Looking put together without trying too hard? That’s the goal. But let’s be honest—“effortless” beauty takes effort. I’m not one of those people who just wake up glowing. I’m the girl who preps so I don’t have to think about it later. This is my high-maintenance to stay low-maintenance self care routine: stuff I do weekly (or monthly) that keeps me looking good with minimal energy the rest of the time.
The goal isn’t to be perfect—it’s to feel confident, attractive, and ready without having to scramble every morning.
Section 1: Skin, Brows & Hair That Do The Most (So I Don’t Have To)
SPF = Pretty Girl Long Game
Sunscreen is non-negotiable. I wear it every single day, no matter the weather. It keeps my skin clear, prevents wrinkles and uneven tone, and basically slows down aging before it starts. If you want to feel cute with no makeup? Start here. Glowy, smooth skin will always be the foundation.
Dermaplane + Brows = Clean Face Energy
I dermaplane my face every couple weeks to remove peach fuzz and dead skin—it makes such a difference. My face looks brighter, smoother, and just clean. I also do a quick brow wax or pluck to keep them shaped. Having nice brows and smooth skin means I can skip makeup altogether and still feel cute.
Heatless Curls = Built-In Hairstyle
I wrap my hair at night in heatless curls and wake up looking like I tried (when I didn’t). It’s the easiest way to avoid heat damage, save time, and still have a full-on hairstyle. People always ask what I use on my hair—literally nothing. It’s just the curls doing the work while I sleep.
Section 2: Beauty That Lasts Longer Than a Day
Gradual Tanning Lotion + DIY Bronzing
I use a gradual tanning lotion a couple times a week so my skin stays glowy without any weird patchiness. It evens out my tone and gives me a bit of color without needing to sunbathe or apply full-on fake tan. If I need to boost it, I mix a little shimmer or bronzer into lotion and put it on my collarbones, legs, or arms. Instant “I work out and drink green juice” glow.
Lash Clusters = Waking Up Cute
Lash clusters are my secret weapon. I do them once a week and that’s it—I don’t need mascara, I don’t need eyeliner, I just look awake. They stay on through showers, sleep, everything. Waking up and already having your lashes on? It’s game-changing.
Gel Nails (and Toes) That Last
I do my own gel nails and toes every 2–3 weeks. It takes under an hour, and I don’t have to think about my nails again until I redo them. No chipped polish, no rushing to repaint them before going out. It’s such a small thing, but fresh nails make me feel polished even if I’m in sweatpants.
Section 3: Hot Girl Habits That Keep Me Feeling Good
Daily Elderberry = Fewer Sick Days
I take elderberry regularly because it actually helps me avoid getting sick—especially during busy weeks or season changes. It keeps me healthy, which keeps me consistent, which keeps me glowing. Period.
Outfit Planning = No Morning Meltdowns
Every Sunday, I pick out a few cute outfits for the week and hang them together in my closet. It saves me from that “nothing looks good” panic. When I already have outfits ready, I can spend my morning sipping coffee, not tearing apart my drawers. It’s such a confidence boost to just throw something on and know it works.
Lifting = My Hot Girl Ritual
I’m a gym rat and I own it. Lifting is my therapy, my routine, my main character soundtrack. It keeps me sculpted, strong, and feeling like that girl—especially on the days when nothing else feels together. It’s not just about the results (though I love the muscle tone and confidence), it’s about the energy. I leave the gym feeling powerful, pretty, and proud of myself.
Prioritizing Rest = Pretty Girl Protection
I protect my rest like it’s part of my skincare routine. I don’t push through burnout anymore—I take naps, cancel plans, and let myself chill. Rest isn’t lazy. It’s literally how I keep my energy high, my mood balanced, and my face from looking tired. Pretty girls sleep, okay?
The Takeaway: You’re Not High-Maintenance, You’re Smart
This routine might sound like a lot, but it’s really about doing the prep once so I don’t have to do it every day. If it helps me wake up prettier, save time, and feel more confident without putting in constant effort? Worth it.
If you’re trying to feel more effortlessly hot without spending your whole life getting ready, start with one or two things: maybe it’s heatless curls, maybe it’s pre-planned outfits, maybe it’s weekly lashes. You don’t need to overhaul everything—just build a few habits that work for you.
Let me know if you want a checklist version or my favorite self-care night routine next!
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