So, you’re here for a career glow-up? Fantastic!
If you’re gunning for a new role, feeling ready to bring a fresh vibe to the office, or just want to walk in with a little more oomph, you’re in the right place.
This isn’t just about looking sharp; it’s about feeling like you’re totally in your element, with confidence that people can actually feel.
This list has 80+ ideas – yes, eighty and counting – to help you turn up your game. From making your hair your crowning glory to sharpening those skills that set you apart, these tips are all about putting your best self out there.
By the end, you’ll be serving major “I got this” energy in every meeting, email, and coffee run.
Why even ‘glow up’?
When you’re deep in the career grind, it’s easy for self-care can take a backseat even if you don’t mean for it to.
Days blur, especially for remote professionals and entrepreneurs, and focusing on appearance can feel like just one more thing on an endless list.
Some might even think, “Isn’t this all a bit…vain?”
But here’s the truth: a glow-up is about more than looks. It’s an investment in how you feel, act, and carry yourself, and it can make a tangible difference in your professional life.
Here’s why it matters:
- Confidence booster. When you feel polished, you show up differently.
- Readiness for challenges. Being put together doesn’t just look good; it preps you to handle the day’s curveballs with more ease.
- Door opener. Like it or not, presentation matters and can help attract opportunities, from new clients to career moves.
So if you’ve ever hit that wall where it feels like you’re just going through the motions, then a reset in the form of glow-up is exactly what’s needed. This is about taking control and showing up in a way that matches your goals.
Ready to start? Time to scroll on. Go big or start small, but know that each step counts.
The Ultimate Glow Up Checklist
With these 80+ ideas, you have the roadmap to own your next chapter, from the inside out. As you start ticking off this checklist, remember that your glow up is personal so what works for one might not work for another.
Feel free to take these tips and tailor them to fit your unique style, lifestyle, and goals. Focus on a few strategies, work them into your routine, and let your confidence and momentum grow.
Beauty & Grooming
First impressions matter, right? Looking and feeling your best starts with how you take care of yourself. A few tweaks here and there can work magic on your image. Let the focus not be on trends but rather on finding what works for you and enhances your natural beauty.
1. Get a professional haircut that suits your face shape.
2. Set up a daily skincare routine—cleanse, tone, moisturize—and refresh when needed to keep your face glowing.
3. Keep your facial hair trimmed, or skin fresh with regular shaves/facials.
4. Keep a mini “refresh kit” at your desk (breath mints, instant stain remover, mini deodorant).
5. Get a hair treatment every few months to handle frizz, dryness, or damage.
6. Wash off your makeup by establishing a ‘get unready’ routine.
7. Try a new perfume or cologne that’s fresh but not overpowering.
8. Experiment with a bold color yet work-appropriate manicure.
9. Keep your nails clean and cuticles moisturized.
10. Wear sunscreen every day.
🔗 Read: Check out our review of the ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint.
11. Keep your lips moisturized with a lip balm day & night.
12. Shape your eyebrows or have it done professionally.
13. Step up oral hygiene: brush teeth twice a day, mouthwash, floss, and tongue scrape.
14. Achieve the perfect smile by fixing your teeth and having them whitened.
15. Exfoliate twice a week for smooth, radiant skin.
16. Find your perfect foundation, lipstick, and blush match.
17. Practice the basic makeup skills of an easy work makeup routine.
18. Seek advice and schedule visits with a professional to address skin concerns.
Personal Style
Your personal style is more than just clothes, it’s a reflection of who you are. It’s important to feel comfortable in your skin even without saying a word. Curate a wardrobe that speaks to your individuality and helps you show up authentically in any situation.
19. Choose a quality bag for work that fits all your essentials.
20. Invest in a “power outfit” that makes you feel unstoppable.
21. Own the right shoes for different occasions: professional, casual, and formal.
22. Wear a timepiece or jewelry that’s professional yet uniquely you.
23. Experiment with a pop of color in your outfit (socks, ties, or scarves).
🔗 Read: Other tips to spice up your work wardrobe.
24. Wear clothes that fit well and complement your shape (e.g. tailor when necessary)
25. Declutter your closet of anything that doesn’t make you feel confident.
🔗 Read: How you can transform an outfit from trashy to classy.
26. Find a pair of statement eyewear (eyeglasses or sunglasses)
27. Iron or steam your clothes the night before.
28. Keep your shoes polished and scuff-free.
29. Upgrade one staple piece in your wardrobe, like a blazer or quality leather shoes.
🔗 Read: The best dress shoes styles for him or for her for work.
30. Embrace the monochrome trend for instant chic.
Lifestyle & Wellness
Balancing work and personal life can be tricky, but prioritizing your wellness is essential for staying on top of your game. This section will offer practical tips that supports your mental and physical well-being to build habits that keep you energized and focused.
31. Go to bed at a consistent time each night and get 7-8 hours of sleep.
32. Drink at least 2L of water daily.
33. Pack healthy snacks or smoothies for workdays.
34. Make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary with the right temp and lighting.
35. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day (e.g. HIIT workouts, 10,000 steps a day)
36. Practice mindfulness or meditation for mental clarity.
37. Meal prep on weekends for a smoother work week.
38. Take your vitamins or supplements daily.
39. Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants to enhance your skin’s natural glow.
40. Cut back on alcohol, sugar, and salt.
41. Increase your fiber intake to aid in bowel function and keep you feeling full longer.
42. Set aside time each week to do something you enjoy.
43. Take a (mini) vacation or retreat to recharge and introspect.
44. Try aromatherapy or essential oils to relax.
45. Spend time with positive, supportive people.
46. Connect with friends and family online/chat.
Mindset & Productivity
Your mindset shapes your approach to challenges and opportunities. This part enlists the strategies that foster the right mindset and boost productivity.
47. Practice gratitude with three things you’re grateful for daily.
48. Stop negative self-talk; replace it with productive affirmations.
49. Reframe challenges as opportunities to learn.
50. Visualize yourself succeeding in your goals.
51. Listen to motivational podcasts or audiobooks on your commute.
52. Block off “focus time” each day for deep work.
53. Invest in ergonomic desk or chair equipment.
54. Use to-do lists and planners for daily and weekly tasks.
🔗 Read: The important practices to stay organized in work and life.
55. Clean up your physical and digital space regularly.
56. Stand up and stretch every hour to reset your energy.
Skills Upgrade
Keeping your skills sharp is essential. This section is all about identifying power skills that can propel you forward and finding ways to develop them. We’ll share resources and tips to help you invest in yourself and your relationship with others.
57. Practice a presentation skill with a friend or mentor.
58. Sign up for a short online course (like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning).
59. Subscribe to a professional newsletter in your field.
60. Read a new business book every month.
61. Join a community of peers who share your career interests.
62. Brush up on your Excel, PowerPoint, or other key tools.
63. Attend a local or virtual networking event.
64. Spend 15 minutes a day learning a new language or skill.
65. Prepare an elevator pitch that highlights your strengths.
66. Set up monthly coffee chats with coworkers or mentors.
🔗 Read: In need of an extra boost? Learn the MasterClass courses from some of the world’s best.
67. Use body language to show engagement (eye contact, nodding) when talking to others.
Brand Building
Your personal brand is your professional identity—it’s what sets you apart. Here, we’ll give tips to build a brand that authentically represents you, from your online presence to your offline style.
68. Choose 3-5 words that represent your professional brand.
69. Ask for introductions to expand your network.
70. Use a high-quality, recent photo on your professional profiles.
71. Set Google Alerts for your industry.
72. Develop a portfolio of your best work or projects.
🔗 Read: Different ways to bootstrap your online presence.
73. Use testimonials from colleagues or clients on LinkedIn or Google My Business.
74. Invest in professional business cards and brand assets.
75. Update your resume even when you’re not job-hunting.
76. Share relevant articles on LinkedIn or X to stay visible.
Personal Finance
Managing your money doesn’t have to feel like a chore. You can glow up your choices that align with your goals and values but still allow you to enjoy life today. In this section, we’ll help empower you to take control of your finances.
77. Track your spending to identify where your money goes each month.
78. Educate yourself on investment basics through books or podcasts.
79. Review and cut unnecessary expenses (e.g. subscriptions).
80. Automate your savings to make setting aside money effortless.
81. Start investing early to maximize the power of compound interest.
82. Set up an emergency fund with three to six months’ worth of living expenses.
83. Define your financial goals to create a roadmap for success.
Bookmark this checklist, and every day, take one more step on the glow-up path!
If you need more advice for refining yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out in the comments below or through our social media channels/email.