This post contains a sponsored inclusion of LaserAway but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
"Every spring without fail, I convince myself this will be the year I emerge for summer as a glowing, put-together goddess. You get the vision: effortlessly bronzed, smooth skin and an energy that screams, “Yes, I woke up like this.” Inevitably, though, June rolls around, and instead of entering it feeling like my best self, I’m scrambling to fake it with last-minute self-tanner and one singular good night of sleep.
But this year? At long last, I’m getting ahead of the game with some summer glow-up essentials that’ll help me look and feel my best—minus the last-minute panic. Instead of playing catch-up in June, I’m making moves now while I can prepare calmly (instead of feeling like I’m working against a ticking time bomb). I’m focusing on four things that actually make a difference in how I feel: taking care of my skin, prioritizing movement, breaking up with my razor, and shifting my mindset. Because the real summer glow-up isn’t about looking good—it’s about feeling good. Here’s my agenda:
Step 1: A skincare routine that prioritizes glow and sun protection
I’m pretty good at getting my greens in, making my Oura ring proud, and carrying my Stanley wherever I go, so tell me why my skin is giving “This girl hasn’t had water, eight hours of sleep, or a vegetable in months.” If I’m being honest, the stress and seasonal depression of the last few months did me in, and my skincare habits took a hit. In an effort to bring some life back into my face, here are some practices and products I’m working back in. The goal? Opting for low-effort additions that’ll make an impact as early as tomorrow.
- Decrease puffiness by reintroducing my trusty gua sha to promote lymphatic drainage
- Resurface my complexion with at-home exfoliation that’ll save me a drive to the medspa
- Chase the ultimate glow with a daily Vitamin C serum
- Lock in hydration with an overnight hydrating face mask
- Protect from UV rays with a tinted sunscreen—yes, every single day—on my face, neck, and hands
Step 2: Laser hair removal (so I can finally break up with razor burn)
My beef with traditional hair removal methods
Shaving has been my go-to for years, but honestly, I’m over it. The constant cycle of shaving only to miss spots or get razor burn is not cute. Waxing? Even worse—it’s painful, expensive, and requires that awkward grow-out phase at the worst times (like when I need to wear bikini bottoms on Saturday but am not due for a wax until the following Friday). For a while, I thought I was just stuck with these two options and accepted that reality, but then I found the ultimate game-changer: laser hair removal.
Why I’m choosing laser hair removal
Laser hair removal isn’t instant—it takes a few sessions, which is why I’m starting early so I can be hair-free by summer. But let me tell you, it’s worth the wait. With each session, there’s less regrowth, and by the end of my sessions, I’ll be smooth, carefree, and free of razor bumps. It’s a long-term fix, and I love the thought of never having to shave or wax again. I chose to go to LaserAway for their medical-grade lasers, expert providers, and consistently strong results. Plus, they have a deal that gets you up to 70% off—which makes investing an easy decision. After just two sessions, I’m already seeing a difference, and if you see my skin looking flawless at the beach this summer, you know why.
Step 3: Movement that feels good (not like a punishment!)
Consistency over perfection
I used to convince myself I was derailing my fitness progress if I didn’t manage to get a “real” workout in every single day. But as we all know, life happens, and there are some days you just need to miss a workout. When that happens, I’m not going to beat myself up about it. A quick walk to get some steps in or a 10-minute yoga video on YouTube on my bedroom floor still counts. Progress isn’t about never missing a day—it’s about showing up when I can, even if it’s in a small way.
Workouts that are fun and make a difference
While I would love to be, I am so far from a gal who can just go to the gym, spend an hour or two using a variety of machines (or act like I know how to use them), and be happy about it. Shocker: It recently dawned on me that I would probably be more consistent with working out if I found something I actually enjoyed doing.
So, what workouts have I been loving? Walking is at the top of my list. It gets my heart rate up, clears my mind, tones my legs, and I’ve even added some arm weights into the mix to make it more of a full-body experience. On top of that, yoga has been a game-changer for my mobility and mental health, and I love to get in an afternoon or weekend bike ride when I can. TL;DR: Working out doesn’t need to feel miserable to give you results. (Tattoo that on my forehead!).
Making it a habit, even when I want to be doing (literally) anything else
Let’s be real: Some days, I’d rather watch paint dry than move my body, but I’ve learned a few tricks to make sure I stay on track. First off, cute matching workout sets are a game-changer. When I like my outfit, I feel motivated to get moving. I also pre-book classes, which holds me accountable. (God knows I am not paying that $30 cancellation fee in this economy.) But my ultimate trick? The five-minute rule. If I’m not feeling a workout, I commit to doing it for five minutes. If I still want to quit, I stop, but I usually want to keep going. It’s all about tricking myself into just getting started; then I’m (almost) always willing to stick it out until the end. Bonus: I’ve been saving my favorite podcasts for my workouts, so it feels like a little treat when I get to listen to a new episode while getting in some cardio.
Step 4: The confidence reset to tie it all together
Mindset shifts that actually work
We hear the phrase “shift your mindset” all of the time, but no one talks about how that’s, like, insanely hard to do. But it’s all about trial and error and discovering which mantras or affirmations genuinely work for you. For me? It’s “fake it ’til you make it.” I act like I already feel amazing, get ready even if I really don’t want to, and go and take myself to do my favorite things even if I’d rather be rotting on the couch—and guess what? It pretty much always helps me feel better about myself. I take care of myself as if I’m taking care of a friend that I love—even when it’s the last thing I want to do—and that has done wonders for me.
Small daily habits to boost confidence
Habits that give you some sense of routine and accomplishment can help boost your confidence by reminding you that you’re showing up for yourself consistently. I’ve started doing daily affirmations that don’t feel cheesy; just simple reminders to be kind to myself and recognize my worth. I’ve created routines that help me feel put together, whether it’s a morning skincare ritual, making sure I drink enough water, taking time to make my coffee just the way I like it, or just making sure I spend some time outside every day. If you do small acts that make you feel good, you’ll start seeing yourself as someone who shows up, and your confidence will start to grow.
It’s not about changing yourself—it’s about taking care of and loving who you already are
At the end of the day, this mission of “becoming unrecognizable” isn’t about trying to become someone else—it’s about loving and taking care of who I already am. Confidence doesn’t come from meeting some arbitrary standard—it comes from feeling strong, capable, and comfortable in my own skin. The goal isn’t to change who I am; it’s to step into summer feeling confident, strong, and unbothered.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
McKenna Pringle, Branded Content Editorial Assistant
As the Branded Content Editorial Assistant, McKenna assists the sales team with the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, pitching and contributing stories of her own, and more. Some of her favorite topics to write about are entertainment, culture, and lifestyle
This post contains a sponsored inclusion of LaserAway but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.