It’s that time again—summer’s winding down, and back-to-school season is creeping up fast. With it comes the excitement (and maybe a little anxiety) of heading back to class with a fresh start. Let’s be honest—you want to walk through those school doors looking and feeling like your best self, right?
Well, what if I told you that you could actually glow up overnight before heading back to school?
You don’t need weeks of preparation or a complete makeover. With a few smart moves, some self-care, and maybe a touch of “magic” (aka good habits), you can wake up looking and feeling brand new just in time for your first day back.
So, curious how to make this glow-up magic happen? Let’s get into it.
why should i glow up – im just going back to school?
Back-to-school is more than just showing up for class. It’s a chance to set the tone for the year ahead, embrace a fresh start, and step into a more confident version of yourself.
Whether you’re starting high school or college, that first impression counts. A glow-up helps you feel more confident, and that confidence spills over into everything—whether it’s schoolwork, making friends, or just handling challenges with a little more ease.
So, whether you want to impress someone special, show off that summer shine, or simply walk in with your head held high, an overnight glow-up could be just the thing to get you feeling good and ready for the day.
The Back-to-School Glow-Up Checklist
Here’s the best part: You don’t need a million products or a trip to the salon to glow up. Just focus on smart habits and simple beauty tricks that work quickly and effectively. Below is your go-to checklist to help you glow up in less than 24 hours:
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Drinking plenty of water is the quickest way to plump your skin, reduce puffiness, and give you that glowing-from-within look. Aim for at least 8 glasses before bed. - Exfoliate Gently
Use a gentle exfoliator on your face and body to scrub away dead skin cells and reveal fresh, smooth skin. Choose something mild—no need to go overboard the night before! - Moisturise Like a Pro
After exfoliating, follow up with a rich moisturiser. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or shea butter to lock in hydration. And don’t forget spots like your hands, elbows, and knees. - Get Your Beauty Sleep (the Real MVP!)
There’s a reason it’s called “beauty sleep.” Aim for a solid 7-9 hours. While you sleep, your skin works overtime to repair itself, so make it count! - Switch to Satin or Silk Pillowcases
Swap out your regular pillowcase for a satin or silk one. Not only will it reduce friction on your hair (bye-bye, frizz), but it’s also gentler on your skin. - Quick Boost with a Face Mask
If you have an overnight mask or a 20-minute sheet mask lying around, now’s the time to use it! Look for hydrating or brightening masks with ingredients like Vitamin C, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid. - Tame Those Brows and Lashes
Well-groomed brows and lashes can instantly change your look. Use a clear brow gel to shape your brows, and if you’re feeling fancy, curl your lashes or apply a conditioning serum. - Plan Your Outfit
Never underestimate the power of a well-planned outfit. Pick something that makes you feel confident and comfortable—whatever gives you that extra pep in your step. - A Touch of Self-Tanner
If you’re feeling a little pale after summer, a light application of gradual self-tanner the night before can give you that sun-kissed glow without any UV damage. - Nail Care
You don’t need a full mani, but clean, trimmed nails (even with just a clear polish) can pull your look together and make you feel more polished overall. - Jewellery
Enhance your look by adding your favourite jewellery such as rings, necklaces and earrings.
Glow-Up Routine for the Day Before School
1. Skincare: Gua Sha, LED Light Therapy, and Face Tan
Your skin is the first thing people notice, so let’s give it some extra love!
Morning Routine:
- Cleanse: Start your day by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt or oil buildup from the night.
- LED Light Therapy: Use an LED light therapy mask or device. If you’re looking to calm redness or target acne, use blue light; if you want to boost collagen and reduce fine lines, opt for red light. Spend around 10-30 minutes, depending on your device’s recommendations.
- Gua Sha: After cleansing, apply a few drops of facial oil or a hydrating serum, then use a gua sha tool to gently massage your face. This helps with lymphatic drainage, reduces puffiness, and gives your face that sculpted, refreshed look. Focus on upward and outward strokes, particularly along your jawline and cheekbones.
- Moisturise: Apply a face mask to lock in hydration for the day and to ensure your skin is prepped, glowy and feeling its best.
Evening Routine:
- Cleanse Again: At night, start with a double cleanse (use a cleansing oil followed by your regular face wash) to remove all traces of makeup, sunscreen, and dirt.
- Exfoliate (Optional): If your skin tolerates it, use a gentle exfoliant (chemical or physical) to buff away dead skin cells and leave your skin smooth and glowing. Only exfoliate once or twice a week.
- Gua Sha: After cleansing, apply a few drops of facial oil or a hydrating serum, then use a gua sha tool to gently massage your face. This helps with lymphatic drainage, reduces puffiness, and gives your face that sculpted, refreshed look. Focus on upward and outward strokes, particularly along your jawline and cheekbones.
- Face Tan: Before bed, apply a gradual face tanner or tanning drops mixed with your moisturizer to give your skin a subtle, sun-kissed glow for the next day. Be careful to blend it well along your hairline and neck.
2. Hair Care: Hair Mask, Hair Oil, and Heatless Curls
Healthy, shiny hair will frame your face and complete your glow-up. This routine will give you those effortlessly beautiful curls, while keeping your hair hydrated and frizz-free.
Pre-Shower:
- Hair Mask: A few hours before your shower (or the night before if you want deep hydration), apply a hydrating hair mask to dry hair, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes or longer, depending on the product instructions. my favourite hair masks are the Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Hair Mask, Deep Conditioner for Dry Damaged or Color Treated Hair and OUAI Fine to Medium Hair Treatment Masque.
Shower:
- Shampoo & Condition: Wash out the hair mask with your regular shampoo. Follow up with a nourishing conditioner, focusing again on your hair ends. For the most softest hair I recommend REDKEN All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner , and if condition isn’t an issue and you want shiny hair, I recommend L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Shampoo and Conditioner.
Post-Shower:
- Hair Oil: Once out of the shower and after towel-drying your hair, apply a lightweight hair oil or serum to damp hair. This helps lock in moisture, add shine, and tame frizz. Avoid applying oil to your roots to prevent greasiness. My favourite oils for thin hair that are hydrating and lightweight are the Moroccan oil Treatment and Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil
- Hairstyles: I absolutely adore the blowout look, which is why I enjoy curling my hair using my Dyson Airwrap. Alternatively, you can achieve similar results with the Revlon Hairdryer Brush or if you prefer no heat but want soft, voluminous curls, go for overnight heatless curls. I also love doing these when I don’t want to put heat on my hair!
Side tip– If I will curl my hair the night before then I like to secure the curls with rollers/heatless curls or hair pins so that the curls stay put and don’t fall overnight. This also makes the curls hold super well the next day.
Regardless of your preferred hairstyle, choose it the day before and consider practicing if you’re looking to experiment with something new. This way, you can ensure you’ll look your absolute best!
- Brows and lashes:
If you have eyelashes that are as stubborn and straight as mine, lifting and tinting them can truly make your lashes appear much longer and fuller. This is my favourite aspect of enhancing my look because it honestly creates the most significant change!
I use the Amazon ICONSIGN lash lift kit , its super easy and great value!
I used to be unsure about tinting my brows since they are already pretty dark, but I’ve found that it really enhances their definition and adds structure and balance to my face. So, definitely don’t overlook the benefits of brow tint… just make sure not to leave it on for too long! A really affordable and good option is Schwarzkopf Eyebrow Tint.
If you struggle to grow and maintain long lashes and eyebrows, serums are definitely the way to go. My lashes were ruined after pulling my extensions out and after using a serum they were saved and longer than ever in just a month! My favourite serum to really grow your lashes is UKLASH AND RapidLash. They are the most affordable options and really work!
3. Hygiene: The “Everything Shower” (Exfoliation, Shave, and Moisturise)
The “everything shower” is where you tackle it all—exfoliation, shaving, and moisturising—for soft, glowing skin.
Step 1: Exfoliate
- Start by using a body scrub or exfoliating glove to gently buff away dead skin cells. Focus on areas like your elbows, knees, and any spots prone to dryness. This step preps your skin for a smoother shave and ensures your body moisturisers penetrate better.
Step 2: Shave
- After exfoliating, move on to shaving. Lather up with a moisturising shave gel or cream to prevent irritation. For a super-close shave, shave in the direction of hair growth, then go over it again in the opposite direction if needed.
Step 3: Moisturise
- Right after your shower, while your skin is still slightly damp, slather on a rich body lotion or body oil. For extra smoothness, choose one with shea butter or hyaluronic acid. Pay attention to areas like your elbows, knees, and heels, which tend to be drier.
Pro tip: To lock in that hydration and add a radiant sheen, apply a dry body oil on top of your lotion. It gives your skin that glossy finish without feeling greasy.
Step 4: Tan
If you’ve already lost your summer glow or just feel as if you need a bit of a bronzy boost, apply a tanning moisturiser or self tanner.
4. Teeth and Nails
Don’t overlook the little details! A fresh smile and well-kept nails go a long way in completing your glow-up.
Teeth:
- Whitening Strips or Toothpaste: The day before school, use a whitening strip for 30-60 minutes if you want to give your teeth a brighter look. Follow it up with your regular brushing routine, using a whitening toothpaste for a final boost.
- Floss and Mouthwash: Finish your routine with floss and an alcohol-free mouthwash to keep your gums healthy and your breath fresh.
Nails:
- Trim and File: Start by trimming your nails to your preferred length and gently filing them into shape. A soft, rounded or square shape tends to look neat and low-maintenance.
- Cuticle Care: Push back your cuticles gently with an orange stick, and apply a cuticle oil to keep them hydrated.
- Polish or Buff: If you don’t want to apply colour, simply buff your nails for a natural shine. If you’re going for colour, stick to something light and fresh like a nude or pastel shade. For a polished but easy look, a coat of clear nail polish will keep things simple yet refined.
Final Tips for the Perfect Glow-Up
- Drink Water: Throughout the day, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. Your skin, hair, and overall energy will thank you!
- Rest Up: Get a good night’s sleep the night before school. Aim for at least 7-9 hours so you wake up feeling refreshed and energised.
This routine should have you feeling completely pampered and glowing from head to toe. Whether it’s your skin, hair, or overall vibe, following this guide will have you walking into the first day of school feeling like the best version of yourself!
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