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This post is all about how to glow up at 30.
Growing up scares the crap out of me. And I know for a fact I can’t be the only thirty-something year old woman who feels this way.
Hear me out. While you’re growing up, 30 always sounds like an eternity away. But somewhere along the line, the years start to speed up and take it from me, especially if you’re in your early 20’s, it’s not as far off as you think it may be.
I feel like it was just yesterday that I didn’t have a care in the world, with the mindset that wrinkles were only something that happened to old people. “I don’t have to worry about those for a long time,” I assured myself.
Well sadly, as I turned 30 this year, that time has come.
Turning 30 is somewhat surreal. It’s the age I started to feel like I was losing control over the changes that were happening to my body (hello slowing metabolism, fine lines, and my once super-toned arms looking flabby). That’s why I started making a mental note of all the things I could do to have a mid life glow up. In my mind, it was time to get serious about the things I actually still had control over.
However, I wanted this to be not just a physical glow up but a mental one as well. Thirty is the perfect age to take a deeper look at yourself and work on the things about yourself that you have been putting off for years.
After a few months of incorporating the following tips, I’ve already noticed improvement in the way I look and feel. So, if you’re looking for some glow up tips that work, read on!
Here’s my best tips for how to glow up at 30.
1. Get Serious About Your Skincare Routine
What better time than 30 to get serious about your skincare routine and start paying actual attention to what you are putting on your skin.
If you haven’t already, at 30 it’s time to start using a daily anti-aging face cream. I use one with retinol by First Aid Beauty (and it doesn’t flare up my sensitive, eczema-prone skin, woot!). If you’re looking for something a little more potent though,, I’ve heard that Tretinoin is basically botox in a bottle.
At the bare minimum though, start wearing SPF 50 daily to reduce your risk of wrinkles and damage from the sun.
2. Look Into Botox
While we’re on the topic, I have heard that Botox is most effective if you start it as a preventative measure. That way, you are curbing any wrinkles before they have a chance to start setting in.
While I know Botox might be too extreme for some, if you are really trying to be super proactive or you are already starting to notice some wrinkles, Botox might be something you could look into.
Unlike filler, botox is somewhat affordable (like 300 for an average treatment) and it wears off your skin within 4-6 months if for some reason you don’t like it.
3. Shape Your Brows
By the age of 30, we millennials all have something in common: We’ve all been around the block a time or two with your brows.
From shaved off little squiggles to the new bushy natural brow trend, we’ve tried it all.
After weathering all these different brow trends, I’ve finally came to terms with which brow shape suits me best and looks the most natural for my face.
If you still haven’t mastered the art of brows, this is a great area to hone in on for an instant glow up. Tweaking your brows can change your look entirely and if you know your brows could use some improvement; try starting there. Micro-blading or laminating with tint are great options for those who have a difficult time finding their best brow shape or have over-plucked or sparse brows.
4. Glow Up at 30 By Finding the Right Hair Color
If you’re being honest with your self, what hair color looks the best and most natural on you? By the age of 30, you’ve likely experimented with a range of different colors. If you have to, take a look at old pictures of yourself with different hair colors and really try to figure out which color looks best on you. This might mean getting a consensus opinion from others as well.
On the other hand, if you haven’t done much experimenting and you’ve been sporting the same mousy brown hair color for over a decade, 30 might be the perfect age to spice things up. Go bold and go blonde or full on Kylie Jenner black.
By the way, if you want to convert to the dark side but not sure if it will look right on you, be sure to check out my post on how to pull off black hair so that it looks natural.
5. Find a Good Weekly Hair Styling Routine
A great way to glow up is to settle into a good weekly hair styling routine. This way, your hair looks fresh for the entire week and bad hair days become a thing of the past.
Having a good weekly hair styling routine takes away the stress in worrying about how you’re going to style your hair day to day.
If you have thick, wavy hair like me, here is my weekly hair styling routine that has changed my life.
6. Invest in Quality Over Quantity to Glow Up at 30
Now that you’re a mature adult (ha!), what better time than now to start investing in quality over quantity. This spans from everything from the food you’re putting into your body to the clothes you’re putting on your back.
For instance, investing in a staple capsule wardrobe of high quality clothing pieces is a great way to jumpstart your glow up and express your personal style.
I’ve always enjoyed trying out different fashion trends, but there are some pieces that are staples that will never go out of style and are worth investing in. Now that I have more financial freedom at the age of 30, I am able to invest in better quality wardrobe pieces that will last me years to come (and save me money in the long run).
7. Start Using a Self Tanner/Stop Tanning
If you haven’t already, now that you’re 30 you really should not be tanning without protecting your skin. Better yet, use a self tanner that will give you that same bronzed glow without all the damage to your skin.
Don’t get me wrong, spending time in the sun is extremely beneficial for you in many ways, but it’s crucial that you are protecting your skin with SPF 30 or higher so that you don’t cause premature aging and sun damage to your skin.
Here is my favorite self tanner that gives me a natural glow.
8. Take Collagen
If you haven’t noticed already, a large part of having a glow up at 30 is taking care of your skin. Everyone wants to keep their skin looking as young as possible for as long as possible. Collagen is a protein found in your skin that makes it look full and youthful. According to Health Magazine, although our bodies make new collagen every day, after age 25 we lose more collagen than we produce. That’s why one of the best ways to preserve your skin is by supplementing with collagen.
This one by Vital Proteins is amazing. One of the reviews says:
“This is the weirdest thing since I started using this powder and it’s only been a week. My skin feels amazing. . On the days I use it I see the effect within hours.”
9. Get Your Hair Healthy and Really Glow Up at 30
Nothing says glow up quite like growing long, shiny locks. It’s no secret having long healthy hair can instantly elevate your appearance.
Growing out your hair is an extremely rewarding process, especially once you start to have noticeable growth.
If your hair has been stuck at the same length for a while, be sure to check out my post on How to Grow Long Hair for some tips that actually work for growing out your hair.
10. Move Your Body Daily (Find a Workout that Work You: Ex: Pilates)
To really get your glow up on at 30, you should work on moving your body daily. This also means finding a type of workout that works for you.
These past couple years there has been an obsession with women lifting heavy weights and growing a Kim K booty. But let’s face it, that type of workout isn’t for everyone.
Pilates and yoga, for instance, are an alternative workout that can be extremely transformative for not just your body but your mental health as well. My point is, workouts aren’t a one size fits all. Working out and moving your body shouldn’t feel like a chore. Once you find something you actually enjoy, you’re more likely to stick with it and will find it easier to incorporate it into your daily routine.
11. Treat Yourself to that Boss Bitch Car
The great thing about being 30 is that you’ve most likely settled into a career or received a promotion that can support your wants, not just your needs. If you’re going full-send on glowing up, why not splurge on that dream car you’ve always wanted, so long as it fits your budget, of course.
12. Make Self Care a Priority to Glow Up at 30
A true glow up is about feeling your best. One of the best ways to really do that is to indulge in self care.
This could mean treating yourself to that weekly mani/pedi to keep your nails on fleek or even just lighting candles and soaking in the bath while listening to your favorite podcast.
Self care comes in many shapes and forms and is subjective to the person. But regardless, try to identify which self care activities make you feel your best and do more of that.
13. Fix That Thing You’ve Been Insecure About
Financial security in your 30’s comes with the advantage of being able to finally fix that thing about yourself that you’ve always been insecure about.
Are you super hairy and hate having excess body hair? Invest in laser hair removal.
Have you always despised how small your lips are? Get lip injections.
What about your crooked smile that has always prevented you from smiling in pics? Maybe it’s time for Invisalign.
Now, I am by no means promoting plastic surgery or knit-picking your insecurities. I’m just saying that if you have the ability (and the financial means) to make a change that will give you a confidence boost, I say by all means go for it!
14. Travel for the Ultimate Glow Up at 30
Nothing makes you glow inside and out like experiencing the world through travel.
Traveling in your 30’s means traveling to places you actually want to go. Not just going to Cancun for Spring Break because that’s where all your friends are going so you can drink your body weight in shots.
No, 30 is the time to go somewhere for you. Somewhere to relax, experience the culture, and truly enjoy yourself on your own terms.
I don’t know about you, but the idea of a sea-side wellness retreat, with around-the-clock pampering and self care activities sounds right up my ally these days.
15. Cut Out/Reduce Alcohol Intake
On my 30th birthday, I made the decision to reduce my alcohol intake substantially.
What I didn’t realize, was how much better I would feel as well as all the perks that would come with living a sober lifestyle.
I now have productive weekends instead of spending my time on the couch recovering from a hangover. Not to mention the 10 pounds I quickly lost and the immediate positive impact on my mental health.
16. Start a Passion Project or Side Hustle
You start to glow from within when you do more of what you love. A great way to do this is by starting a passion project.
Not every passion project results in income, but if it does, that’s an added perk.
For me personally, I started my blog and it’s been a great creative outlet for me. The few extra dollars I make off of it is something I take pride in.
Blogging is just one example. Some other ideas of passion projects or side hustles include: Furniture restoration or home DIYs, gardening, photography, doula services, tutoring, and freelance makeup or hair styling.
So if you just turned 30 and thinking about taking the leap to start a side hustle or passion project, this is your sign to start!
17. Go to Therapy for a Glow Up at 30
An amazing way to facilitate a mental glow up at 30 is by getting yourself into therapy. It’s a great time to get to the root of your issues, so to speak.
Do you have a habit of repeating bad habits or pattern behaviors that cause self-sabotage (hi, it’s me). Or maybe it’s something as simple as you can’t stop procrastinating or want to have more self confidence. A good therapist can help you develop your identify and help you flourish mentally.
18. Invest Your Money
Glowing up can include setting yourself up for your future self. By 30, if you haven’t already, it’s definitely time to start investing in your future.
A simple way to start is by making a budget that will allow you to set aside a chunk of your income towards savings.
I’m still currently working on identifying more specific ways to make smart investments. But you can guarantee once I have more info on this I will report back!
19. Glow Up at 30 By Starting Over
30 is the perfect time to start over and don’t let anyone tell you any different! Don’t let society’s norms make you feel like you should have your life together and everything figured out.
It’s a great time to get real about the relationships, friendships, and even career you have.
Are your friends, your significant other, and your job each adding true value to your life? If not, it might be time to make new friends whose hobbies and goals align with your own. If your current environment isn’t ideal for growth, it might be time to move to that new city and live out the dream you’ve always fantasized about.
Takeaway: it’s never too late and 30 is just young enough to start anew and just old enough to let your wisdom from past mistakes guide you in the right direction!
