Did you know that 70% of our body is comprised of water? When it comes to how to glow up for school, this simple fact is just the beginning of what you need to know.
I totally get it. You’re probably starting school soon and feeling like you need a serious transformation. In fact, you’re not alone – over 1.6 million people have searched for glow up tips before school starts! Through my own back to school glow up journey, I’ve learned that the first step to achieving that perfect glow is focusing on healthy, radiant skin. The good news is that you don’t need expensive products or complicated routines to make it happen.
Over the years, I’ve discovered that true transformation comes from consistent daily habits. From drinking 2-3 liters of water daily to boost your metabolism and get that dream glowy skin, to ensuring you get at least 8 hours of sleep each night, these fundamentals make all the difference. Plus, when you exercise 3-5 times weekly and wash your face twice daily, you’re setting yourself up for success.
But perhaps the most important tip? Confidence. Without it, even the most perfect skincare routine falls flat. In this guide, I’ll share my personal secrets for a complete glow up that will have you walking into school feeling refreshed, renewed, and ready to take on the year. Let’s dive into the simple steps that will transform not just how you look, but how you feel.
Start with the Basics: Your Daily Self-Care Foundation
The foundation of any successful glow up starts with taking care of your basic needs. Throughout my years of helping teens transform themselves, I’ve discovered that the simplest habits often create the most dramatic results.
Hydrate consistently throughout the day
You’ve probably heard about drinking water for clear skin, however, there’s so much more to it than that. Our bodies literally depend on proper hydration for nearly every function. Dehydration can seriously impact your appearance and energy levels, causing symptoms like dizziness, darker urine, and even lightheadedness.
For an effective back-to-school glow up, I recommend following the hydration guidelines used by athletes: drink 16 to 20 ounces of water at least four hours before any physical activity, followed by 8 to 12 ounces about 15 minutes before exercise. Additionally, carrying a reusable water bottle everywhere helps make hydration a consistent habit.
If you’re active in sports or spending time outdoors, pay attention to your body’s signals. Thirst is your built-in hydration guide. Remember that staying properly hydrated increases energy, improves movement, enhances recovery, and even sharpens mental clarity—all essential for looking and feeling your best as you head back to school.
Build a simple skincare routine that works for you
Despite what beauty influencers might suggest, an effective skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated—particularly for teens. The dermatologists I’ve consulted unanimously agree that teen skin needs just three fundamental steps: cleansing, moisturizing, and applying SPF.
I always tell my clients to start with a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin’s natural oils. Overwashing can actually trigger your skin to produce more oil, creating a frustrating cycle. Cleanse once or twice daily—definitely before bed to avoid sleeping with dirt and oils on your face.
Following cleansing, apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer (one that won’t clog pores). Even if your skin is oily, moisturizing remains crucial. For daytime, choose a moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin. During evenings, focus on hydration with ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid.
Get enough sleep to reset your body and mind
The final—yet perhaps most important—foundation of your glow up is quality sleep. Research consistently shows that teenagers need between 8 and 10 hours of sleep each night. Nonetheless, about 7 out of 10 high schoolers don’t get enough sleep on school nights.
During sleep, your body releases growth hormones, boosts immune function, and reduces inflammation. This overnight restoration process is literally when your body repairs itself, making sleep essential for that natural glow. Furthermore, proper rest consolidates memories and helps retain information you’ve learned throughout the day—a bonus for academic performance.
Creating a proper sleep environment makes all the difference. Your bedroom should be cool, dark, and free of distractions like phones, laptops, and gaming systems. These devices not only keep you awake longer, they can actually condition your brain to stay alert rather than rest.
Starting your glow up journey with these three fundamentals—hydration, skincare, and sleep—creates the perfect foundation for all other improvements. Though seemingly basic, mastering these habits consistently yields the most noticeable results for your back-to-school transformation.
Upgrade Your Look: Hair, Style, and Personal Touches
Your personal style speaks volumes about who you are before you even say a word. After establishing those fundamental self-care habits, it’s time to focus on your external appearance – the fun part of any glow up journey!
Try a new hairstyle or haircut
Experimenting with your hair is one of the easiest ways to transform your look completely. The teen years are perfect for trying new styles – whether you’re brave enough for a complete haircut or just want to switch up your everyday look.
For a quick change without commitment, I recommend mastering a few versatile styles. Side Dutch braids add edge and work perfectly between washes. Small French braids provide a trendy touch that elevates even basic looks, while braided headbands keep hair off your face in a stylish way.
My go-to recommendation for busy school mornings? The elevated ponytail. Try adding a French braid feeding into your pony on one side or experiment with space buns paired with Dutch braid cornrows for something more eye-catching.
Plan outfits that reflect your personality
The clothes you wear give you an opportunity to express your individuality. Wearing items that genuinely represent you rather than just following trends is key to feeling confident.
I always tell my clients to create a signature look that celebrates what makes them special. Your personal style should reflect who you are – whether that’s through colors, patterns, or specific pieces that feel authentically “you”.
Remember that fashion can be adapted for different situations. The accessories you choose should add a finishing touch to your outfit without overwhelming it. Ultimately, wearing clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable will naturally showcase your personality.
Add subtle accessories like jewelry or a signature scent
Accessories transform basic outfits into personal statements. For teens specifically, lightweight, versatile pieces work best with busy schedules. Many of my clients love mixing and matching pieces – layering necklaces or stacking rings to create unique combinations.
Some essentials to consider:
- Claw clips for practical yet stylish hair management
- Scrunchies that protect hair while adding color
- Simple necklaces or bracelets that can be worn daily
- Phone cases that reflect your personality
Moreover, a signature scent can become part of your identity. While finding your perfect fragrance is personal, woody, aromatic, or citrus scents generally work well as everyday options. Test samples before committing to a full bottle, and remember that confidence is the most important accessory you can wear.
The goal isn’t to follow every trend but to develop a style that makes you feel authentically yourself. Through thoughtful choices in hairstyles, clothing, and accessories, you’ll create a look that not only turns heads at school but also genuinely represents who you are.
Master the Glow: Skincare and Makeup Tips from Belle Hathaway
When teens ask me about achieving that perfect glow for school, I always emphasize that less is more. Throughout my years working with young skin, I’ve developed approaches that enhance natural beauty without overwhelming it.
Belle’s 3-step skincare rule for teens
My skincare philosophy for teens is refreshingly simple. First and foremost, I advocate for a basic three-step regime: cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen. This foundation is truly all you need during these formative years.
For cleansing, I recommend using gentle products that won’t strip your skin’s natural oils. Cleanse once or twice daily—especially before bed to avoid sleeping with impurities on your face.
Next, apply a lightweight moisturizer that contains simple, effective ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, squalane, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid. These hydrators work beautifully on young skin without causing irritation.
Finally, sunscreen is non-negotiable. Indeed, it’s the best and most affordable way to prevent premature aging. Instead of spending money on complicated products, focus on consistent sun protection—it’s an investment your future self will thank you for.
How to use minimalist makeup for a natural glow
For a back-to-school glow up, I suggest starting with skincare—not makeup. Apply moisturizer first to create a smooth canvas. Subsequently, choose light, sheer, and natural-coverage formulas that let your skin’s texture shine through.
For a radiant look, cream or liquid formulas typically work better than powder or matte options. To enhance your natural glow:
- Apply a light primer that promotes radiant-looking skin
- Skip heavy contouring and instead use cream blush on your cheeks
- Add a hint of highlighter to your cheekbones for dimension
- Finish with lengthening mascara rather than dramatic falsies
- Complete the look with a sheer lip oil or gloss
Remember—the goal isn’t a completely different face but rather an enhanced version of yourself.
Common mistakes teens make with makeup
Throughout my career, I’ve noticed several common makeup missteps among teens. Correspondingly, knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to do:
First, not matching foundation to your skin tone is perhaps the most visible mistake. Test products properly and find that perfect match—your skin should look fresh and flawless, not masked.
Second, using too much product creates an unnatural effect. Instead, start with minimal amounts and build gradually if needed.
Third, improper skin preparation (or skipping it entirely) leads to makeup that doesn’t sit right. Alternatively, some teens go overboard with strong active ingredients their young skin doesn’t need. Balance is key.
Fourth, applying eyeliner incorrectly can make your eyes appear smaller. Focus on techniques that complement your unique eye shape.
Lastly, insufficient blending creates harsh, unnatural lines. Take the extra time to blend everything thoroughly for a seamless look that truly enhances your natural beauty before heading back to school.
Fuel Your Body: Healthy Habits That Show on the Outside
True beauty radiates from the inside out, which is why what you put into your body matters just as much as what you put on it. Your daily nutrition and activity choices directly impact how you look and feel—especially during your teen years.
Eat clean and green with balanced meals
First of all, eating healthfully means getting the right balance of nutrients. As teens, you need more calories and key nutrients like protein, calcium, and iron to support your growing body. I always recommend my clients focus on eating a variety of foods from all food groups daily—fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives.
Aim for 2 cups of fruit and 2½ cups of vegetables every day. These foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, water, and fiber that help your mind and body perform at their best. For proper growth, include 3 cups of dairy products daily for calcium and vitamin D that strengthen your bones and teeth.
Accordingly, limit foods with added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium. Stock your backpack with healthy snacks like apples, baby carrots, whole wheat crackers, or unsalted nuts for when hunger strikes between classes.
Move your body with fun workouts or stretches
Getting active doesn’t mean boring gym sessions! In reality, the CDC recommends teens get about 60 minutes of moderate to high-intensity exercise daily. This should include a mix of cardio, strength training, and mobility work.
Along with improving your physical appearance, regular activity enhances your mental health, builds strong bones and muscles, and helps maintain a healthy weight. In my experience, finding movement you genuinely enjoy creates a lasting habit that shows in your appearance.
Given that overtraining can become an issue, focus on variety and moderation rather than intense specialization. The teen years are perfect for exploring different activities and finding what brings you joy.
Practice good hygiene and oral care
Maintaining proper hygiene becomes particularly important during teen years as your body changes. Your daily routine should include washing your hands, cleaning your body and teeth, and managing new concerns like body odor.
Oral health directly connects to your overall health. More than 40% of adults report having felt pain in their mouth within the last year. To maintain that healthy smile, brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly.
For that true glow-up effect, shower or bathe at least once daily using soap or shower gel, paying special attention to underarms and feet. Use deodorant or antiperspirant to manage body odor, which develops during puberty when new sweat glands activate. These simple habits are just as important as any makeup or outfit choice when aiming for that perfect back to school glow up.
Glow from Within: Confidence, Mindset, and Self-Love
A complete glow up journey isn’t just about what people see on the outside—it’s about how you feel on the inside. Throughout my career, I’ve noticed that confidence creates a glow that no makeup can replicate.
Use positive affirmations to build self-esteem
Self-talk shapes our reality. Naturally, our brains rewire themselves through neuroplasticity when we consistently use positive affirmations. I recommend starting with statements like “I am confident in who I am” or “I deserve love and respect”. These simple phrases, repeated daily, can transform how you view yourself before heading back to school.
Surround yourself with uplifting people
The people you spend time with inevitably shape your values. In essence, you become the average of your five closest friends! Choose peers who respect your authentic self and build you up rather than tear you down. A strong support network is vital for developing genuine confidence.
Set small goals and celebrate your wins
Setting achievable goals builds remarkable self-confidence. Studies show that teens who establish clear objectives develop determination, motivation, and resilience. Write down your goals—you’ll be 33% more likely to achieve them! Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small.
Belle Hathaway’s advice on embracing your unique beauty
As I always tell my clients: beauty isn’t about hiding—it’s about amplifying your best self. Self-love begins with accepting all parts of yourself, including imperfections. Remember, skincare isn’t about achieving perfection but feeling in control of your appearance.
Conclusion
A complete glow up transformation comes from both inside and out. Throughout my journey helping teens prepare for school, I’ve seen firsthand how these simple habits create remarkable changes. The foundation starts with those daily essentials—proper hydration, consistent skincare, and quality sleep. After all, these basics set the stage for everything else.
Your personal style speaks volumes before you say a word. Therefore, finding hairstyles, outfits, and accessories that genuinely represent you matters more than following fleeting trends. My three-step skincare approach works because it focuses on what teen skin actually needs rather than complicated routines. Likewise, minimal makeup enhances your natural beauty instead of hiding it.
Healthy habits truly show on your skin. Clean eating, regular movement, and good hygiene create a glow that no product can replicate. Still, the most powerful element remains how you feel about yourself. Positive affirmations, supportive friends, and celebrating small victories build lasting confidence that radiates from within.
Remember, your glow up journey belongs uniquely to you. My approach has always centered on enhancing what makes you special rather than trying to look like someone else. Small, consistent steps lead to the biggest transformations. Most importantly, embrace the process of becoming more confidently yourself—that authentic glow will follow you through the school year and beyond. You’ve got this!