The Ultimate Glow Up Guide for New Moms

Real solutions to feeling like yourself again postpartum (or maybe even a better version!)

My glow-up started when my husband took a photo of me holding our newborn, and I did NOT like what I saw. Yes, the angle was unforgiving, but I looked heavier than usual, and it was so unflattering. At the time, I was 3 months postpartum, eating ice cream every night, drinking wine on the weekends, and telling myself, “It’s fine, I just had a baby.”

But something in me shifted. I didn’t want to use excuses anymore. Everyone around me told me I looked great, but I knew I had more potential. So I started showing up for myself in small ways. 

Here’s the ultimate glow-up guide that I have built as a 14-month postpartum first-time mom. 

Physical glow up

Lose the weight (Sustainably)

I started by walking 10k steps a day and getting 100+ grams of protein. I cut back on sugar and alcohol — so good, but so many empty calories. I lost 10 pounds and felt so much better in my skin!!

See how I lost 10 pounds in 5 months as a short girlie in this blog post here. 

Strength train weekly

I go to the gym a few times a week to lift weights, going before my husband leaves for work. Mom butt is real. This helps. Just make sure to eat plenty of protein to build that muscle! 

Eat more fruit + take a probiotic

Gut health makes or breaks your glow. Adding in more fruit and a good probiotic will help your digestion, bloating, and skin. This tip is something I am definitely still working on. 

Don’t count calories — just eat real food

I am avidly against counting calories. I tried it for years wayy before I got pregnant- it never worked for me. When you start focusing on whole foods and prioritizing protein, fiber, and whole foods, it will change everything.

Beauty + style glow up

Do your makeup every day

Ever since I started posting TikTok videos, I have been doing my makeup every day. And omg, it’s a gamechanger! Even just putting on tinted mineral sunscreen and blush will make you feel next-level. It just makes me feel more confident and beautiful as a stay-at-home mom. 

Create a new “mom style”

Once I became a mom, I realized my old clothes didn’t fit the new me! I made a Pinterest board of inspiration and slowly have been building a wardrobe I love. Natural fibers only. Elevated neutrals. Soft, feminine, grown-woman energy.

Style your natural hair

I have a curly hair routine that takes forever, but I plan it around nap time because when your hair looks good, you look good. I deep condition weekly and protect my curls. 

Need help with your waves or curls? Check out my curly hair routine in this post.

Get your nails done (sometimes)

I treat myself to salon nails a few times a year, and in between, I care for my natural nails. The last thing I want are damaged nails that never see the sun. Soft, clean, manicured hands make me feel put together.

Put on perfume every day

I often put perfume on in the morning and in the afternoon before my husband comes home. And then sometimes when I go to bed, haha! Don’t wait for date night. Wear the perfume today!

Oil your body after showering

I use body oil (this one from Neutrogena, but you can literally use any oil that you have) and take a minute to rub it all over my skin. I then put on my robe and “marinate” in the oils for a while until they absorb into my skin! So luxurious and will make your body feel so soft. 

Self care glow up

Take an epsom salt bubble bath weekly

This is my favorite time of the week. I put my favorite show on my tablet and drink a sparkling water or a glass of wine and light a candle. It relaxes my nervous system and gets me ready for bed. 

For my ultimate list of self care essentials for mom, check this out!

Get sunlight in the morning

It resets your circadian rhythm, boosts energy, and improves your immune system. I always open my back door to my balcony each morning so both my daughter and I can get some morning sun. 

Identity & energy glow up

Start a project just for you

I started this blog and my TikTok account just for me. It gave me something to be excited about — micro goals, creative expression, and a way to use my brain outside of motherhood. I found that I needed another identity other than being a stay-at-home mom to feel fulfilled. 

Make a mom friend

This one can change everything. Just one mom friend who understands your frustration, who texts you after a long day or meets up for coffee play dates — it’ll change your life. When your husband doesn’t get it, she will! I’ve met one of my best mom friends through church, and we meet up every week. It’s amazing. 

Spend time in your faith

For me, that’s Catholicism. I started going to adoration again, and put my toddler in the church nursery to use that time to reconnect with God. Life can get so busy as a mom that you put your relationship with Jesus on the back burner. Don’t let that happen– pray with your little ones or spend 15 minutes in prayer during nap time or bedtime.