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Happy Wednesday! Ever wonder how a simple product can have the ability to boost self-confidence and self-esteem? Well, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, I share some of my favorite Glow Up Essentials that have been lifesavers on days when I needed them most…
As I am approaching my due date, I sure have been feeling the full effects that being nine months pregnant tends to bring to one’s body…
I have been working on my mindset and practicing affirmations a lot this year, so these practices have definitely helped keep my gratitude in check, but being imperfectly human, I still have my days.
I have to admit, that the bigger I’ve gotten, and the more hormones seem to be having an epic party within my body… there’s been many days as of late where I have really struggled with feeling beautiful or even feminine.
Go figure!
I’m literally growing another human being (probably one of the most feminine if not the most feminine things there is for a woman to do!), yet instead of having that gorgeous pregnancy glow or any of the wonderful beauty side effects that are blown up by social media or in movies…Let’s just say I have found that I am definitely NOT one of those women who tend to radiate or glow in any way while pregnant.
In fact, instead of glowing skin, mine seems to dull (and break out), and instead of my hair growing and becoming thicker, mine started falling out in my first trimester this go-around and now that I’m at the end of my pregnancy, I’ve developed a whole head of little baby hairs that will NOT be tamed!
I really could make a long list of what’s not been too great side effect-wise this pregnancy, but let’s move on…
The point I’m trying to make is that the bigger I’ve grown, and the more hormonal I’ve become, I’ve found there’s also been a greater dip in my self-confidence.
This hasn’t been okay with me because, as many of you know, I’ve been actively working on changing my mindset and improving my life, so low self-confidence is something that doesn’t make anything in that area easier.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m GRATEFUL for my body and its ability to grow this sweet babe, but I’m sure I’m not alone when I say it can be tough to be more positive in general when your entire body hurts and your physical appearance seems to scream this fact aloud!
So when brainstorming what I wanted to write about for my blog next, I figured this was a golden opportunity to share what I’ve found has really helped me snap out of the self-confidence struggles when I’m feeling them most, and how I’ve been able to re-route my days in a positive way when they’ve started out, frankly, miserable.
I want to share some of the products I’m loving right now, as they’ve truly helped me feel more beautiful when I’ve needed it most, and have helped keep some of the not-so-great side effects of pregnancy at bay (at least on the outside).
Boost Self-Confidence |These Products Make Me Feel more ATTRACTIVE, FEMININE, and BEAUTIFUL… even at nine months pregnant!
I’ve always loved beauty products!
I’d say makeup and skincare are some of my weaknesses, as I tend to get the biggest thrill when I’m able to bring home new products to play with.
In the pursuit of wanting to feel radiant and attempting to take care of ourselves, there’s nothing quite like the joy of discovering a new beauty product that elevates your routine to new levels.
Whether it’s indulging in a new skincare regimen or adding a new pop of color to your makeup collection, I’ve found that the right products can make a world of difference.
I’m a total enthusiast in this area, so I’m excited to share some of my all-time favorites that have really become a staple in my beauty routine, and most importantly, saved me from feeling totally ugly, especially in this tender time in my life.
I’m truly amazed at the power that a beauty product has in turning your mindset towards a more positive direction and the ability they have to make you feel beautiful from the inside out.
I personally don’t care to stick with just one brand. My biggest goal is that the product makes me feel good, and I’ve found that when I go towards more natural or organic skincare brands, they tend to work well with other brands within the same category without issue.
Below, I outline what I think are staple products that everyone should include in their beauty routines.
I’ve found that the combination of each has really made my skin feel like a million bucks and in turn, has saved me many times over from sinking into a self-pity party because I didn’t feel beautiful for whatever reason.
Trust me, if you don’t feel beautiful at any point in time, try washing your face!
Wash it, use skincare products, then do your makeup and hair and there’s a pretty good chance you’ll get a much-needed boost in confidence!
My 3 Most Important Beauty Categories That TRULY Help Boost Confidence! AKA “Glow Up Essentials”
1. Holy Grail Skincare:
- Cleansing Balm: I believe that a good skincare routine starts with effective cleansing. I swear by cleansing balms for their ability to melt away makeup and impurities without damaging the skin. I personally love this one from DIME or this one by Elemis.
- Exfoliator: My skin tends to need a good exfoliating session every so often. I love the way exfoliating can remove dead skin and even skin tone. It is an amazing way to bring out your skin’s natural glow so I love to do it! My favorite exfoliating product is by Eminence Organic Skin Care – this Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant is gentle enough to be used daily and is probably my #1 go-to when I need to get my skin prepped to feel its best. I can’t say how much I love it and it lasts FOREVER, so it’s a total win.
- Hydrating Serum: Hydration is key for plump, glowing skin. I tend to have the driest skin EVER, so it’s super important for me to have a good serum AND moisturizer on hand at all times. Invest in a hydrating serum packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to lock in moisture and brighten your complexion. Apply it before moisturizing for an extra boost of hydration. My favorite serum is this TBT Serum by DIME but I also LOVE Clinique’s Smart Clinical Repair Serum especially now that I’m officially in my thirties. As for moisturizers? I love DIME’s Dewy Day Cream and Clinique’s Moisture Surge. I think it’s safe to say I adore DIME’s entire line of products, and Clinique is definitely a great brand too.
- SPF Moisturizer: Protecting your skin from the sun is SUPER important, even on cloudy days. I learned this the hard way when I got a sunburn from the sun reflecting off snow (yes, this is a true story!) Opt for a lightweight SPF moisturizer that shields your skin from harmful UV rays while keeping it hydrated and supple. Bonus points if it doubles as a makeup primer! DIME’s Wonderscreen is my go-to for SPF.
2. Makeup Must-Haves:
- Tinted Moisturizer: On days when you want a natural, dewy look, reach for a tinted moisturizer. It evens out your skin tone while providing lightweight coverage and a healthy glow. I love this for busy days or lazy weekends when I don’t really feel up to doing my makeup fully. Just having a more even skin tone has done wonders for my self-esteem. DIME has a tinted wonderscreen that I find to be perfect for this.
- Cream Blush: Cream blushes are a game-changer for achieving that coveted flushed look. They blend seamlessly into the skin, giving you a lit-from-within radiance that lasts all day. Choose a shade that complements your skin tone for a fresh, youthful appearance. My favorite blush is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Blush because it comes with the brush and is super compact and just an all-around great product. Also, don’t think you need to stick just to the apples of your cheeks either but instead bring it to your temples and even dab some on your nose! There are many tutorials I love for this, you can check one of them out here.
- Multipurpose Highlighter: Don’t you just love a good highlighter? I do! It’s amazing how much having that little bit of glow on the points of your face you want to highlight adds an overall radiance to your whole look! It’s my secret weapon for instantly brightening dull skin and Anastasia Beverly Hills has a Stick Highlight that’s perfect for this.
3. Self-Care Staples:
- Luxurious Body Oil: Treat yourself to a pampering experience with a luxurious body oil infused with whatever scent (or even unscented but spritz your favorite perfume on after). Massage it into your skin after a bath or shower to lock in moisture and leave your skin feeling silky smooth and nourished. My go-to? DIME’s The Glaze. It’s so luxurious.
- Aromatherapy Rollerball: If you struggle with stress or anxiety, feeling self-conscious or struggling with self-esteem definitely doesn’t help. I’ve found it helpful to incorporate a little aromatherapy into my daily routine with a calming rollerball infused with essential oils like lavender or stress-away (I use both). Roll it onto your pulse points whenever you need a moment of relaxation and tranquility.
- Silk Pillowcase: Beauty sleep is real, and a silk pillowcase can work wonders for your skin and hair. Unlike cotton, silk is gentle on the skin and helps prevent creases and bedhead, so you wake up looking refreshed and rejuvenated.
Conclusion:
I get that it may seem like a lot, but I have to share the power using these products has instilled in me.
The use of these products and taking the time to get myself ready for the day really has had an effect in turning my days around when I’ve felt like I don’t love how I look or feel.
In a world filled with endless beauty products, finding your holy grails can be a path of trial and error.
But once you discover the products that truly resonate with you, they become more than just cosmetics—they become almost cherished companions on your quest for radiance and self-care and it’s amazing how something so simple as a beauty product can have the ability to bring a smile to your face.
Whatever your favorite products are, go ahead and indulge in a little self-care and treat yourself to the products that make you feel more confident and able to face the day.
This one thing can lead to endless benefits beyond just that of making yourself feel better.
I find when I feel better because I implemented my self-care time and put on my power products, I have made better decisions in general throughout my day or I simply just have a better day in general even if NOTHING happens. To me, that’s priceless and to gain that from simply starting with washing my face? Well, to me, it’s truly magic.
I understand this may not be the answer for everyone, but I urge you to at least try some of these tips when you’re not feeling like your best self. It truly has the power to change the course of your day.
Check out my Beauty Product MUST HAVES!
What are some of your favorite products? And what are some other methods you’ve tried that have made you feel more confident when your day didn’t initially start that way?
Please comment below and share all your secrets! I’d love to hear more.
