The Ultimate Guide to Glow Up for Men

A "glow up" isn't just about vanity—it's about leveling up your life. Whether you're a man who wants to transform his life for the better, or a boy growing into a man, there is no better time to intentionally glow up than now. A glow up for men will:

1. Boost Your Confidence: When you look good, you feel good. A glow-up can ignite a newfound sense of self-assurance that radiates from within. This newfound confidence can open doors in both your personal and professional life.

2. Enhance Your Attractiveness: Let's be honest, a well-groomed and stylish man is simply more appealing. A glow-up can help you attract the attention of potential partners and make a lasting impression.

3. Improve Your Health: Many aspects of a glow-up, like exercise and healthy eating, have a direct positive impact on your physical and mental well-being. You'll feel more energized, focused, and ready to take on the world.

4. Expand Your Opportunities: A polished appearance can open doors to new opportunities, whether it's landing a dream job or making valuable connections. People are more likely to take you seriously when you present yourself well.

5. Discover Your Best Self: A glow-up isn't just about changing your appearance; it's about discovering who you are and what makes you feel your best. It's a journey of self-improvement that can lead to a more fulfilling life.

6. Challenge Yourself: Stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying new things can be incredibly rewarding. A glow-up is a chance to push your boundaries and discover hidden talents or passions.

7. Feel Empowered: Taking control of your appearance and well-being gives you a sense of empowerment and agency over your life. You'll feel more in control and capable of achieving your goals.

8. Have Fun with It: A glow-up doesn't have to be a chore. It can be an exciting and enjoyable process of self-discovery. Experiment with different styles, try new activities, and have fun along the way!

Remember, a glow-up is a personal journey that takes time. It's not about conforming to societal standards, but rather about enhancing your unique qualities and becoming the best version of yourself. So, why not give it a shot? You might be surprised at what you can achieve. Here are some tips on how to glow up for men:

Skincare:

• Develop a routine: Cleanse, exfoliate, treat, moisturize, and use sunscreen daily.
• Choose the right products: Consider your skin type (oily, dry, combination) and specific concerns (acne, aging).
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water for healthy skin from within.

Grooming:

• Haircut/Beard: Find a style that suits your face shape and personality. Maintain it regularly.
• Eyebrows: Keep them neat and shaped, but don't overdo it.
• Body Hair: Trim or shave unwanted body hair for a polished look.
• Nails: Keep them clean and trimmed.

Physical Health:

• Exercise: Regular physical activity improves muscle tone, posture, and overall health.
• Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
• Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep for energy and recovery.
• Ditch the Vices: Don't smoke, and drink with moderation. 

Mental Health:

• Manage Stress: Notice your stress, take breaks, and practice techniques like meditation or yoga. 
• Therapy: Talk to a therapist if you're feeling anxious or depressed.
• Friends: Check in with your friends, talk about how you're feeling, build a sense of connection and community.

Style:

• Wardrobe: Invest in well-fitting clothes that flatter your body type and make you feel confident.
• Accessories: Experiment with watches, belts, or glasses to enhance your look.
• Smell Good: Choose a cologne or deodorant that you love.

Additional Tips:

• Posture: Stand up straight and walk with confidence.
• Smile: A genuine smile is attractive and inviting.
• Be Kind: Show empathy and compassion towards others.
• Be Passionate: Find something you care about and pursue it with enthusiasm.

Remember:

A "glow up" is a journey, not a destination. Focus on gradual improvements and embrace the process of becoming the best version of yourself.

Next, we'll go into each of these glow up areas in more detail.

7 Steps for Glowing Skin 

Feeling apprehensive from dry, rough, flaky skin? Or how about oily pimply skin? Or feeling older than your age from wrinkly, sun damaged skin? Skincare is the key to feeling confident from head to toe. If you want to glow up, a consistent skincare routine is essential. After all, your face is what everyone sees when they're talking to you. Here are 7 steps to transform bad skin to glowing skin.

1. Start Off with a Gentle Exfoliating Cleaner 

Your glowing skin routine should begin with a gentle, sulfate-free facial cleanser that leaves your skin feeling comfortable rather than tight or dry. It's tempting to reach for that charcoal scrub to quickly smooth skin, but experts agree that scrubs actually damage skin's delicate barrier, causing inflammation and redness. Reach instead for a gentle enzyme-based exfoliating face wash like our Shake and Wake Exfoliating Enzyme Powder Cleanser, which uses soft fruit enzymes to remove dead skin cells, and is gentle enough to use daily.

This is especially important if you have facial hair or shave, because clogged pores can lead to ingrown hairs, creating uncomfortable razor bumps when you shave.

 

 

2. Use a Hydrating Toner

Remember the rubbing alcohol type toners from when you were teenager? You used them to dry out oil thinking that would reduce acne, but overdrying skin actually leads to more oil production, which equals more acne. Thankfully toners do so much more today, and many hydrating toners are a key step to getting that healthy glow.

K-beauty toners are especially great since they are formulated with nourishing ingredients green tea and galactomyces ferment to restore the skin’s pH levels and boost hydration. These toners provide base hydration, and ensure that the oncoming products applied are absorbed as efficiently as possible. 

3. Slather on a High Quality Serum

A skincare serum is a lightweight, highly concentrated product that contains active ingredients designed to address specific skin concerns, such as fine lines, dark spots, or dehydration. Unlike moisturizers, which provide hydration and protection, serums have a smaller molecular size, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin, delivering targeted benefits. Serums are the proverbial golden tickets to glowing skin. 

Check out our Ultimate Guide to Skincare Serums for everything you need to know about skincare serums.

SHOP: Super Serum

4. Dab on an Eye Cream 

The skin around your eyes is particularly thin and delicate, and is thus especially prone to looking wrinkly, hollow or dark. Combat these issues by patting on a nourishing eye cream daily. 

For a concentrated eye de-puffing session, use Bro Mask Eye Gels for an instant glow up around your eyes. Bro Mask eye gels include combinations of actives  like peptides, collagen, puffiness-reducing caffeine, glutathiones and other anti-inflammatory ingredients to firm and smooth the skin and stave off the dreaded under-eye bags.

 SHOP: Bro Mask Eye Gels

5. Apply an Antioxidant Rich Moisturizer

What would a skincare regime for glowing skin look like without a moisturizer to seal in all of those potent actives? 

Your moisturizer of choice should be packed with antioxidants like our Relax And Repair Ultimate Anti Aging Moisturizer to keep your skin glowing and protect it from environmental pollutants and free radicals.

 

6. Never Forget Sunscreen!

90% of skin aging is due to sun damage, so wear your sunscreen every single day, rain or shine.

Choose a facial sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Ideally, it should be lightweight and packed with moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin looking dewy from dawn to dusk. 

Your product should block both UVA and UVB rays to minimize skin damage and protect you from skin aging and the development of skin cancer. Avoid sunscreens that leave a visible white cast, and instead, opt for products that offer subtle sun protection that doesn’t leave you looking unnaturally pale. 

Rain or Shine Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen is our favorite pick.

 

 

7. Finish Off with a Hydrating Weekly Mask

Hydrating masks are a must-have when it comes to providing your skin with extra hydration and nourishment. Choose gel or emulsion masks that contain powerful hydrating actives like hyaluronic acid to achieve glowing skin that lasts throughout the year.

You should use a hydrating mask like our Bro Masks once a week for spa level glowing skin. 

 

SHOP: Bro Masks

How to Glow Up Your Grooming Game:

Unkempt hair and nails signifies someone that doesn't care about their appearance, or is unhygienic. Glow up your appearance with these grooming tips.

• Hair: A good haircut can instantly elevate your appearance. Find a barber or stylist who understands your hair type and face shape, and schedule regular appointments to maintain your style. Experiment with different cuts and products to find what works best for you. Don't be afraid to try new things!
• Beard: Whether you sport a full beard, a stylish stubble, or a clean shave, keeping it well-groomed is key. Invest in a good beard trimmer, scissors, and comb. Regularly wash your beard with a gentle shampoo and conditioner, and use beard oil or balm to keep it soft and healthy. If you prefer a clean shave, master the art of shaving with the grain and using a quality razor and shaving cream.
• Brows: Don't underestimate the power of well-groomed eyebrows in a man's glow up. They frame your face and can dramatically change your appearance. Pluck errant hairs, trim overly long hairs, and get rid of that unibrow. If you're unsure how to shape them, consider visiting a professional for an initial shaping and then maintain them yourself with tweezers. 
• Nails: Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed and clean. Want to take it a step further? Regular manicures and pedicures aren't just for women; they can make you feel more polished and put together, and smooth out those crusty toenails. You can ask for a mani pedi without nail polish.
• Nose and Ear Hair: Keep these areas trimmed for a polished appearance. Invest in a good trimmer specifically designed for nose and ear hair. It's a quick and easy way to look more put together.
• Body Hair: If you have a hairy chest, back, or stomach, consider trimming or shaving it for a cleaner, more modern look. You can use a body groomer or trimmer for this. If you want a longer-lasting solution, laser hair removal is a permanent, relatively painless option.

How to Dress for a Glow Up:

Glowing up with your clothes doesn't mean you need to be really into fashion (though there is absolutely nothing wrong with that!). For a wardrobe glow up, your outfits should be well fitting, and enhance your appearance.

• Fit is Key: Ill-fitting clothes can make you look sloppy and unkempt. Invest in clothes that fit you well and flatter your body shape. If you're unsure about sizing, don't hesitate to ask for help from a salesperson or tailor. Need inspo? Head to Pinterest, or ask a stylish friend to help you out.
• Upgrade Your Basics: Swap out those faded, stretched-out t-shirts for high-quality, well-fitting ones in neutral colors like white, black, gray, or navy. Invest in a few pairs of jeans in different styles (straight, slim, or bootcut) that flatter your figure. Add a few versatile button-down shirts, sweaters, and jackets to your wardrobe that you can mix and match.
• Shoes Matter: Shoes can make or break an outfit. Choose quality shoes that are comfortable and stylish, and make sure they complement your clothes. Leather boots, minimalist sneakers, loafers, and dress shoes are all versatile options that can elevate your look. Replace stretchy, discolored socks.
• Accessorize (Sparingly): A few well-chosen accessories can add personality and interest to your outfits. Consider a classic watch, a stylish pair of sunglasses, a hat. Don't overdo it, though – too many accessories can look cluttered and distracting.

Physical Tips for a Glow Up

Looking after your body is essential to achieving a glow up. No amount of product or clothes can undo what an unhealthy lifestyle will do to your appearance. 

Here are a few tips to glow up your body from the inside out:

• Get enough sleep. Your sleep patterns can wreak havoc with your health and your skin. Sleepless nights can leave you with a swollen, dry and dull complexion, under-eye bags, and a craving for caffeine to boot. Ideally, you should get at least 7-8 hours’ worth of quality, uninterrupted sleep each and every night. 
• Stay active. Get that post-workout glow to last longer by enjoying regular physical activity. Taking a walk, going for a run or even enjoying some yoga or weight lifting will get your heart pumping and oxygen and nutrients flooding to your skin cells. The result? A healthy glow that lasts way beyond your workout.
• Quit smoking. If you smoke or vape, it might be time to quit. Smoking constricts the small blood vessels that carry vital oxygen and nutrients to your skin, leaving it dry and looking lackluster and dull. Quitting smoking will allow your vascular system to feed your body more efficiently, speeding up its healing and protecting your collagen from denaturing.
• Eat Well and Hydrate. Fill your plate with a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats (like salmon and avocado). These nutritional powerhouses are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote healthy skin, hair, and overall well-being. Water is essential for good health and glowing skin, so stay hydrated. 

Mental Health Tips for a Glow Up

Men need mental health support just as much as anyone else. By recognizing the importance of mental well-being and seeking help when needed, men can lead healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives. Without inner peace, a glow up is only superficial. Here are some mental health tips for a glow up.

• Talk About It: Feeling anxious, lonely, or depressed? The first step to better mental health is acknowledging that it's okay not to be okay. Reach out to friends, family, a therapist, or a support group. Sharing your struggles can be incredibly liberating and healing.
• Challenge Stereotypes: Don't buy into the outdated notion that men should be stoic and emotionless. It's okay to feel sad, angry, or anxious. Embracing your emotions is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Seek Professional Help: If you're struggling, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Therapists and counselors are trained to provide support and guidance for a variety of mental health issues.
• Cultivate Strong Connections: Foster meaningful relationships with friends, family, and loved ones. Social connection is crucial for mental well-being and can provide a sense of belonging and support.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that recharge you and bring you joy. This could be anything from reading, listening to music, spending time in nature, or pursuing a hobby you love.
• Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and prioritize your own needs. Don't overextend yourself or take on too much responsibility.
• Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help you stay grounded in the present moment and reduce stress and anxiety.

In conclusion: A glow-up is a term used to describe a significant and positive transformation, often relating to personal growth, development, and an improved sense of well-being. It can encompass physical changes, but it also includes mental, emotional, and even spiritual enhancements.

While the list seems long, a glow up is life long journey of self improvement and self care that will transform you from the inside out. It doesn't happen overnight, but it is certainly achievable. You should congratulate yourself for starting they journey, and enjoy the transformation at each stage. Here's what you can expect to see as benefits of your glow up efforts.

Physical Changes:

• Improved Skincare: Adopting a consistent skincare routine can lead to clearer, healthier, and more radiant skin.
• Enhanced Fitness: Regular exercise and a balanced diet can result in a more toned physique, increased energy levels, and better overall health.
• Upgraded Style: Experimenting with fashion and finding clothes that flatter your body type and express your personality can boost your confidence and create a more polished appearance.
• Grooming: Paying attention to details like haircuts, beard grooming, and nail care can make a significant difference in your overall look.

Mental and Emotional Changes:

• Increased Confidence: As you invest in yourself and achieve personal goals, your confidence naturally grows. You start to believe in your abilities and feel more comfortable in your own skin.
• Improved Self-Esteem: A glow-up involves self-reflection and identifying areas for improvement. This process can lead to increased self-esteem and a more positive outlook on life.
• Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Incorporating healthy habits like exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• Increased Self-Awareness: A glow-up journey encourages you to become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This self-awareness can lead to personal growth and positive change.

Other Aspects of a Glow Up:

• Career Advancement: Developing new skills, seeking out professional development opportunities, or pursuing a career change can contribute to your overall glow up.
• Stronger Relationships: Nurturing existing relationships and building new connections can enhance your social life and improve your overall well-being.
• Personal Growth: Pursuing hobbies, learning new things, and stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to personal growth and a greater sense of fulfillment.