My Attempt at a Glow-Up Week: What Worked, What Flopped

Every semester I hit that point where my life feels like it’s being held together by caffeine, dry shampoo, and sheer delusion. That’s when I convince myself: this is the week I’m going to glow up my entire life. New routines, better habits, healthier food… basically a total rebrand.

So I tried it. I planned a college glow-up week where I tackled everything from my skincare routine to my study habits. Some things worked surprisingly well. Others? Total flop. Here’s the breakdown.

Monday: The 6 a.m. Wake-Up Call (Flop)

I set six alarms. I still snoozed them all. By the time I got out of bed, I’d already lost the “that girl” aesthetic and was just “late girl.” Lesson learned: a glow up doesn’t mean becoming a morning person overnight.

Tuesday: Actually Packing Lunch (Win)

Shocking plot twist: bringing a turkey sandwich and apple from home instead of buying campus food saved me like $14 in one day. My bank account literally thanked me.

Wednesday: Skincare Routine Upgrade (Win)

Instead of the classic makeup wipe + prayer, I committed to a full cleanse, moisturizer, and sunscreen. My skin instantly looked happier (and I felt like I actually had my life together).

Thursday: Gym Girl Era (Flop-ish)

I went to the gym. For 20 minutes. Walked on the treadmill, posted a sweaty selfie, left. Does it count? Yes. Did it feel life-changing? Not yet.

Friday: The Study Sesh Glow-Up (Win)

This was the most productive I’ve felt all week. I went to the library, used a timer for 25-minute study sprints, and didn’t even scroll TikTok until the break. Actual academic weaponry.

Saturday: Social Reset (Win)

A glow-up isn’t just about routines — it’s also about energy. I cleaned my dorm, did laundry, and said yes to hanging out with friends instead of sulking in bed. Big reset vibes.

Sunday: Full Crash (Flop)

Reality check: trying to overhaul your entire life in one week is… a lot. By Sunday, I was tired, overwhelmed, and eating pizza rolls at 11 p.m. Some habits stuck, but not all of them. And that’s okay.

What I Learned from My Glow-Up Week

• You don’t have to change everything at once. Small wins (like skincare or meal prepping) actually stick.

• Failing one goal doesn’t mean the whole week is ruined.

• A “glow up” isn’t just external — it’s mental, financial, and even academic.

Ready to Try Your Own Glow-Up Week?

If you want to test a glow-up challenge without the Sunday crash, I made something for you: Get Your Life Together Bingo. It’s a free, printable bingo board that turns all those “productive girl” habits into a fun game. Think: drink water, do laundry, actually study.

It’s way less overwhelming than trying to fix everything at once — and honestly, it makes glow-up week fun instead of stressful. Grab your free bingo board here and start crossing off boxes like the chaotic overachiever you are.

XOXO,

Broke College Girl