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Women are relentlessly shown different methods of how to feel pretty. I can assure you that the pressure doesn’t let up when you become a mom. It almost feels worse…
When I was growing up, music videos, teen magazines, and movies were more than enough to convince me that I was not attractive. Being an almost 30-year-old, social media and being a mother hit my confidence like a ton of bricks.
With the constant noise about our physical appearance, it’s hard to focus on what’s really important. There is nothing wrong with wanting to look and feel pretty. However, we need to establish that physical beauty is the least interesting thing about you.
As a curly-headed, darker-skinned WOC, I’ve had to truly learn how to navigate these feelings. Although I love the shift in the media for plus-sized girlies, WOC, girlies with disabilities, moms “who haven’t bounced back” and so much more, we still have some work to do.
This post is all about the 10 most popular ways to feel pretty.
How to Feel Pretty
What Can I Do to Feel Prettier?
First, let’s figure out what you think you have to look like and trash that. You do not need to be your high school weight (or even your college weight), you don’t need to tan or bleach your skin, and you don’t have to look like anyone but you.
Celebrate your features, they tell a story that is uniquely yours. What you’ve overcome, who you birthed or carried, and the lives of the family before and after you. No one looks quite like you and that in itself is beautiful.
For example, I have my grandmother’s big, brown eyes and I passed those to my first daughter. I used to loathe my eyes, I wanted smaller eyes. Eyes that fit certain eye makeup styles better. Now, I can’t imagine her or myself with different eyes.
1. Detox from Social Media
When I was a middle schooler, I loved preteen/teen magazines. Since social media wasn’t around, I got beauty, fashion, and even relationship advice from these magazines. However, I was constantly comparing myself to these models.
It got so bad, that my parents forced me to detox from these magazines. Social media is the same thing. Take a break from being fed the constant beauty narrative of certain features or curate your feeds for more positive messages. My favorite creator for this is The Birds Papaya, she has a softer tummy/body and is unapologetic for it.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Are we tired of this one yet? Well, it’s true. Water is good for you and your skin.
Have you ever noticed that your skin looks dull, saggy, and lifeless? You probably aren’t drinking enough water. I purchased a 40 oz Stanley and Simply Modern cup to help make sure I drank enough water. The best my skin looked was when I drank water any time I was thirsty (or if I did 80oz) for two weeks.
Bonus: Drinking more water also improved my mood overall. So stop being dry and hydrate.
3. Have a Personalized Skin Care Routine
This is how to feel pretty without makeup. Having a skincare routine that is tailored to your skin’s needs is unmatched.
There are plenty of skincare routines to fit most budgets and needs. From sensitive skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin, and everything in between. I have combination skin and I double cleanse with a face oil and face wash, use a brightening vitamin C oil, moisturize, and use that same oil as an under-eye serum.
I never felt prettier without makeup once I adopted this skincare routine. Vanilla Swirl on TikTok inspired my morning and nighttime routine for my skincare.
4. Move Your Body
In today’s world, there are endless ways and combinations to get some movement in. We also live in the most sedentary time possibly known to man. We all have planted ourselves in front of big screens and tiny screens.
The blessing and curse that this digital age is, we can also find fun, exciting ways to get movement in. From Apple watches (or Fitbits), YouTube, and various exercise apps. You have little to no excuses why you can’t get 10-15 minutes of intentional workouts.
Don’t focus on the number that is reflected on the scale. Instead, focus on how you feel after moving and having fun.
5. Wear Clothes That Fit Your Current Body & Style
Wearing clothes that feel good is how to feel confident in your skin. I read a comment on how this person could for a size 2 but felt better in a size 4 and I loved that. Your current weight is just a number.
You’ll want to figure out your style icon(s) and what your body shape is. Fighting against your body will only make you feel worse about yourself. Ignore the trends and wear what makes you feel good and confident.
Bonus Tip: Get a proper bra fitting. You’ll be amazed at the instant difference your clothes look on your body. And get yourself matching sets purrr. Adore Me & Savage x Fenty have me in a chokehold.
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6. Have a Makeup or Beauty Routine
Whether you wear tons of makeup, light makeup, or no makeup you need a routine. If you are a no-makeup girlie, then you can get your eyebrows groomed, lips moisturized, and eyelashes curled.
If you are a lover of makeup, I found so many TikToks with excellent before-makeup prep and foundation base. Couple this with tips 2 and 3, and you are set for life.
7. Say “Yes” More Often
I don’t know about you but even after having clear skin and feel-good clothes, I live for an experience. Having a full and eventful life makes my soul happier than moisturized lips.
Saying yes more often will have you wanting to put your best version of yourself forward. It’s a cycle that feeds into itself. Go on that blind date, take yourself out on a date, or take a hike with your friends. Have an open mind towards new experiences.
8. Compliment Others
Get into the habit of complimenting others whenever you feel led to. Making others feel good in turn will make you feel good. Do you remember how you felt when you received a genuine compliment?
Spread that same joy to others and see if you also don’t feel better about yourself in the process.
9. Get a Color Analysis
Whether you like to wear all black, white, beige, or grey you’ll look good in some color. I can bet money some colors make your skin and eyes pop.
You can hire or use an app to give yourself an analysis. Figure out if you’re a warm autumn or deep winter. Use that to find colors that will make you glow within.
10. Cultivate Healthy Relationships (Romantic, Platonic, Family, Spiritually)
Scheduling brunch time with my friends, date nights with my husband, or pouring into my children and faith fills my cup in ways I cannot explain.
Making time for all my relationships makes my soul happy, my mind clear, and makes me smile from the inside out. You can glow from within from tending to your relationships in life.
Feeling beautiful can be a difficult task in today’s connected world. Celebrating what makes us unique, creating new experiences, and having healthy self-care routines are all ways to center ourselves within our beauty.
This post was all about the 10 most popular ways on how to feel pretty.
