So... you want to boost your confidence and feel like the best version of yourself but without breaking the bank? You're in the right place!
Let's explore five affordable and lasting ways to achieve a glow-up that go beyond the typical "drink more water" and "exercise more" advice. All of these methods can be done at home, by yourself, and without any cosmetic procedures or trips to the salon. We've ordered the list from methods that provide instant results to those that require consistency over a longer period to see results.
#1 - Make your eyes "pop" with At-Home Lash Extensions
Emphasise your eyes' natural beauty with at-home lash extensions. These extensions are designed to make the whites of your eyes appear brighter and frame your eyes with feminine, fluttery lashes that lift and enhance your faces' natural features.
This beginner-friendly At-Home Lash Extensions Kit transforms a previously expensive and lengthy salon procedure into a simple, convenient process you can do at home, on holiday, or on the go. Application takes between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on practice, and each set of lashes lasts up to 7 days of continuous wear. Wake up with perfectly curled, long, dark lashes!
The kit costs £49.99 and contains everything you need to do your own lash extensions, with enough lashes for four sets. To top up on lashes, simply purchase the Lash Refill Ribbons in the style and length of your choice. Each ribbon is £15 and contains enough lashes for four sets. To ensure you never run out, you can subscribe and save, receiving Lash Refill Ribbons at the frequency of your choosing.
#2 - Up your brow game
Never underestimate the power of your brows. In fact, studies have shown that facial attractiveness is directly affected by eyebrows. But, microblading or regular salon appointments are expensive.
Consider an at-home brow lamination kit to achieve the fluffy, soap-brow effect. The viral DIY Brow Lamination Kit by Sassy Saints contains six treatments, each lasting up to eight weeks, making it a much more wallet-friendly alternative to salon brow lamination.
Alternatively, if you have sparse or over-plucked brows, a brow growth serum can help you achieve fuller brows, offering a more affordable option than expensive microblading treatments. This UKBROW Serum is clinically tested and has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on over 5,000 reviews.
#3 - Tan your skin without the sun or self-tanner
What if we told you that there's a science-backed way to make your skin more tanned without fake tan Thursdays or lying out in the sun? Credit to Mikayla Flynn for bringing this one to our attention in her glow-up series on TikTok.
Astaxanthin is a supplement known for its anti-ageing benefits for the skin. Among its listed benefits are achieving a tanned complexion and an even skin tone. Essentially, it's a pigment from the carotenoid family that, when taken regularly as a supplement, gives the skin a golden tan-like glow. However, it does not provide protective benefits like melanin.
Many varieties of astaxanthin supplements are available to purchase online. We recommend choosing a reputable brand with high potency in soft-gel capsules for ease of consumption, like these ones.
#4 - Forget facelifts and filler - make your skin naturally plumper and younger
Resveratrol is a naturally occurring compound found in many foods such as grapes, peanuts, and blueberries. Studies indicate that it not only contributes to an increased lifespan but also prevents skin aging and enhances skin regeneration. It helps protect the skin against harmful UV effects, the main factor in skin aging, and increases collagen synthesis, leading to reduced wrinkles.
Like astaxanthin supplements, there is a wide range resveratrol supplements from inexpensive to luxury price points. We recommend looking for oral capsules made from natural plant-source resveratrol, like these ones.
Note: Resveratrol is not recommended for children, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
#5 - Achieve long, luscious lengths without damaging your hair with extensions
If you have TikTok, we can guarantee you've already heard of rosemary oil and its transformative effects on even the most heat- and colour-damaged hair. Rosemary oil can be applied directly to the scalp as long as it's diluted, and many commercial products available for purchase already are. Not only has it been shown to stimulate hair growth, but it also helps to calm a dry, itchy scalp. If you're sceptical about the effectiveness of a TikTok trend, this research study conducted in 2015 found that it increased the hair count of alopecia sufferers after six months of use.
We love this brand that's made here in the UK and comes with a handy precision applicator.
Conclusion
In conclusion, achieving an appearance-focused glow-up doesn't need to be expensive. By following these affordable and effective methods, you can enhance your natural beauty and boost your confidence without stepping foot in a salon or breaking the bank. Good luck! If you have any tips of your own, feel free to leave them in the comments for our glow-up community ✨