The Ultimate Glow-Up Guide: Elevate Your Beauty Routine with Expert-Backed Secrets

January’s fervor for self-reinvention may fade, but the pursuit of radiance—both inside and out—is eternal. A true glow-up transcends fleeting resolutions; it’s an alchemy of confidence, self-care, and subtle transformation. “It’s not just about looking polished—it’s about feeling luminous, energized, and utterly you,” says celebrity makeup artist Ash K. Holm, whose client roster includes Khloé Kardashian and Hailee Steinfeld. But let’s be real: Sometimes, a dash of instant gratification is non-negotiable. Cue this curated edit of skin, makeup, and hair essentials—vetted by top experts and designed to deliver that I-woke-up-like-this allure. 

The Skincare Edit: Start with a Canvas of Radiance 

“Glowing skin begins with understanding its language,” insists Jan Marini, founder of Jan Marini Skin Research. “Identify your top concerns—whether it’s texture, hyperpigmentation, or fine lines—then seek solutions rooted in science.” Her golden rule? Consult a pro. A dermatologist or esthetician can decode your skin’s needs, pairing you with clinical-grade actives for transformative results. 

Pro Moves: 

Retinol, Reinvented: Marini’s Age Intervention Duality serum blends turbocharged retinol with turmeric and peptides to fade discoloration and smooth wrinkles. Start slow—patience pays. 

SPF, Always: “Rain or shine, indoors or out—sunscreen is non-negotiable,” she warns. Consider it your daily armor against premature aging. 

Makeup Mastery: Less Is More (But Better) 

Before reaching for foundation, channel Holm’s mantra: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. “Plump skin is the ultimate primer,” she says. Her pre-glam ritual? A vitamin-packed IV drip (NAD+ for cellular repair) and a luminous base like Nars’ Light Reflecting Foundation—sheer yet flawless. 

Signature Tricks: 

The Lip Flip: Overline just the Cupid’s bow and lower lip’s center with Makeup by Mario’s Sculpting Lip Pencil, then blur edges for a filler-free pout. 

Soft-Focus Contour: Swipe Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Blush or Chanel’s Les Beiges bronzer where the sun naturally kisses—cheekbones, temples, jawline. 

Hair Revival: From Root to Tip 

“Healthy hair begins at the scalp,” declares Christine Bellemare, co-founder of Maven A Collect. Think of it as skincare for your strands: Exfoliate with Oribe’s Serene Scalp Scrub to unclog pores and spur growth, then shield with Davines’ Melu Hair Shield—a heat protectant that doubles as pollution armor. 

Non-Negotiables: 

Weekly Masking: Slather on a reparative treatment (K18’s Molecular Repair Mask is a cult favorite) to combat dryness. 

Trim Tactically: Schedule quarterly snips to vanquish split ends. As Bellemare says, “Length means nothing without vitality.” 

Why Trust Modish Muse? 

As a vanguard of beauty and style, Modish Muse merges rigorous testing with insider expertise. We trial every serum, swipe, and spray—interviewing industry titans and spotlighting only the most transformative products. Consider this your blueprint to glowing harder, brighter, and deeper than ever. 

After all, true radiance isn’t just seen—it’s felt.  

Story by Modish Muse Beauty Editors 

Expert contributions by Ash K. Holm, Jan Marini, and Christine Bellemare