The Wonderful World Of Instant Beauty And Shine

*This is a collaborative post on the wonderful world of instant beauty and shine

Many of us think that it takes a long time to beautify ourselves. We have to eat quinoa and greens for months to get any benefits. 

But it turns out, that’s not exactly true. Celebs and other professionals know that there are numerous ways you can instantly give yourself beauty and shine, often through incredibly simple measures. Here’s what you need to know. 

Touch up your nails

It only takes five minutes, but touching up your nails can give you a whole new level of polish (no pun intended!) Giving them a nice manicure with your favourite bottle of varnish stops them from looking old and grubby and refreshes them from the inside out. 

If your nails are just solid colour, consider adding an extra layer of glitter or lacquer to bring them out more. Make sure they sparkle, especially if you’re planning on putting on a sequined dress. 

Add some shimmer to your hair

Adding some shimmer to your hair is another way you instantly beautify yourself. These days, you can get all sorts of sprays and products that hydrate the strands and make them look extra glossy. 

Adding shimmer to your hair is pretty straightforward and allows you to achieve a healthy finish. It’s ideal if you just want to brush it and rush out of the door (perhaps because you’re already fashionably late for the party. 

Choose shoes that pop

Another oft-tried strategy is to choose some shoes that pop. These make you stand out instantly, changing how your outfits appear. 

Start with heels to see if they elevate your outfit. If not, perhaps you could try boots or even sparkly sneakers (which are great for airports, by the way). These can complete your outfit and make you look a million dollars. 

Add a gold necklace

Adding a gold necklace from Kendra Scott or a similar brand could also give you that extra lift you want. The sight of precious metals against the skin is a timeless motif that’s been with us for thousands of years. 

Gold necklaces come in various shapes and sizes, but if you are going to invest your money, choose something elegant. Thin chains are all the rage, but you don’t have to stick with them. Nowadays, chokers are also becoming popular and something you can wear on numerous occasions. 

Remember, the higher the carat rating on the necklace, the brighter and yellower the gold. 24 carat is pure gold, but it is also quite weak, so you only want to wear it on special occasions. 

Spritz some hyaluronic acid

You could also try spritzing yourself with the ultimate shine-inducing ingredient–hyaluronic acid. This substance, common throughout the body, creates a protective barrier over the skin, preventing it from losing moisture.

These spritzes are particularly useful for dry winter months. When temperatures fall, moisture can drop out of the atmosphere, leaving skin feeling parched and desiccated. 

Hyaluronic acid prevents this by acting like a moisture sink, sucking up any water in the surrounding atmosphere and using it to hydrate the face. 

(You can also get hyaluronic acid capsules as supplements. These work in the same way, just from the inside out). 

Use clip-on hair extensions

Failing everything else, you could also experiment with clip-on hair extensions. These are wonderful additions for people who like to experiment with their looks and change them regularly. 

Extensions can be modest, but if you’re going to use them, then why not opt for something dramatic? How about hair down to your butt or a big, lush 1980s style?

Wear a beret

While it is winter, you might also think about putting on a beret to keep you warm as temperatures plummet. Putting on a hat is often more effective than adding an extra layer to your core. 

If you don’t like berets, you could try other options. A pointy hat like the ones the old parliamentarians wore is one option. Or if you like the cute winter look, then a classic pink bobble could be just what the doctor ordered. 

Groom your brows

Playing around with your brows is another way to add beauty and shine–literally. These days, you can get so-called brow conditioners that you paint onto your brows to bring them out, condition them, and add fullness. These instantly make you look more polished and get you ready for the day ahead. 

You could also try brow grooming kits. These come with pencils, pens, brushes, tweezers and conditioners you can use to shape your brows just how you like them. 

Currently, big brows are in vogue and more people are experimenting with them. But you don’t have to go down that route if you don’t think it would suit your face. 

Add highlighter

Adding some highlighter here and there can also be a good way to give yourself some instant beauty and shine. Applying it to the cheeks and nose gives you that coveted burnished look that so many models and celebrities like to experiment with.

Don’t opt for a cheap highlighter that flakes off after five minutes. Choose a brand with a high-quality, smooth formulation that will do your complexion justice. 

Wear sunglasses

You can also add a sense of mystique to your look by wearing sunglasses. Donning these hides tired eyes while making you look chic and at the same time – just what you want!

Look for bubble or oversized sunglasses and pair them with beige coats and black boots. These let you strut your stuff in comfort, without having to worry about everyone looking at you. 

Add bright lipstick

Finally, if it is one of those mornings when your entire face looks grey, try adding some bright lipstick. Pops of red and coral can be an excellent way to complement the rest of your face. 

Bright lipstick is also a confidence booster. You’re much more likely to feel at your best after using it. 

If bright lipstick isn’t your thing or your skin is looking healthy, applying gloss can be an option. Adding this also adds instant shine.