So… you’ve booked the trip, made a Pinterest board of outfits you don’t own, and suddenly remembered you have 7 days to look like a sun-kissed goddess on your way to Terminal 2.

First of all: breathe. Second: this isn’t about transforming your whole life overnight. It’s about feeling fresh, confident and hot — without having a breakdown in the wax room.

This is your glow up express plan before a trip: a realistic, slightly glamorous, mildly chaotic guide to prep your face, body, mind (and suitcase) before your next adventure.

Whether it’s a weekend by the beach, a romantic escape, or a solo trip to romanticize your life — here’s how to show up like the most glowed-up version of you — without needing a personal glam squad.

We’re talking radiant skin, fresh hair, elevated mood, and polished vibes, all curated for the kind of girl who doesn’t just show up, she arrives. Let’s get into it.

Throughout the Week: Your Daily Glow-Up Habits

Before diving into each day’s specific focus, we need to make sure that we incorporate a few habits you’ll want to keep consistent throughout the week. They’re simple, easy, and seriously amplify your glow — inside and out.

Drink at least 2L of water per day

Why: Hydration supports every function in your body — especially skin health, digestion and circulation. Glowy skin starts from within, and water is your most underrated beauty product.
Tip: keep a cute reusable bottle nearby to make sipping effortless. This one from Hydro Flask is perfect to help hit your 2L daily water goal in style.

Aim for 8,000–10,000 steps daily

Why: Movement boosts lymphatic drainage, mood, energy, and even digestion. You don’t need to hit the gym if you don’t want to — a walk in the sun, dancing while cleaning, or stretching counts.
Bonus: it helps you sleep better and feel lighter before the trip.

Eat nourishing, anti-inflammatory meals

Why: What you eat reflects in your skin, energy and mood. Aim for whole foods rich in antioxidants (like berries, greens, salmon, olive oil) to reduce puffiness and boost glow. If you really want to learn how to glow from within, «Eat Beautiful» by Wendy Rowe actually helped me to design menus that help my skin and really taste good. Trust me, as roseacea sufferer girly, knowing what to eat has really made the difference.
Tip: Add lemon water in the morning or herbal teas during the day.

Sleep 7–8 hours every night

Why: Beauty sleep is real. Your skin repairs itself overnight, cortisol drops, and your mind resets. You’ll wake up looking rested, with better skin and fewer under-eye bags.
Even one good night’s sleep can visibly change your face. If you, like me, are a distinguished member of the insomnia hot girl club, these «Loop Dream earplugs» are a life-saver.

Reduce screen time (especially before bed)

Why: Less blue light = better melatonin, better rest, and less eye strain. It also helps you be more present during your glow-up and actually enjoy the process.
Try replacing late-night scrolling with journaling, reading or skincare.

Check in with yourself daily

Why: A real glow-up includes your mindset. Ask yourself: “How do I want to feel today?”
Even 2 minutes of journaling or deep breathing can reset your energy.

Your body responds to what you do consistently — not perfectly. Do what you can, let it feel good, and you’ll radiate that energy all trip long.

Day 1: Skin reset + hydration overload

Today marks the start of your glow-up era – and it all begins with your skin. Think of this as a full reset: we’re clearing
away dullness and buildup to reveal that radiant complexion hiding underneath.

• Double cleanse and exfoliate (gently!) to start fresh. The Paula’s Choice Liquid Exfoliant is perfect for sensitive skin.
• Apply a hydrating mask or overnight treatment
• Drink at least 2L of water today — yes, we are serious.
• Book your brow/lash/nail appointments now if needed!

💡 Pro tip: Stick to products your skin already loves. This is not the week for wild experiments.

Day 2: Hair care + scalp detox

Your hair is your crown, and today we’re polishing it to perfection. We’re reviving dull strands and giving your scalp the
attention it deserves.

• Clarifying shampoo + hair mask = instant revival. The OUAI Detox Shampoo gently removes buildup while leaving your hair soft, shiny, and bouncy — aka hair flip ready.
• Massage your scalp for 3–5 mins to boost circulation
• Let your hair air dry or do a low-heat blowout

Bonus: Plan your vacation hairstyle now (slick bun? beach waves?) and gather your essentials.

Day 3: Body care = main character energy

It’s time to reconnect with your body and treat it like royalty. We’re scrubbing away any stress, smoothing every inch,
and adding that vacation-ready glow.

• Dry brushing to stimulate lymphatic flow
• Exfoliate softly + shave always in the direction of hair growth to avoid little bumps
• Moisturize with something rich and glowy (hint: vanilla or coconut scents scream «vacay»). Nécessaire The Body Serum is hyaluronic acid… for your body. Lightweight, hydrating, and totally That Girl.
• If you can, book an appointment for a lymphatic drainage massage — think sculpted, de-puffed, glowy goddess vibes.

Treat yourself to a long shower or bath. You deserve a reset moment!

Day 4: Outfit planning + self-tan day

Today is about curating the vibe. Planning your outfits and applying a subtle glow will save you stress and elevate your
travel style.

• Try on your looks to make sure they still feel you
• Steam or wash key pieces in advance
• If you’re into tanning: exfoliate → moisturize ankles/elbows → apply self-tanner. St Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse gives you a customizable tan in 1–3 hours — perfect for busy girls who still want a sun-kissed glow.

You’ll wake up bronzed and confident — trust.

💅🏼 Day 5: Details make the difference

We’re fine-tuning the glow. Today is for those little upgrades that make everything look more polished and put-together.

• Mani/pedi, brows, lashes — whatever makes you feel polished
• Tidy your handbag, prep your sunglasses, and make sure you have a phone case that matches your vacay aesthetic (yes, really). This packing cubes make packing neat, stylish, and stress-free.
• Don’t forget mini beauty essentials for your carry-on!

Small tweaks = elevated vibes.

Day 6: Mental prep + wellness reset

Today we glow from the inside out. It’s time to ground your mindset and check in with how you feel before you travel.

• Journal or set intentions for your trip
• Do a yoga flow or go for a walk (movement = glow)
• Hydrate, sleep 8 hours, and unplug from stress

Beautiful starts from the inside out. Ground yourself.

Day 7: Light glam + pack like a pro

It’s go time! Tie everything together with light makeup, a final bag check, and that feeling that you’ve truly prepared with
love and intention.

• Do a light makeup look you’ll wear on the trip — practice your go-to routine. Just one drop of the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush gives you the healthiest, dreamiest flush. Enough to make your airport crush fall madly in love with you (we all have our fantasies).
• Final touch-ups: shave, style your hair, pluck any strays
• If you’ve booked a nail/lash/hair appointment, it’s time to enjoy it!
• Pack with intention (and a packing checklist!)

You’re not overpacking, you’re just being thorough.

Don’t Forget the Mental Glow-Up!

The best glow-ups aren’t just skin-deep. Yes, radiant skin and a glossy mani are fabulous — but that soft, confident glow? That comes from within.

The girl who feels good, looks good. And everyone can tell.

So take at least 10 minutes a day this week to slow down:

• Journal your intentions
• Read something inspiring. 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think is always in my bag, ready to be my first-morning-coffee partner.
• Meditate, stretch, or just breathe
• Disconnect from the noise for a while

Beauty fades. Energy radiates. The real glow comes when you’re aligned inside and out.

Looking for good reads?
I’ve got a full list of books to get you in the That Girl mindset — coming soon,

And just like that, you’re ready. You’ve prepped your skin, body, energy, outfits, and mindset — not to impress anyone, but to show up as the most radiant, present version of yourself.

You don’t need perfection. You need presence.

So zip up that suitcase, spritz your favorite scent, and take a deep breath.

Your glow is not the result of a routine — it’s the result of how much love you’re willing to give yourself.

Now go enjoy your trip — you earned this energy.

7 Day Express Glow-Up Before a Trip