WHat is a glow up?
A glow up is a noticeable and positive transformation in one’s appearance, confidence, and well-being. It can occur over any time period or at any age. Women, men, and non-binary individuals can all glow up.
Physical appearance
Many social media users focus on the improvement of a user’s outward facing features during a glow up.
Most social media users post pictures highlighting positive changes in appearance such as:
– Flattering hairstyles
– Well done makeup
– Quality, well fitting wardrobes
– Appropriate weight loss
– Fitness improvements
– Improved skincare routines
But we can go deeper than that. A glow up is so much more than just what’s on the outside.
It’s important to recognize that a glow up is deeply personal and subjective. What might be a transformation for one person might not be the same for another. The emphasis should be on personal growth and self-love. Not conforming to societal expectations or unachievable beauty standards.
Personal transformation
In today’s culture, many glow ups revolve around physical traits. However, a glow up isn’t constrained to physical appearance. Personal transformation and emotional state are key components of the glow up process.
Some self improvement that can take place in a glow up (outside of one’s physical appearance) include improving:
- Emotional Well-being
- Personal growth, increased self confidence and self-esteem, better mental health, and more positivity are parts of an emotional glow up.
- Professional and Personal Achievements
- Achieving goals, gaining new skills, getting interested in new things, or advancing in one’s career or personal life are also glow ups.
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Glow ups are also about healthy relationships, setting boundaries, and nurturing positive connections.
- Lifestyle Changes
- A healthy lifestyle, hobbies, and new experiences are key parts of a true glow up.
Glows up are not only about how attractive you are on the outside. Sure, that’s one measure of glow up success. But it’s also how attractive, beautiful, confident, and interesting you are on the inside. You can’t be truly “glowed up” unless you’re also a kind person with a good head on their shoulders. Crazy concept, eh?
The Glow Up Trend
The glow up trend may seem to be a new phenomenon. But it’s not. Makeovers and self improvement have been in mainstream culture for forever. Remember those extreme makeover shows? Maybe not, but I’m old enough to. Those were crazy before and after transformations. They’re entertaining and like the glow ups we like seeing on social media.
Is glowing up a trend? We think not. The short videos users post on social media with motivational captions like “gotta glo” and “glo up” will always be around in some form or another. Self improvement is always here to stay, and so is the glow up.
Go Glow Up
To recap, the term glow up is “positive transformation in one’s appearance, confidence, and overall well-being”. Glowing up involves a total lifestyle change and personal growth that may not be for everyone, but it is worth the work.
