Hot Girl Summer Glow Up Guide

Summer is around the corner, and we’re bringing our Hot Girl Summer Glow Up game. Not only do we want to look good, but we also want to feel good about ourselves. If you’re looking for the Ultimate Glow Up Guide, I have you covered as well. Let’s kick off our Hot Girl Summer right!

The Hot Girl Summer Bingo Card

Use a Fitness Tracker

There are so many fitness trackers out there; whether you want to opt for the Fitbit, Apple Watch, Oura Ring, Garmin, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Ultrahuman Ring Air, Whoop, or whatever it is, there are options for you. This is so you can start tracking and knowing what is going on with your underlying health, including your sleeping habits, daily activities, stress levels, blood oxygen, restoration, and menstrual cycle for the ladies.

The Oura Ring improved my awareness of my daily movements, sleep, and how my body performs during workouts. I usually take my rings off when I play golf, so it is great that I can also add an activity I did after the fact for a ballpark estimate of calories burned. I also love that the Oura Ring is a seamless accessory. The biggest downside is having to pay a monthly subscription to use the app, but that pushes expectations of what I get out of the ring.

Need a 10-Minute Workout Routine At Home?

If you need a 10-minute workout routine that can be done at home, I have you covered. This is a 10-minute “As Many Reps As Possible” (AMRAP) workout. Go at your own pace.

• 60 Seconds Good Morning Bow
• 60 Seconds World’s Greatest Stretch
• 45 Seconds Push Up to Downward Dog
• 15 Seconds Rest
• 45 Seconds Split Jump Squats
• 15 Seconds Rest
• 45 Seconds Mountain Climbers
• 15 Seconds Rest
• 45 Seconds Jumping Jacks
• 15 Seconds Rest
• 30 Seconds Side Plank – Right Side
• 30 Seconds Side Plank – Left Side
• 45 Seconds Air Squats
• 15 Seconds Rest
• 45 Seconds High Knees
• 15 Seconds Rest
• 60 Seconds Burpees

Buy a New Pillow

It’s recommended that you replace a pillow every one to two years (two if you’re willing to wash and dry thoroughly regularly). The stuffing has been through a lot, and all of that sweat buildup is not good for your face. Get a decent pillow and make sure it’s set to the right height because your neck and back depend on it.

I bought the Coop pillow a couple of months ago. There are specific instructions for stuffing size depending on how you sleep. Side sleepers would need more filling versus back and stomach sleepers. I love this pillow with the EdenCool Pillow Cover – where you’re always sleeping on the cool side of the pillow.

Fix Your Caffeine & Water Intake

How much caffeine are you putting in your body each day? What is the cut-off time for your last caffeine dosage for the day? The typical recommendation is 8 hours before you want to sleep. However, this differs for everyone, depending on how easily you sleep. If you catch yourself having a 4 PM cup of coffee or tea, see how that affects your sleep. If you’re tossing and turning, think about making 1 PM the cut-off time (or earlier).

Adopt a healthy water intake habit. You don’t have to be overhydrated. Remember to take a sip of water periodically and refill your cup several times a day!

Blow Dry Your Own Hair

Learn how to blow dry your own hair. You can go several days between washes, and you can re-plump your hair with a simple blow dry. Not only will you look good, but you’re saving that much money by doing it yourself instead of having to go to the salon every time. It’s going to be hot during the summer, and your scalp will be working overtime producing oils.

Use a Summer Tote Bag

How is using a summer tote bag part of glowing up or being a hot girl? Not only will you look stylish if you opt for a trendy tote bag, but you can carry all of the things you need to keep your glow-up game strong throughout the outing.

Need a fresh spritz of sunscreen? No problem. Need to carry your sunglasses? No problem. Need to stow your hat away? No problem. Camera? No problem. Your own handbag? No problem.

It’s okay to use that Trader Joe’s tote bag. It’s also okay to use a straw tote bag. It’s even okay to be bougie and have a designer tote bag. You do you, boo.

Add Neutrals to Your Closet

We know yellow, orange, and hot pink are summer colors. There’s nothing wrong with rocking these colors during the summer. They’re seasonal, but neutrals are year-round colors. Not only are they versatile, these colors elevate your overall look. If you’re looking for elegance, this is it.

Refresh Your Makeup & Sunscreen

Did you know sunscreen has an expiration date? It can take a while for sunscreen to expire, but be mindful that they become less effective. Make sure your sunscreen (especially for your face) is still good and remember to apply them periodically.

There are different types of facial sunscreens:

• Mineral Sunscreen: Sits on top of your skin’s surface and acts as a physical blocker by deflecting UV ways (think mirrors).
• Chemical Sunscreen: Absorbed into your skin, which basically absorbs UV rays, turns them to heat, and then releases the heat from your skin (think of a chemical reaction).

I’ve been a fan of the Tatcha Silk Sunscreen – this is a weightless mineral sunscreen with SPF 50. Supergoop! is also my next favorite facial sunscreen brand. If I already have makeup and need a fresh spritz, the Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50 is perfect, as it doesn’t ruin my makeup. This is also a big plus if I’m trying to spray my scalp as well. Which brings me to the next topic – your scalp needs sun protection as well! Wear a hat or spray sunscreen. Take your sun protection to the next level with some trendy sunglasses as well!

Take Your Paid Time Off

Did you know Paid Time Off (PTO) is part of your compensation package? If you haven’t planned on using them, use them throughout the year. By summer, you’ll have about six months left in the year. Take care of yourself and prevent career burnout by taking some time off. You don’t have to go on a trip; just break from your everyday routine.

Include Active Recovery

After working out, it’s important to engage in a low-intensity activity so you don’t put your body in shock. This can include basic walking it off, sitting through a sauna, or even going through a cold plunge. Do your own research on how to take care of your body after a high-intensity workout. Cold plunges may not work for everyone. I went through one recently and that three minutes was quite a while.