10 CLEVER FINDS TO EFFORTLESSLY GLOW-UP IN 2025
GLOW BIG OR GO HOME.
Every January, we start with the same promise: This year, it’s going to be different. We’ll stick to our schedules, crush our fitness routines, and maybe even look photogenic doing it. And then, two weeks in, we’re back to wearing the same leggings we slept in, searching for that mythical glow-up like it’s hiding behind the laundry pile.
But here’s the thing—2025 doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. Sometimes, it’s not about working harder; it’s about finding the right tools to make life easier. From gadgets that keep your calendar in check to little miracles that help you stick to your goals (and look good while doing it), these 10 clever finds will have you glowing so effortlessly, people will think you have it all together. At least until they see your junk drawer.
If you’re excited about this article, go ahead and hit the like button—it does wonders in cheering up the grumpy algorithm!
A. Wellness & Fitness
They say the best way to get excited about a new workout routine is a good outfit. Personally, I think that’s a little unfair to the baggy T-shirt and sweatpants I’ve been loyal to since the 2000s. However a very fit friend of mine—one of those people who enjoys burpees, if you can imagine—claims she rewards herself with a new outfit every time she hits a milestone. Motivation, she says, comes in all forms.
And while I’ve never needed an excuse to shop, I have to admit she’s onto something. Because if I’m going to suffer through squats and lunges, I might as well do it knowing there’s a fabulous pair of leggings waiting for me at the finish line. Some people run for medals; I’ll take mine in the form of stretchy fabric and a matching top, thank you very much.
There’s something undeniably alluring about a rich mocha brown set from Aritzia—it practically begs to be photographed. The bootcut pants quietly elevate the look, effortlessly transitioning from workout to wherever life takes you. Paired with the matching top, it delivers the ultimate “it girl” energy.
Old Navy, surprisingly, stepped up with a ribbed boxwood bra and matching leggings that immediately caught my eye. The color feels perfect for winter, cozy yet fresh. Comparing the two, Aritzia’s set offers softness, while Old Navy leans into texture with its ribbed details.
For those ready to embrace every curve, the Aritzia romper makes a bold statement. When I tried it, I loved the way it hugged my body and the luxurious feel of the fabric. However, it isn’t a universally flattering piece. My mom gave it a go, and the fabric revealed more than she was comfortable with, particularly around the abdomen. It’s a piece for the confident and daring.
The final look is a classic pairing of leggings and a long-sleeve top. Timeless and dependable, it’s the staple that never goes out of style.
Next, hydration, but make it smart. The Hidrate Spark PRO tracks your water intake, glows to remind you to sip, and keeps things chill with its sleek stainless steel design. More info here.
B. Productivity & Personal Growth
Sure, my phone’s calendar keeps track of meetings and appointments, but for the day-to-day stuff, I still reach for good old pen and paper. It’s not about being vintage—it’s about keeping my sanity. Anthropologie gets it. They’ve got wellness journals, finance planners, and even a sleep journal for people like me, who believe life just makes more sense when it’s scribbled out on a pretty page. Plus, it’s a lot harder to accidentally swipe left on your to-do list.
The Pomodoro Technique is productivity’s version of a kitchen timer with a flair for drama. The idea is simple: you set a timer—let’s say for 25 minutes—and focus on one task with the intensity of someone guarding the last slice of cake. When the timer dings, you take a short break, about 5 minutes, to stretch, sip some coffee, or stare out the window and question your life choices. Repeat this cycle a few times, and after about four rounds, you reward yourself with a longer break—because you’ve earned it, champ.
Enter the Rotating Pomodoro Timer, a gadget that makes this whole process even smoother. This little cube has preset times—5, 25, 10, and 50 minutes—and a gravity sensor that knows exactly what you need when you flip it. Unlike using the timer on your phone, which can lure you into checking messages, emails, or that one app you swore you wouldn’t open, this timer keeps you focused and distraction-free. It’s all about the task at hand, no notifications allowed.
D. Self-Care & Mental Health
Bose QuietComfort Headphones are a little slice of peace in a noisy world. I’ve had mine for years, and they’ve been perfect for everything from meditating to tackling big projects. I even got a pair for my husband, and he loves them for his walks to work—he says they make the city feel a lot quieter. If your New Year’s resolution involves focus or calm, these headphones might just become your new best friend.
For those moments when you’re taking time for yourself, a weighted blanket is pure magic. As Goop perfectly puts it “this fifteen-pound weighted blanket is designed to simulate the effects of deep-pressure touch, which has been shown to soothe the nervous system and help you unwind (side effects include: sleeping like a baby)”. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Quince has a great one—you can check it out here.
I mentioned this product on a previous list, but it’s been working so well that I have to bring it up again—especially if your goal is glowing skin for 2025. My skin is wildly sensitive (think “reacts to air” levels), and I’ve never had luck with retinols. But this one is different. It’s NOT drugstore prices, but it’s worth every penny. I noticed a difference in my skin texture super fast.
If your skin is as dramatic as mine, start slow. I’ll be writing a full post about my journey with it soon, but here’s the bottom line: it’s the only retinol my skin can tolerate and delivers results. You can find it here, with both a lightweight moisturizer option and a thicker one for extra comfort. I’m completely hooked and can’t stop talking about it.
E. Fun & Hobbies
A vision board is such a fun way to bring the year into focus. I make mood boards for photoshoots all the time, but there’s something special about creating one at the start of the year for dreams and projects I hope will flourish. So, I was thrilled to see that Amazon now has kits to simplify the process. You can find the one in the photo here, and a more minimalist kit here.
Another option to make moodboards, or solidify ideas during the year, is through a polaroid camera. Is not only fun for parties but is also fun to capture textures, locations, and more that you can put together in a board. And as a plus you get to practice your photography skill.
To kick off the new year with the right mindset, let me introduce you to my membership, Photogenic. It’s where I share all my favorite tips and tricks on makeup, fashion, and photo poses—everything you need to look and feel amazing, both in real life and in photos.
Every Friday, you’ll get an exclusive article packed with something new to learn, a photogenic trend to explore, or even a thoughtful essay on a current topic or one of my more experimental journeys. It’s the perfect companion for your morning cup of tea or coffee, a little ritual to spark your creativity, help you embrace or reject trends on your own terms, and, most importantly, feel your absolute best. You can subscribe below.
And with that, I’ll wrap up this newsletter. If you enjoyed it, go ahead and hit the like button—and if you’re feeling especially generous, share it with a friend.
I’ve truly loved curating all these little treasures for you, and your positive responses have made it even more rewarding (seriously, I’m over the moon!). In addition to my regular Friday newsletter, I’ll be sharing more curated finds to keep the fun going.
With love,
Bonnie
