearance.
Hydrate Daily: Dehydration shows up as dull skin, fatigue, and cravings. Aim for at least 2–3 liters of water daily, more if you’re active. Add electrolytes when needed, especially after workouts or during hot weather.

Sleep

Create a Night Routine: Limit screen time, maintain a consistent bedtime, and sleep in a cool, dark room to enhance sleep quality and depth.
Prioritize Quality Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours per night to allow your body to repair, reset hormones, and support skin regeneration.

Fitness

Strength Train Consistently: Building muscle improves body composition, boosts metabolism, and slows down the visible signs of aging.
Move Daily: Even light movement, such as walking or stretching, helps reduce inflammation and improve circulation. Aim for 10k steps a day.

Mental Health & Environment

Reduce Daily Stress: Chronic stress increases cortisol levels and accelerates the aging process. Find a method to reduce stress & cortisol spikes (reduce caffeine, meditation, breath work, etc.)
Create a Supportive Environment: Declutter your space, set clear boundaries, and surround yourself with things and people that bring you calmness and a sense of control.

Basic Hygiene

Maintain Cleanliness Daily: Shower regularly, brush and floss, and keep nails trimmed—these small actions signal self-respect and discipline.
Stick to the Basics: Use gentle, effective products and maintain a consistent routine.
Dental: Floss, brush your tongue, and keep your lips hydrated. Also highly recommend oil pulling!

Hormone Health

Balance Naturally: Your diet, stress levels, sleep patterns, and training style all impact hormone function. Optimize the basics first before jumping to labs or prescriptions.
Listen to Symptoms: Hair loss, acne, fatigue, and mood swings can all signal hormonal imbalance. Track patterns and adjust your habits accordingly. See a doctor if needed.

Level 2: Basic Grooming

This is the stage where your glow up starts to show. With your foundation in place, the focus shifts to consistent grooming habits that make a real impact over time. Skincare, makeup, hair, nails, body care, and personal style all play a role. These routines don’t need to be time-consuming, but they should be consistent and regular. These can easily be done at home!

At HOME Skincare

Use Proven Ingredients: Retinol for texture and fine lines, vitamin C for brightness, and exfoliants to make you glowy.
Build a Simple Routine: Choose a cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF that work for your skin type, and stop switching products too often. Give them time to work.

Makeup

Create a Go-To Look: A little makeup can make you look (and feel) put together. Find your favorite products for a clean base, defined brows, and a lip that flatters your natural tone.
Use the Right Formulas: Choose products that suit your current skin. Creamy, hydrating textures work better as skin changes with age.

HAIR CARE

Protect Your Hair: Use heat protectant, wash less frequently, and sleep on a satin pillowcase to minimize breakage and dryness.

Nail CARE

Keep Nails Groomed: Trim, shape, and either polish or buff your nails for a clean look. Clean nails make a huge impact!
Moisturize Regularly: Dry hands and crusty cuticles can age your appearance and make you look disheveled. Maintain weekly upkeep with hand cream and cuticle oil.

Body Care

Hair Removal: Shave, wax, or at-home laser for hair removal.
Hydrate The Skin: Exfoliate and moisturize regularly for smooth, healthy skin.

Teeth

Brighten Teeth: Whiten and maintain teeth with affordable at-home options or professional treatments to keep your smile bright.

Personal Style

Build Your Personal Style: Choose well-fitting pieces that make you feel polished and match your lifestyle. Focus on timeless, elevated basics that make getting dressed simple and intentional.

Fragrance

Choose a Signature Scent: A well-chosen fragrance leaves a lasting impression. Stick with one or two that feel like you. Apply to pulse points only and avoid over-spraying.

Level 3: Professional Grooming

Once you’ve got your habits and daily grooming locked in, it’s time to level up with fun, professional treatments (if you want). But here’s the thing: I always recommend getting your basics in check first. If your skin-care routine isn’t solid at home, a fancy facial won’t do much. Same goes for everything else in this phase. These upgrades work best when your foundation is already strong.

Nail Services

Professional Manicures and Pedicures: Clean, shaped nails and hydrated hands and feet instantly make you look more pulled together, even in a T-shirt and leggings. Manicures are expensive! Consider treating yourself periodically and then focusing on at-home maintenance.

HAIR SERVICES

Cut, Color, and Styling: Well-maintained hair makes a big difference in your overall appearance. A flattering cut and strategic color can instantly uplevel you. Find a stylist who understands your goals and invest in regular trims and touch-ups to keep it healthy.

Lash Enhancement

Lash Lifts, Tints, or Extensions: These treatments save time and create a wide-awake, feminine look without the need for daily mascara. Lifts and tints are lower maintenance, while extensions offer more drama if you’re willing to keep up with fills.

Brows

Shape and Tint Brows Professionally: Clean, well-shaped brows lift your face and require less daily maintenance. Tinting adds natural definition and lasts for weeks.

Professional Tanning

Spray Tans or Custom Airbrush: A subtle tan can even out your skin tone and enhance muscle definition without sun damage. Use professional services for events and maintain with gradual tanning products at home.

Facials

Deep Cleansing, Hydration, or Anti-Aging Treatments: Professional facials offer deeper results than your at-home routine. They can address specific concerns like dullness, congestion, or texture and support better absorption of your daily skincare.

Hair Removal

Waxing, Sugaring, or Laser: Long-term solutions keep your skin smooth and reduce daily maintenance. Focus on areas that make the biggest visual impact for your lifestyle, like underarms, bikini line, or face.

Semi-Permanent Makeup

Lips, Liner, or Brows: Treatments like lip blushing, eyeliner tattoo, or microbladed brows are the ultimate high-maintenance treatment to achieve low-maintenance results. Do your research on these before making a commitment! I had microblading/shading done, and it made a significant impact on my facial balance, but it does require upkeep.

Level 4: Non-Invasive Procedures

This level focuses on treatments that go beyond skincare and grooming but stop short of surgery. These are the upgrades that help address issues such as wrinkles, volume loss, or areas that don’t respond to diet and exercise.

Botox, fillers, Sculptra, cosmetic dentistry, and body contouring can all make subtle but powerful changes. Again, these are great to incorporate after you’ve really dialed in your foundation and other healthy habits. For example, no need to spend a ton of money on Botox if you’re not maintaining a healthy skincare regime.

Neurotoxins & Fillers

Botox, Dysport, and Hyaluronic Fillers: These in-office treatments soften wrinkles and restore volume when done well. Start conservatively and find an injector who focuses on facial balancing.

Sculptra

Collagen-Stimulating Injections: Unlike fillers, Sculptra works gradually to rebuild volume by boosting your body’s own collagen. Sculptra is subtle, long-term, and perfect if you want natural-looking fullness without a “done” look. This one takes patience but pays off over time.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Whitening, Bonding, Veneers, or Invisalign: Your smile is one of the first things people notice. Minor upgrades here can make a huge difference in your appearance. Whitening is an easy entry point, while more advanced treatments, such as veneers, can completely transform your appearance.

Body Contouring

CoolSculpting, Emsculpt, or Skin Tightening: These non-surgical treatments help target stubborn fat or tone areas that don’t respond to diet and exercise. They’re not a replacement for healthy habits, but they can enhance your results and give you a little boost when you’ve hit a plateau.

Level 5: Plastic Surgery

This step isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Some women feel great stopping at earlier levels, while others choose surgery to fix something that’s always bothered them. It might be a tummy tuck, a breast lift, or a subtle facial tweak. The most important thing is going into it with clear expectations and a strong foundation. When the rest of your habits are solid, surgery can enhance the work you’ve already done.

Facial Procedures

Popular procedures include rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, lip lifts, and face lifts. These procedures can help restore your features to balance.

Body Procedures

Popular procedures include tummy tucks (abdominoplasties), liposuction, and breast augmentation.

Deciding on plastic surgery is not an easy decision, and recovery takes commitment. However, if you’ve done the work and are still feeling held back, this can be the final layer that brings everything together.

The Final Glow-Up

A real glow is a layered process that starts with discipline and builds over time. Each level of this hierarchy plays a role, but nothing works without a solid foundation. You don’t need to do everything at once, and you don’t need to do every level to see a major transformation. Start where you are, build consistently, and focus on what actually makes you feel good.

The full Glow Up Guide is coming soon! It’s a step-by-step system with routines, product recommendations, and real strategies for looking and feeling your best at any age. If you want early access, be the first to know by getting on the list now.

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