What is your go-to, quick pick-me-up that gives you a little confidence boost?
I’ll be honest here, it’s not always easy to write about makeup or other beauty products, news or routines. Especially when you’re PMSing and feel like you’ve gained 10 pounds overnight. I can’t go “Ermahgerd you guyssss, this new foundation is ahhhhmazing” when looking in the mirror and seeing red and blotchy mess that my skin turns to once a month.
Whenever I’m feeling a little down about myself- PMS or not- I do have a few little quick confidence boosters, that always seem to do the trick for me.
PERFUME
Whether it’s a new fragrance or your signature scent, a few spritz of perfume can boost your confidence and lift your mood. This is something that I do all the time, sometimes even when sitting in my home office, wearing leggings and a baggy sweater. It just makes me feel confident and ready to take on the world. Same thing goes for important meetings, or whenever I know I’ll be meeting someone new. Wearing my signature scent always eases up my anxiety. According to research conducted at Duke University Medical Center wearing any fragrance can boost your confidence.
LIPSTICK
In ancient Egypt, both men and women wore makeup and the wealthiest of people were buried with makeup, for use in the afterlife. When talking confidence, I mean particularly bright, intense color lipstick. I think that we’ve all head that wearing red lipstick is the best thing for boosting your confidence, but it’s important to find one that goes well with your skin tone- also, it doesn’t have to be red necessarily. Did you know that hundreds of years a go, lipstick was considered a sign of witchcraft? Nowadays, red lipstick is considered a source of strength and… you guessed it, confidence!
PRETTY LINGERIE
How good does it feel to be wearing not only matching lingerie, but also one that’s cute and flattering? This is probably one of my favorite ways of boosting my confidence when I’m feeling a little down. I recently splurged on a few sets and I happened to be with a friend when my order arrived (online shopping FTW). As I was opening my package and showing her what I got she goes “uuuuu what’s the occasion?” I started laughing and said that the occasion is me wanting to look cute. For myself. I think that anything that has pretty lace on it is a perfect little treat. By the way, if your chest is on the smaller side, like mine, and you can’t stand push-up and wired bras, like me, you have to check these out at Victoria’s Secret. They are so comfy and come in a few different colors.
A PAIR OF HEELS
Growing up and even in my late teens, I never considered myself a very girly or feminine girl- despite loving makeup. I didn’t like wearing dresses or skirts, just didn’t like dressing up in general. I also never owned a pair of heels until two years into dating my husband, when I was 19. Once I learned how to walk in them, I couldn’t get enough. I loved how my legs- who I always thought were a little too muscular- all of the sudden looked so long and slim. I used to have a friend at work, a smoking hot girl, but she was one of those people who just couldn’t take a compliment and as gorgeous as she was, she wasn’t very confident. But, she had this cool trick where she kept a pair of her favorite heels under desk and wore them, whenever she had to make an important call (she probably could wear them around the office, but chances are, she’d break her ankles). She told me that she read about this trick in Cosmo and asked me if I think she’s being silly. I actually thought it was pretty cool and hey, studies actually confirm that wearing high heels is great for boosting your self-esteem and assertiveness.
Another must for me? Freshly manicured nails. Taking care of your looks isn’t the only or most important thing to take care of when trying to boost your confidence though. This is why I also love meditating, using affirmations or listening to one of my favorite audiobooks to feel better and more confident about myself. Whenever I start hearing that little voice telling me that I can’t do something, I immediately start telling myself “I love myself, I love myself” over and over again. It might sound silly, but as I always say, the relationship you have with yourself is the most important relationship in your life. That’s why it’s so important to nourish it!
Do you guys have any quick confidence boosters that put an instant smile on your face?
58 Comments
Heather Mcknight
March 30, 2016 at 8:55 amI loved this post and completely agree with everything mentioned, I also find highlighter is quite the confidence booster, a good matte bold lip and dewy highlighter are essential when I’m feeling a little lacking in the confidence department!
Heather, Porcelain Beauty x
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:20 amThanks so much Heather! I love a matte lip, too! Matched with a nice highlighter it’s definitely a great way to boost your confidence :)
Beautylymin
March 30, 2016 at 8:59 amGreat post! I find fake tan and a blowdry are great confidence boosters! xx
Beautylymin
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:19 amOh those are awesome, too!
Darina
March 30, 2016 at 9:04 amDefenitely lipstick :)
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:19 am;)
Ambar Syed
March 30, 2016 at 9:17 amI totally agree with all of these – a pair of heels always gives me a confidence boost! :)
– Ambar x
http://www.herlittleloves.blogspot.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:19 am;) ;)
Erin
March 30, 2016 at 9:43 am100% agree on taking care of your nails. I feel so much better when my nails look nice and definitely make them a priority.
http://www.erincusackblog.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:18 amMe too! My hair can be a mess, but my nails are always done :D haha :)
Missy Quigley
March 30, 2016 at 10:24 amEverything on this list!
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:18 am:D
Sophie Hill
March 30, 2016 at 10:31 amI love these tips! Sometimes when I put no makeup on because I know I’ll be staying in all day and my skin is having a bad day, it makes me feel so gross! Just dedicating 10 minutes and a small amount of makeup can change my mood for the whole day so really it’s well worth it :)
Sophie | Dreams and Colour Schemes
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:18 amHehe I know the feeling Sophie! :)
Jessica Jade
March 30, 2016 at 10:54 amLove this post, so many good tips!
My ultimate confidence booster is a pamper session!
https://jessicajadebeauty.wordpress.com
Xx
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:18 amI love a good pamper session, too! : )
Kelsey
March 30, 2016 at 11:00 amI love these!!! A fresh manicure can completely change my day and mood.
Much needed and applicable for today haha
Kelsey | kelssays.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:17 amHaha, thanks Kelsey!
Alexandra
March 30, 2016 at 11:23 amI totally agree a pair of heels always make me feel so much more confident !
http://littlefrenchblog.blogspot.fr
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:17 amRight? :)
Kim Petersen
March 30, 2016 at 12:34 pmI am the same, I generally try to do an outfit post once a week but if I’m feeling crappy (or ate really poorly) I don’t feel like doing it! I LOVE the perfume idea, it does always give me a little boost of happiness to smell something nice so that’s a good one. I always do a face mask, it always makes me feel more refreshed and like I’ve done something good for myself. Great post! XO -Kim
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:17 amSame here Kim! Face mask is an awesome idea too, it’s definitely nice to treat yourself once in a while. :)
Heidi
March 30, 2016 at 1:05 pmLove this!!! I’ve been doing lot of these recently! Perfume today, nails are done, a few rings stacked on. It’s the little things that make us feel put together as a whole. Happy writing! http://notheidiho.blogspot.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:16 amThat’s awesome Heidi! I
Aleksandra
March 30, 2016 at 1:07 pmI’d say wearing matching underwear is not only great, but also extremely rare… :)
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 7:55 amHaha right? That’s why it feels so special when it actually does match :D
Lauren Victoria
March 30, 2016 at 1:20 pmLovely ideas! I love whipping out a bold lipstick to give me a little bit of confidence when I’m feeling rubbish. Also I love matching pretty underwear. Makes you feel so good :) xx
Lauren | itslaurenvictoria.blogspot.co.uk
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:16 amYes it does! ;D
Alina
March 30, 2016 at 2:29 pmFeeling down about my appearance is something that happens on a regular basis so these are all great tips for me. I do agree that a bit of perfume and lipstick will instantly perk me off. Need to actually treat myself to some new lingerie soon, that sounds like a great idea :) x
Beauty with charm
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 7:59 amDon’t know why, because you’re a stunner Alina! Perfume and lipstick do it for me too! :D
Elizabeth Hisle
March 30, 2016 at 3:14 pmHah! I totally do most of these. Lipstick and perfume will make me instantly feel lifted. Heels are painful for me now, but matching underwear (and even matching lipstick!) can really make me feel like a million bucks.
aroseisinbloom.blogspot.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:12 amThat’s awesome! Lipstick can really do wonders :D
Paula Loreti
March 30, 2016 at 4:51 pmFor me is a pair of heels! I feel instantly good in the moment I put them on my feets haha
http://www.blossomikebana.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:10 amYes! A nice pair of heels can definitely give you a boost of confidence!
Caro
March 30, 2016 at 6:51 pmLoved all of these tips!! I’d say heels give me that boost of confidence I need!!
Caroblogs.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:09 amThanks Caro!
Jess | The Indigo Hours
March 30, 2016 at 7:04 pmI definitely agree that matching underwear is a huge confidence boost – it’s like a little secret that I can keep all to myself! :)
Jess xo | The Indigo Hours
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:09 amRight? Always makes me feel more confident :)
Samileen
March 30, 2016 at 8:45 pmAbsolutely agree with you on this one, and its soo true a cute set of lingeries can literally boast your confidence to next level. I’ll have to add music too, it can literally make or brake your mood. But just to pick you up from a dull phase I think a peppy song and long drive is all you need.
Sam || Beautydetour
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:05 amOh yes! Wow why didn’t I think of music? It’s definitely a quick way to boost your mood, too :)
SavBanav
March 30, 2016 at 11:42 pmI love wearing matching lingerie! Finally someone said it. I always loved shopping at VS or PINK to get lingerie even though it is pricey, but it sure boosts your confidence. :) I’ve also been giving myself little manicures and keeping my nails painted recently, and that feels good as well. I totally agree with all of these!
Savannah xx
savbanav.wordpress.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:04 amHaha, let’s face it, it rarely matches! I think that’s why it feels so nice when you actually wear something not only pretty, but also something that’s comfortable and actually matches.
The Sunday Mode
March 31, 2016 at 2:23 amFreshly painted nails always makes me feel like I have my life together? So weird but true. I also find trying out a new makeup product (specifically eyeshadow or lipstick) is a surefire way to up my confidence.
http://www.thesundaymode.blogspot.com.au
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:03 amHahaha I don’t know what is it about a fresh mani, but it just makes you feel like a completely new person haha :)
Serein
March 31, 2016 at 4:57 amFragrance is such a mood booster for me! I get headaches with a lot of them, so I have curated a few that work with my chemistry and sensitive head. Love what you said about lingerie. SO TRUE! I am about to go and re do my whole bra and undies collection, it is time to revamp and feel sexy and confidant again. My go to is a bold red lipstick, I like Chanel Pirate, Kat Von D liquid lipstick in nosforatu, and Jouer in Grace (my mom’s name).
xoxo
Serein
http://sereinwu.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 7:58 amSame here! Perfume always acts like such a quick pick-me-up for me. I recently did the same thing with my lingerie, bought a whole bunch of new, pretty stuff, feels so good! :)
Dara - Champagneinateacup
March 31, 2016 at 5:20 amAgree totally on the underwear suggestion xo
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:03 am:D
Kelly
March 31, 2016 at 7:24 amI love reading affirmations to boost my confidence, I feel like reading positive quotes really inspire me.
Perfect Shade of Mauve
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 31, 2016 at 8:03 amMe too!
Biana Perez
March 31, 2016 at 8:35 amOh gosh if my nails aren’t done I feel undone!! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Charlotte
March 31, 2016 at 10:05 amI love this post! Definitely agree with perfume and lipstick giving you a boost, they do so much for my confidence x
http://asecondswatch.blogspot.co.uk/
Katie
March 31, 2016 at 11:00 amPERFUME PERFUME PERFUME. So true. I always used to save it for special occasions but now I slap the stuff on after my shower and before bed because it genuinely makes me feel – cringe – happier and more confident. Who knows who I’m gonna meet in my dreams anyway ;)
Katie.
xx La Coco Noire
Ela BellaWorld
March 31, 2016 at 4:34 pmAll of these are definitely confidence boosters! When I’m feeling down, I seem to go towards not so pretty looking lingerie, however changing it to something flattering, it makes me feel better instantly. Heels and gorgeous lippie are great for feeling girly! I didn’t know that men wore makeup too, I mean all the mummy graves had fancy looking paintings, I should have guessed that ha ha :)
Ela BellaWorld
Dagmara Klich
March 31, 2016 at 5:07 pmI agree with all of these! In general wearing some makeup and perfume makes me feel instantly better and more confident. As for high heels and matching, nice underwear, hell yes! they make me feel like I can conquer the world, well… maybe not as much but pretty close, haha! I’d say even nice silky PJs boost my confidence, lol! x
Mummy’s Beauty Corner
Nereyda @This Girl Is Obsessed
April 2, 2016 at 1:13 amHigh heels, lipstick and nice underwear are my favorite confidence boosters. So easy!
Nereyda│ This Girl Is Obsessed
Joules
April 7, 2016 at 1:55 pmHEELS. Wearing heels always amps up my confidence.
Lifestyle by Joules
Blondie Takes Big Island
April 19, 2016 at 8:12 pmAh yes. nothing puts more pep in my step than a bold lip color.