How to Become That Girl for 2026 On A Budget
Going into 2026, it’s time to become that girl you’ve always envisioned, but on a smart budget and from the comfort of your own home. Simple transformations can include nailing a signature hairstyle, exploring new grooming tips, or simply drinking more water and getting enough sleep, all of which can contribute to your glow up. Change does not have to be scary or expensive, but it does require commitment and practice to achieve your desired goals.
Two Things Before Your Glow Up
Two things to remember before starting your 2026 “that girl” glow up. One: you are fine the way you are and do not need to change to satisfy anyone, do it for yourself. Being positive and confident in your own skin is the first step to becoming an it girl.
Two: YouTube University and apps like Pinterest and Lemon 8 will be helpful free resources. YouTube University refers to the multiple channels and videos dedicated to beauty and health.
The Power of Beauty Sleep
Sounds simple, but a lot harder than it sounds. Get more sleep. Set a sleep schedule and try to stick to it consistently throughout the week, including weekends. Sleep is essential for managing stress and weight, as well as balancing your appetite and metabolism.
They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing. According to the Wellaholic website, the many benefits of beauty sleep include that it “enhances skin cell regeneration, accelerates skin barrier recovery, enhances overall skin appearance and glow, and decreases under-eye circles and puffiness.”
Water and Exercise Daily Glow
Drinking more water and exercising are two simple tricks you can start today to work towards your goal of becoming that girl. Drinking more water is a resolution goal everyone should add to their list. Staying hydrated helps to promote healthy skin. Drinking water can contribute to more radiant, youthful-looking skin. Drinking enough water also helps prevent constipation and supports digestion.
Exercising doesn’t necessarily mean running a 5K, but relatively simple body movements. Start by stretching and walking a little each day to get comfortable before implementing a whole workout routine. Adding a small exercise routine can go a long way for your health, both physically and mentally, with the bonus of looking better in your favorite dress.
Your 2026 Skincare Reset
Committing to a skin care routine may take effort, but it’s worth it in the long run. A skincare routine can help slow down the signs of aging, protect the skin from environmental damage, and manage and prevent acne breakouts.
Having a good skin care routine is a waste if you follow bad habits. In the year 2026, get rid of the habit of sleeping in your makeup. An effective skin care routine does not require expensive products to produce results. Local drugstores offer a range of facial products, including cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and scrubs from trusted brands such as Olay, CeraVe, and L’Orรฉal, among others.
Tips for a good skincare routine include washing your face twice a day: once in the morning and once at night. Start your skin care collection with a good cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. For added protection, consider using sunscreen. Face serums are fun and help moisturize skin while targeting problem areas. However, without all the details, using too many or the wrong product can clog pores, and even some formulas can cancel each other out.
Everyone’s skin is different. Take the time to understand your skin’s properties before spending and accumulating beauty products. For example, if you have dry skin, you don’t want to buy a product made for oily skin.
Signature Hair, It-Girl Energy
Now it’s time for the fun. To become that girl, you want to carry main-character movie energy: think Regina George from “Mean Girls.” A simple way to always look put-together is to have your hair done and adopt a signature hairstyle. Again, we are trying to look cute on a budget, so don’t run to a beauty salon every week.
Scroll through Pinterest and Lemon 8 and find hairstyles you like and can do at home, even if it is a simple bun with a curled side bang. If you enjoy wearing wigs or having your hair silk-pressed, take the time to learn how to do it yourself or maintain the style so it lasts longer, saving you money.
Visit YouTube University and find videos that are at your current level of expertise. Start with two hairstyles and build your hair catalog as you are comfortable.
Camera-Ready Beauty Tricks
Press-on nails and eyebrow tinting are little tricks that can help you look camera-ready with less effort in 2026. Having your eyebrows done can save you more time when getting ready and also give you a polished look even when your face is bare.
Eyebrow tinting is the art of temporarily dying your eyebrows to achieve a fuller and defined look. The process can be done in your bathroom in under 30 minutes. The packaging will include directions on how to apply and how long to leave the tint on before removing. Walmart and Amazon offer semi-permanent eyebrow tinting kits at a budget-friendly price and are beginner-friendly. You can take it a step further and learn how to maintain your brows between services. For example, learning how to tweeze or shape your brows to help get your desired look.
Other beauty videos to explore include placing press-on nails. Visiting the nail salon is relaxing, but it can become pricey and time-consuming after a while. You can find press-on nails just about anywhere, and the quality can significantly impact the timeline of wearing them. However, exemplary methods and techniques, along with a good manicure, can help extend the life of your nails. Explore stores like Shein or even Dollar Tree to start building your press-on nail inventory. When you reach a level you are comfortable with, shop for customized press-on nails to impress your friends at the next outing.
Stepping Into Your Era
The year 2026 is your year to start becoming the girl you want to be. Simple changes to your routine can have a significant effect on your energy, mood, and confidence. Everyone’s pace is different, and change does not come overnight. But remember, every step of the way, you are beautiful, regardless of the opinions of outside critics, and you are that girl.
