High-Maintenance Beauty Habits: A Clean Girl Secret
Let me share a little clean girl secret. Looking effortless does not mean no effort. You know those girls on Pinterest and Instagram who look like they just woke up like that? Yes, they actually have very high-maintenance beauty routines. That is the whole illusion. They are high-maintenance to look low-maintenance.
Do the Prep Work Ahead of Time
First, do all the prep work ahead of time. As a result, your daily maintenance can run on autopilot. Today, I’m breaking down 10 high-maintenance beauty habits that keep you looking low-maintenance. Don’t stress about time, though. These habits only take an extra 5 to 10 minutes.
Why These High-Maintenance Beauty Habits Fit Your Schedule
So, these habits are very realistic. They fit easily into your daily schedule. I run my own business, so I’m extremely busy. Trust me, I don’t have time to do the most either. Still, these habits have been in my routine for a long time. They have definitely made my beauty easier.
Habit One: Gua Sha
Of all these high-maintenance beauty habits, gua sha comes first. Many people say it doesn’t work. However, the problem is that they don’t do it consistently. And duh, that’s kind of the point. Not everyone wants to be consistent, and it shows.
Consistency Gives Long-Lasting Results
Any facial massage or facial treatment needs time. You won’t get long-lasting results after doing it just once. However, doing it every single day will affect the appearance of your face. Genetically, I have a baby face. Because of that, I have tried many ways to slim it down. Still, nothing compares to gua sha.
A Subtly Sculpted and Lifted Look
Gua sha gives you a subtly sculpted and lifted look. Best of all, you don’t need surgery or Botox. Facial massage also improves circulation, skin tone, and product absorption. Plus, this is not a trendy beauty hack. Facial massage dates back thousands of years. So, if our ancestors swear by it, it’s legit.
My Morning Gua Sha Routine
I like to gua sha in the morning. That’s because I normally wake up with a puffy face. My entire routine only takes about 5 minutes. First, I apply any kind of serum so the tool can glide easily. Then I start with the sides of my face. Next, I work up the neck. Finally, I finish with the décolleté.
After doing this for so many years, I’ve noticed a huge difference. My facial structure looks much more defined. It also takes almost no time. As a result, I look so awake and fresh.
Habit Two: Dry Brushing for Circulation
Speaking of circulation, your body can hold on to excess fluid. That includes lymph fluid and cellular waste. This is why you sometimes feel puffy or swollen, even when nothing has changed. That’s why I really love dry brushing my skin. It exfoliates dead skin cells. It also improves circulation and lymphatic drainage. It only takes a couple of minutes. With consistency, you’ll notice a huge difference in your body texture.
Dry Brushing and Keratosis Pilaris
Dry brushing has helped a lot with my keratosis pilaris on my arms. In simple terms, your skin builds up too much keratin. Then it creates little bumps, or chicken skin. Because dry brushing exfoliates so well, it reduces those bumps. As a result, my skin feels a lot softer.
After I shower and apply my body oil, my skin looks insane. It also feels really good. The warmth is like a little massage. I mean, who doesn’t like to be pampered?
How I Dry Brush My Body
Before I brush, I like to massage my lymph nodes. You have lymph nodes in special areas of your body, like your neck and armpits. I massage those for about a minute. Then I start with my feet. Next, I work up to my arms and chest. Always brush toward your heart. So, I begin with the bottom of my feet and work my way up.
These brushes come in different variations. You can find softer or firmer bristles. Some of them also have handles. I’ll link the one I have below if you want to check it out.
Habit Three: Laser Hair Removal at Home
One of my favorite high-maintenance habits to stay low-maintenance is laser hair removal at home. I’ve been using the Ulike Air10 for my at-home treatments. It uses IPL, or intense pulsed light. IPL is a clinically approved hair removal method. It targets the melanin inside hair follicles.
It uses a powerful and safe spectrum of light to reduce visible hair. Also, it does this without damaging the skin. Because it targets melanin, its effectiveness depends on the ratio between melanin in the skin and in the hair.
Why I Love IPL Over Shaving and Waxing
I absolutely love IPL compared to other hair removal methods. It is quick and painless. The results are also super long-lasting.
In the past, I only shaved. However, I cut myself so many times with a razor. Then I got stubborn ingrown hairs. My hair is pretty thick, too. As a result, I literally see it grow back the same day. It’s like, “Damn, can I just get 24 hours with no hair? Like, is that so much to ask for?”
I’ve done waxing, too. However, it can be pretty painful, especially with a lower pain tolerance. I’ve also done traditional laser hair removal. Unfortunately, it’s so expensive. You also have to go to a clinic multiple times to see results. That is why I absolutely love using the Ulike IPL device.
Ice Cooling and Easy Use
The device has ice cooling technology. So, it’s very soothing on the skin. It’s nearly painless. Like, I can barely feel it. It’s also super quick and easy to use.
Of course, consistency is key with any beauty device. Similar to laser, IPL works gradually. For the first four weeks, they advise you to use it every other day. After that, you only need it one to two times per month for maintenance.
My Underarm Results
Here’s my progress. Before using the device, my armpit still showed stubble, even right after I shaved. Now, after using the Ulike Air10, it’s such a big difference. My underarms are so smooth.
Best of all, the results last a long time. The Air10 is 65% more powerful than some of their previous models. It also has a special SHR mode. This mode delivers four flashes per shot. As a result, it removes stubborn hair in the underarm and bikini area more effectively.
My Favorite Among All High-Maintenance Beauty Habits
This is the best high-maintenance-to-stay-low-maintenance habit that I do. It is 1,000% worth it. Plus, I can do it in the comfort of my own home. Thank you so much to Ulike for sponsoring this post. There’s no commission code, so the best offer is on their website. I’ll put the link below.
Habit Four: A Consistent Skincare Routine
Next up is a consistent skincare routine. Everyone talks about skincare. Everyone’s obsessed with skincare. However, when it comes to an effective and consistent routine, the wheels fall off. We are so obsessed with buying and trying new stuff. As a result, we cause more problems for our skin.
It does not matter if you have three products or a hundred. If you’re not using the right ones, you won’t see the results you want. The same goes for applying them consistently.
Stick With What Works
It took a lot of trial and error to figure out what works for my skin. Once I did, I stopped trying all the new stuff. Instead, I stuck with my current lineup. That has improved my skin more than any singular product.
I do my skincare twice a day, every day, without fail. You would have to put me in a coma for me not to do it. I’ve even done my skincare drunk. Okay? That’s how dedicated I am. Leaving your skin dirty or dehydrated quickly causes problems. So, never skip your routine.
I don’t care how tired you are. Stick to the products that work for you. Also, don’t switch it up all the time. I promise, give it 6 to 8 weeks. Then you will see a massive difference in your skin.
Habit Five: Scalp Massages
Next, let’s talk about scalp massages. Scalp care in general is severely underrated. Everyone only cares about their hair. However, your hair originates from your scalp. So, we should take care of it first.
Do you want healthier, thicker, shinier hair? Then you need to massage your scalp. Massaging your head increases blood flow. This nourishes the follicle and makes your hair grow. It also relieves tension and headaches, which I get very frequently.
Silicone Scalp Massager in the Shower
You can use your hands to massage. However, I like using a silicone scalp massager in the shower. First, I shampoo my hair. Then I use the massager all over and really work the product in. As a result, my hair stays cleaner for longer.
Oh, it just feels so good. I really needed this. Let me tell you, a healthy scalp is truly the secret to low-effort good hair days.
Habit Six: Blow Drying Your Hair
Speaking of hair, I’m a big advocate for blow drying it after you wash it. I consider this high-maintenance because most people just let their hair air dry. I used to do that, too. However, air drying leaves your hair wet for long periods. That makes it more prone to damage, frizz, and dryness.
Heat Damage and Blow Drying From a Distance
Now, you might say that using heat on your hair is bad. Not always. Heat damage depends on how much heat you apply. So, yes, a 500° curling iron will damage your hair. However, blow drying from a distance makes your hair shinier and smoother. It also lasts longer between washes.
When I air dried my hair, it got greasier a lot faster. Now, I can go 2 to 3 days without rewashing or restyling it.
Taming a Very Frizzy Hair Type
I also have a very frizzy hair type. Like, it’s straight, but it’s puffy at the same time. I don’t know how to explain it. To me, blow drying helps maintain the frizz. Once my hair is tame, my life feels so much easier. Then I can focus on other things.
Habit Seven: Teeth Whitening
Next is teeth whitening. I take my oral hygiene very seriously. Even if you brush your teeth and floss, all that good stuff, it may not be enough. If you have butter-yellow teeth, people will assume your breath stinks.
Teeth whitening is high-maintenance and can be a pain upfront. However, it will 100% elevate your face and your smile. That’s the best part about you.
Whitening Strips and Everyday Care
I don’t have the budget or the time for professional whitening. So, I use whitening strips from the store. I don’t use them every day. However, if I have a special event, I’ll just throw one on. It makes my teeth so much brighter. It’s like a little confidence boost.
In addition, I brush properly with an electric toothbrush. I also stay away from coffee, wine, and smoking. Those can all stain your teeth.
Habit Eight: Wearing Mouth Tape to Sleep
This next habit is very, very niche. However, I promise it will change your life. Mouth taping is both a beauty tip and a sleep tip. I normally sleep with my mouth wide open. Here’s what I learned about that.
Sleeping with your mouth open can cause dryness, bacterial growth, bad breath, and gum disease. On top of that, a mouth agape for 8 hours every day affects how your facial bones develop. You might even give yourself a receding chin.
Why Mouth Taping Works
Mouth taping forces you to breathe through your nose. As a result, your sleep quality improves. It also reduces morning puffiness and improves facial posture. Over time, your skin looks better, too.
I know this is the weirdest of these high-maintenance beauty habits. Still, I’ve been doing it for a couple of months now. I notice my face looks a lot more snatched. Plus, I’ve stopped drooling, so thank God.
Habit Nine: Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy feels the most extra and bougie of all these high-maintenance beauty habits. You will look like an alien. However, it has so many positive benefits for the skin. Every wellness podcast, magazine, and blog talks about it. It’s also scientifically backed. So again, this is not a woo concept.
How Red Light Therapy Works
Red light carries specific wavelengths of red and infrared light to the skin. These wavelengths penetrate the skin. Then they interact with cell mitochondria. This triggers a bunch of biological responses. For example, they stimulate collagen, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Also, when you use a serum with red light therapy, antioxidants and vitamins penetrate deeper into the skin. As a result, they have a stronger effect.
Choosing the Right LED Mask
There are so many LED masks on the market now. However, not all of them are high quality or effective. So, if you’re going to do it, get one with the right wavelengths. For red light, it’s usually 600 to 650 nanometers.
Also, make sure the mask has enough LED bulbs. Basically, the more LEDs, the more effective light coverage you’ll have. My favorite masks are the CurrentBody one and the Shark CryoGlow mask. I’ll link both below. To be clear, I’m not being sponsored by them. I just love to share my recommendations with you.
Habit Ten: A Minimal Daily Makeup Routine
Finally, let’s talk about a minimal daily makeup routine. I consider makeup high-maintenance. Doing a full beat every day is kind of crazy to me. However, a minimal routine only takes 5 minutes. It will seriously elevate your look. It will also make you feel more put together.
The True Clean Girl Look
The secret to a true clean girl look is the products you use. That way, you won’t clog your pores. Obviously, you don’t need full-coverage foundation every day. Instead, use a tinted moisturizer, a little concealer, brow gel, and lip balm. That’s enough. Trust me, it will look like you spent much more time on your face than you actually did.
Find the Routine That Works for You
Honestly, taking a little time for yourself can totally transform how you feel. To be real, I feel more confident and put together with a little makeup on. I just feel more prepared and ready for my day. So, find the right products for you. Then curate your own 5-minute routine. However, if you don’t want to wear makeup every day, then don’t. Obviously, you know what’s best for you.
Start With One or Two High-Maintenance Beauty Habits
The secret to looking low-maintenance isn’t doing the most every day. Instead, put in a little effort ahead of time. Then your everyday routine can feel effortless. If you found this helpful, try adding some of these high-maintenance beauty habits to your routine. However, stick with just one or two. Do not try to overhaul your entire life. The whole point is to make your life simpler, not overwhelming.
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