Hey there, sunshine! It’s finally time for the ultimate summer glow up checklist (yes, I’m writing this in my winter but it’s for my northern hemisphere girlies).
Whether you are soaking up the sun, hosting epic summer parties, or simply embracing the longer days, it’s time to enter our radiant girl summer. The summer glow up checklist is here to help you shine inside and out, with a mix of self-care, personal development, and fun activities.
A glow up isn’t all about how you feel about your physical appearance – though, I have tips for that too! It’s about feeling your best inside and out. So, grab your sunglasses, and let’s dive into the summer glow up magic.
Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom and grab your FREE summer glow up checklist!
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Your Perfect Summer Glow Up Checklist
Self-Care
1. Pamper yourself
Self-care routines are the most fun way to show yourself some love. Mark your calendar with dedicated pamper days. It doesn’t have to be a full-day routine – check out these 10+ self-care night routine ideas for inspiration.
2. Do your nails
I’m all about theming my life by seasons! It’s a main character moment. Search for summer nails on Pinterest and treat yourself with a mani-pedi. If you’ve read my previous post you’ll know I have recently started getting my nails done. I have to admit, it’s a confidence booster (and I tap on all surfaces for fun lol).
3. Get a skincare routine
Skincare is very important. “What you do to your skin now will show when you hit your 50s.” ~ My Mom. Everyone’s skin is different and you’ll need to figure out what’s best for you. I tend to have dry skin and here’s my routine (just for a fun side quest):
- CeraVe Cleanser
- Bionike Toner
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- Rimmel Kind & Free Tinted Moisturizer (only in the morning)
- The Ordinary Retinol Serum (only in the evening three times a week)
- Bio-oil (only in the evening AND I swear by this product)
4. Establish a haircare routine
I am quite lacking in this department (mainly because I cannot find my favorite styling product in South Africa)! You don’t need to use salon-brand hair products. I did for a while and it was a waste of money. Get shampoo, conditioner, a hair mask, and styling products of your choice. Oh, and don’t forget a heat protector.
5. Go make-up free
I am currently in my “natural era”. Make-up is fun to play with, however your skin needs to rest from time to time. Try a makeup-free or minimal makeup summer glow up. I only use my tinted cream and mascara when going out and my skin rewards me greatly!
6. Renew your crown
A new haircut screams glow up to me. The amount of confidence hair gives me is criminal. If my hair looks good I feel great. Try a new haircut or opt for highlights. Summer is synonymous with a wispy haircut and curtain bangs. If you don’t feel like a major change why not just book a blowout?
7. Pearly whites
Invest in teeth whitening strips for this summer glow up. I am not the biggest fan of bleaching your teeth at the dentist – been there done that. As someone who thrives off coffee (hence Coffee With Steph) teeth whitening strips have helped me a ton.
8. Brows on fleek
I do my brows once a month (shoutout to my brow stylist). Trust me, once you go there, there’s no turning back! I opt for hybrid brows – they last a month and spare your eyebrow pencil.
9. It’s time to shave your legs
The dreaded shaving season. I am a lazy girl and rarely shave in the winter (Gross? Maybe. Time-saving? Yes.)
Health and Wellness
10. Stay hydrated
Drink 8 glasses of water daily. And NO COFFEE IS NOT WATER (I say to myself as I sip my coffee). There are many pros of staying hydrated:
- It boosts skin health
- Regulates body temperature
- Keep your body in homeostasis
- And many more
11. Start stretching or exercising
Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine. Unfortunately, this is one of my goals that I never seem to tick off… Kudos to you if you do.
12. Sunscreen
I cannot stress enough the importance of sunscreen. The sun can be very harmful to your skin. Apply enough SPF, especially if you’re spending the day outside, and even better if you incorporate it into your morning skincare routine.
13. Become a smoothie girl
Girls who drink smoothies have their life together. Fact? No. However, my brain tends to make that (unsupported) assumption. Try new smoothie recipes or go out on a smoothie run. It’s definitely a summer glow up essential.
Personal Development
14. Confidence is key
Confidence is much more attractive than any physical feature. Take this summer and work on your confidence. Don’t know where to start? I have you covered with 13 powerful habits of confident women.
15. Set your summer goals and bucket list
Goal-setting is a major branch of my blog. Write down a couple of goals you want to achieve this summer to become your best self. You can keep it light-hearted by opting for a bucket list – here are my top 30 summer bucket list ideas with a free printable.
16. Create a summer vision board
Once you compile your goals and bucket list it can be a fun activity to create a vision board. Find inspiration on Pinterest and create a physical or free digital vision board. Put it up somewhere you can see it every day.
17. Get into journaling
Try challenging yourself to journal daily this summer. Journaling doesn’t need to be challenging. You can use prompts – like these – or opt for a gratitude journal. The options are endless and the mental glow up is real.
18. Live offline for a while
Take a moment away from social media and lower your screen time. No one can deny the effect other’s exciting highlight reels have on our mental well-being. I came to a point where I taught my algorithm to rule out traveling videos because of the effect on me. Prioritize your mental well-being above social media.
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Social and Fun Activities
19. Start a new hobby
You should always be trying new things. Life is too short to waste it away behind a screen. Pick up a new hobby – check out these 40+ hobby ideas. I am considering teaching myself how to play guitar or crochet. What about you?
20. Host a summer party
Socialize this season with a summer-themed soiree. Host a cookout or a pool party for your closest friends and family. Socialize, style up, and sparkle your glow up this summer.
21. Get a tan
What more says summer glow up than chasing sun-kissed stripes? Whether you want to soak up the sun or opt for a fake tan, make sure to include it on your checklist.
22. Change your Insta feed
I admire people with aesthetic Instagram feed themes. If this is your vibe then change up your theme to summer colors. Embrace the vibrancy of summer.
23. Summer mix-tape
I listen to music daily, literally. Make a summer playlist or search for one on Spotify. You’ll get great ready-made compilations. Whether you’re driving or cooking, blast the playlist and become the main character.
Conclusion
As the sun sets on our summer glow up checklist adventure, remember that the journey to become your best self doesn’t stop here.
Become the main character and romanticize your life daily. Whether it’s by hosting a soiree, picking up a new hobby, or living offline, continue prioritizing self-care and personal growth.
Download your free printable and start checking things off. Tag me in any photos you post from this checklist @coffee_with_steph 🙂
Have a great day wherever you are in the world!
Love, Steph ♥
