Monday Musings: How To Get A Real Glow Up

I love beauty products, but I will also be the first to admit that what they can do is limited. Skincare, makeup, and beauty treatments like botox and fillers can only do so much especially when it comes to preserving youth. Sure, we can tell each other that’s not the goal, but isn’t it ultimately? We know we will get old but we’d rather it doesn’t happen soon. We’re constantly sold products to prevent this and I admit, I fell into that trap for years too. I gained 20 pounds and developed uncontrolled hypertension and pre-diabetes. It took me so long to realize my mistake, that I can’t DIY this.

So here's the hard truth I've come to accept: no amount of skincare or makeup, not even the most advanced beauty treatments like botox and fillers, can truly preserve youth in the way we dream. These tools have their place – they can enhance, they can boost confidence, and they can even turn a bad day around with a little swipe of lipstick or a refreshing face mask. But when it comes to the deeper, more substantial aspects of aging, they're like putting a fancy band-aid on something that requires a holistic approach.

It's a bit like this – imagine spending all your energy painting and renovating the exterior of your house while the foundation slowly weakens. It might look fabulous from the outside, but what's happening inside is what will determine its longevity. The same goes for our bodies and our health. We're often so focused on the external – the immediate gratification of looking good – that we forget about the internal, the foundation of it all.

I learned this the hard way. For years, I was swept up in the allure of beauty products and treatments, but meanwhile, my health was taking a backseat. Becoming overweight (almost obese), facing uncontrolled hypertension, and teetering on the edge of pre-diabetes were wake-up calls. It was a realization that no amount of external beautification could compensate for neglecting my internal well-being.

This isn't to say that we should abandon our beloved beauty routines – far from it. Beauty rituals can be incredibly empowering and joyful. But it's about striking a balance and understanding their limitations. We can't DIY our way to health, and we can't expect a serum or a filler to do what only lifestyle changes can achieve.

For me, a real glow up is about nurturing our health first and foremost. It's about eating well, not just for weight management, but for nourishment. It's about moving our bodies, not solely for aesthetic reasons, but for strength, endurance, and the sheer joy of being active. It's about regular check-ups, listening to our bodies, and seeking professional help when needed. And yes, it's about mental health too – managing stress, getting enough sleep, and finding joy in our everyday lives.

Once we've laid this groundwork, everything else is an addition, a complement to our inner wellbeing. Skincare and makeup become enhancements rather than necessities, and beauty treatments are like the occasional indulgence rather than a desperate attempt to hold back time.

In the end, it's about embracing a more holistic view of beauty – one that starts from within and radiates outward. It's about understanding that while we will inevitably age, our approach to health and self-care can profoundly influence how we experience that journey. So, let's love and invest in our beauty products, but let's love and invest in our health even more. That, my friends, is the real secret to a glow up that truly lasts.