Reclaiming My Glow: Simple Beauty Habits That Helped Me Feel Like Myself Again

There was a time when I barely cared about my appearance. Life had me so drained that even the simplest acts of self-care felt like a chore. I would try to get back into a beauty routine, but lack of time, prioritizing others over myself, and the weight of past traumas always slowed me down. I felt stuck and exhausted, despite not doing much. But deep down, I knew I wanted to look and feel better—I just didn’t know how to stay consistent.

Little by little, I started making small efforts, and this time, I took it seriously. I was tired of neglecting myself, tired of looking in the mirror and not recognizing the woman staring back at me. And so, I committed to simple beauty habits that helped me feel like myself again. Here’s what worked for me:

1. Taking Care of My Skin

For the longest time, I ignored my skin. The stress and neglect started to show—blemishes, dullness, and uneven texture became my reality. So, I made an effort to learn about skincare. I researched products that suited my skin type and addressed the concerns I had developed over time.

Understanding the basics of skincare changed everything. I learned how to layer my products properly, the importance of hydration, and how to be patient with results. Slowly but surely, my skin started to clear up, and I loved seeing the glow return. More than just physical changes, this new habit made me feel like I was pouring love back into myself.

2. Taking Care of My Hair

I had been ignoring my hair for years, barely paying attention to how it looked. It didn’t excite me the way it used to when I was younger. But one day, I decided to change that—I started experimenting again.

I cut my hair, dyed it bold colors, and rediscovered the adventurous side of me that had been buried under responsibilities and exhaustion. Keeping my hair short was fun, but now I’m growing it long again, and I love the process. Every time I style it, I remember the confident, vibrant version of myself that I used to be—and I feel her coming back.

3. Losing Weight & Feeling Good

This one was deeply personal. I wanted to look in the mirror and feel happy, proud, and confident. Losing weight wasn’t just about numbers on a scale; it was about feeling good in my skin again.

I laughed when I thought back to the times I used to complain about being fat before I had kids. Looking at old photos, I realized I wasn’t fat at all—I just didn’t appreciate my body then. But now, having lost a considerable amount of weight, I feel healthier, more confident, and mentally stronger. The journey isn’t over, but I love the progress I’ve made.

The Beauty of Small Efforts

These beauty habits weren’t about seeking perfection; they were about reclaiming the version of myself that I loved. The woman who took care of herself, who embraced her glow, who felt good in her own skin.

I share this because I know I’m not the only one who has ever felt lost in her own reflection. If you’re feeling stuck, start small. Find simple beauty habits that make you feel good and take it one step at a time. You deserve to look and feel your best—because when you take care of yourself, you’re not just nurturing your outer beauty, but also your inner strength and confidence.