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Do you ever see “that girl” that just exudes effortless beauty? There’s a little secret that those who seem “naturally” put-together won’t always tell you: looking effortlessly polished takes effort. Investing in the right beauty and self-care routines can make your day-to-day beauty routine much easier in the long run.
Welcome to the “high-maintenance to be low-maintenance” approach—where strategic self-care minimizes daily effort and maximizes long-term results.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
The idea behind being “high-maintenance to be low-maintenance” is simple: put in the work upfront so that your daily routine becomes nearly effortless. Whether it’s beauty, skincare, fitness, or lifestyle habits, setting yourself up for success with intentional treatments and practices saves you time, energy, and stress.
Follow this guide to get the “woke up like this” look every day.
Beauty Investments That Save You Time
Daily:
- Gua sha for a natural lift and snatched jawline.
- Mouth taping every night, it may sound like a bizarre trend but it supports a more defined jawline, boosts oral health, and improves quality of sleep. I started by using regular tape which left my mouth a little sticky in the morning now I use actual mouth strips which are more comfortable with a breathing hole.
- Lip stain for a natural, long-lasting smudge proof pop of color that enhances your lips without the need for constant touch-ups.
- Start using a shower water filter. This has made my skin more hydrated, softer, smoother and my hair much more manageable with noticeably less hair fall.
- Silk pillowcases (and hair ties) to prevent fine lines, keep skin hydrated, reduce irritation and prevent hair breakage and frizz. It will also regulate your temperature while you sleep.
- Scalp massage – I do this every time I wash my hair to break down build up and promote circulation for hair growth.
- Move your body- find a workout routine that works Instead of crash dieting or intense workout binges, maintain a routine that keeps you feeling strong and confident year-round.
- Aim for 10,000 steps a day, walking is an amazing low impact activity that will help tone and tighten your body.
Weekly routines
- Hair mask and oiling routine for shinier, stronger, thicker hair. Its best to find out what type of hair you have and your main concerns to find a mask or oil that works for you.
- Self-tanner for a damage-free glow that will even out skin tone, enhance your natural beauty, and give you confidence without makeup in the colder months.
- Teeth whitening strips is an affordable, convenient, and super effective way to achieve a gorgeous smile from the comfort of your home. My teeth are sensitive so I opt for a natural brand.
- Body exfoliates for glowing skin (preferably before using a self-tanner for best results)
- Face masks these have been a game changer for my dry skin this winter.
Monthly +
- Any professional treatments you may get such as a facial- I aim for quarterly facial if I can.
- Lash lifts, lash extensions, eyebrow tinting. Skip the daily mascara and brow-filling routine by opting for longer-lasting solutions. I love the natural look of lash lifts and sometimes will add some lashes on for a more dramatic look if I have an event. These took a few times to get comfortable using but now I’m able to add a few on myself easily without the hassle and cost of getting a full set of extensions professionally.
- Mani/Pedi I swear by Russian manicures, they never chip like regular gel does for me and it lasts me a full 4 weeks. * Key tip* I opt for a lighter or nude color if I know I’ll have extra time between appointments. They tend to not look as grown out.
- Laser hair removal has been the best investment I made, no more shaving, waxing, and plucking, it’s a game changer for long-term smooth, hair-free skin.
The Bottom Line
Being “low-maintenance” doesn’t mean neglecting self-care—it means setting up routines that make beauty and wellness feel effortless. By being intentional with your maintenance choices, you’ll save time, stress, and energy in your daily life.
Are there any beauty or wellness hacks that help you stay effortlessly put-together? Share them in the comments below!