Small Steps That Can Make Big Difference In How You Look and Feel 

Are you feeling like your appearance needs a little TLC? Do you see these makeovers and think you need one and don’t know where to begin? We sometimes put our work, home, and family before us, and forget to take care of ourselves. This can, in turn, damage our confidence and negatively impact every aspect of our lives. Whether your beauty routine needs a refresh, your wardrobe could use an update, or you’re just feeling a little frumpy or sluggish, I totally get it, and I’ve been there a few times myself!

The great news is that you don’t have to spend tons of time and money on expensive beauty treatments, skincare, and makeup to revitalize the way you look and feel. I’ve learned that even some very small efforts can often make a major impact on the way we appear and carry ourselves. With a bit of time and intention, you can give yourself a game-changing makeover that will not only improve your appearance, but also give you a refreshing new outlook on life. 

Here are a few tips to inspire your makeover:

Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone 

It’s easy to fall into the habit of picking the same style of clothes, the same makeup colors, or the same haircut you’ve had for the last decade. It feels safe and comfortable to do what you’ve always done. Many women are still doing their makeup the way they learned to do it in middle school, or buying the mascara they wore in college! But sometimes you have to be a little adventurous and shake things up to refresh your look. 

While I have some staple wardrobe pieces and beauty products I love and will use forever, I also try to think outside the box and try new things when I can. You’ll be surprised how a bold new lipstick, an edgier hairstyle, or a statement item of clothing can level up your appearance. I am always amazed at how I feel after a great new haircut. Just make sure you don’t make any drastic and last-minute decisions when it comes to your hair, and don’t be afraid to try clip-on hair or wigs! Yes, I just said it. It is one of the perfect ways to see if you can live with a different hair color or style.  Don’t be afraid to go for it. The true go-getters and trendsetters take risks! 

Pick Your Skimps and Splurges

Wouldn’t it be amazing if we had an endless beauty budget? We could all have personal stylists and trainers, and we could buy only the very best makeup, skincare, and name brand clothes. Unfortunately, that’s just not the reality for most of us, so that means we have to decide when to skimp on products, and when it’s totally worth it to splurge. 

The products that fit into the worthwhile splurge category are going to be a little different for every woman. An item that I think is totally worth the splurge is the Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask. It’s known for its “instant youth” effect, and I love the way it smoothes and plumps my skin. It smells as luxurious as it feels! One of the other splurge items that I swear by is the Foreo Luna Facial Massager. It massages and cleanses your skin, helping with acne and aging. 

I also have a few other and more affordable staples that I love. These items give me the look and feel I want, without breaking the bank. 

Pumpkin Enzyme MaskIf you’re not quite ready to invest in the Sisley Paris Mask, this mask from Peter Thomas Roth is half the price and also fantastic. I love how it exfoliates, leaving my skin feeling radiantly smooth and shiny. And I also love the pumpkin smell. Makes me think of the holidays!

Pantene Pro-V Intense Rescue ShotsThese shots are my secret weapon for repairing my locks when they get dry and damaged from coloring. They’re less than $5 a shot on Amazon, and just one use will leave your hair feeling so soft and shiny! I like to use it after my Sunday morning shower and leave it in my hair for at least a couple of hours if I can.

Benefit Cosmetics Cookie Highlighter

Is your skin dull? Do you want some color on your face and a gorgeous glow? Then you have to try this! Stroke the Cookie Highlighter along cheekbones for a soft-gold shimmer. It includes a built-in mirror and custom-rounded blush brush and I love that. I also love the box it comes in.

The Body Shop Mango Body Butter

This body butter is divine! I have been using Body Butter by The Body Shop since I was a teen. My personal favorite is the mango scent, and I love the way it melts into my skin. I put it on after my evening showers before bed. It feels so relaxing, and I truly feel my skin getting moisturized. 

Revlon ColorStay EyelinerThis strengthens your eyes right away and elevates your look. I love this eyeliner because it’s waterproof and gives me a smudge-resistant look for up to 16 hours. I am not the best when it comes to drawing straight lines, and this somehow makes it easy for me.

Work from the Inside Out

When women think about giving themselves a makeover, they often forget to address what’s going on below the surface. One simple thing you can do is hydrate. This is a habit that health and fitness experts, beauty professionals, and celebrities all agree on! Start your day with an 8-ounce glass of pure water to support a clear, glowing complexion. Good hydration, which requires you to drink about half of your body weight in ounces each day, also aids in good digestion, joint health, and has countless other health benefits. Add some freshly squeezed lemon to detoxify your body and improve your mood. 

Physical activity is a great addition to your makeover regimen, so get moving! Sweating relieves stress and detoxifies the lymphatic system, promoting clear skin and the removal of toxins from the body. Not to mention working out just makes you look and feel better. Whether it’s walking, pilates, barre, or kickboxing, find something you love. Discovering an activity you enjoy will make it way easier to take your workout from being a one-and-done or occasional task to a daily ritual. Nowadays, I am loving the free workout classes that are offered online so I can exercise from anywhere.

Don’t Forget to Refresh Your Heart & Mind 

Self-care goes so far beyond treating yourself to a pedicure or a luxurious bubble bath! It also means renewing your heart, restoring your soul, and nourishing your mind. Doing a yoga or meditation practice can help you identify and eliminate thoughts and beliefs that are not serving you mentally, emotionally, or physically. Just a few minutes of intentional time practicing gratitude can make a major difference in your mind, body, and soul. 

A few more mental health makeover ideas include journaling, getting lost in a great book, making time for a creative outlet or hobby you love, or simply catching up with a girlfriend over the phone or coffee. When it comes to your home, professional, and social life, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so find little way to fill yourself up! 

Whatever your makeover regimen looks like, I hope you take the opportunity for a little “me time” very soon. Even the smallest efforts can make a big difference in your confidence and motivation, inspiring you to look, feel, and perform your very best in every aspect of your life. 

I would love to know your makeover secrets! What are the health, beauty, and wellness products and practices that revitalize the way you look and feel? Share them with our community in the comments!