When it comes to low self-esteem and confidence, many people rely on the old adage, “fake it till you make it,” believing that pretending to be confident will make all the difference. However, while this can be true in some regards,

confidence is not something you should have to fake, especially when it comes to your appearance.

By putting in the work now, you can begin to feel confident naturally, as opposed to feeling as though you’re putting on a show.

With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to fall in love with your reflection in 2024!

1. Remember that every body, is a bikini body!

The reason why so many women struggle with their confidence is because they are constantly comparing themselves to others – more specifically, the influencers and celebrities they see on TV or social media. This, coupled with archaic societal standards, means that we’ve grown accustomed to viewing only one type of body as desirable, aka “the bikini body.”

However, the truth is, the only thing you need to do to get a bikini body is to put a bikini on! We’re all different, which means that we come in different shapes and sizes, and that’s what makes us beautiful! You do not need to try and pigeon hole yourself into societal standards to feel good about yourself – and acknowledging this can go a long way toward building your confidence. After all, it means that you can begin to appreciate your natural beauty!

2. Get into fitness.

Regular exercise can also change your relationship with your body for the better – only not in the way you may initially think. After all, while it can be a great way to help you lose weight, the benefits of exercise extend far beyond the scales. For example, consistent exercise can make you stronger and more able, which will also help to improve your confidence levels.

Furthermore, studies have found that consistent exercise is also good for your mental health, as it triggers the production of feel-good hormones such as serotonin. This means that you’ll tend to have a more positive outlook, which also means you’re more likely to feel more confident in your appearance!

3. Look into surgical enhancements.

The beauty industry is constantly evolving, which means there are now many different ways to tackle the parts of your appearance you are unhappy with. For example, if you are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts, you could look into enhancement surgery. This is well worth considering, especially as improved self-esteem is just one of the benefits of breast enhancement procedures.

4. Upgrade your wardrobe.

More often than not, the clothes we wear impact how we feel about ourselves. For example, if you’re wearing clothes you are uncomfortable in, you’re more likely to be critical of your appearance whenever you catch sight of your reflection. For this reason, it’s important to remember that you should dress for yourself – and not for others. Wear clothes that make you feel good, and you’ll automatically begin to carry yourself with a bit more confidence.

Fortunately, you do not need to completely clear out your closet in order to make this happen. For example, you could purchase a few statement pieces in order to

add personality to your wardrobe. You can also shop second-hand, using reselling apps such as Vinted or by visiting your local thrift store to keep the costs down.

5. Update your beauty routine.

Updating your beauty and skincare routine is another excellent way to ensure you’re happy with the face smiling back at you in the mirror. After all, a well-thought-out skincare routine can help you to obtain model radiant skin by addressing common skincare complaints such as acne and redness.

If you do not know much about skincare, try to keep your routine as simple and straightforward as possible. You don’t need to use 100 different products. Instead, you can achieve great results using a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. A more simplistic routine also benefits those who may not have a lot of time each morning and night to dedicate to skincare.

6. Change your hairstyle.

Various studies have found that haircuts increase confidence and self-esteem, even if the changes are relatively minimal. However, if you’re wanting to make big changes in the new year, don’t be afraid to opt for a more drastic change to your hairstyle. For example, if you’ve always had longer hair, now may be the time to try out shorter hair. Speak to your stylist ahead of time to determine which hairstyles would best compliment your features or face shape.

7. Get into the habit of complimenting your appearance.

It can be hard enough to accept compliments from others, which is why many people struggle to treat themselves with the same degree of kindness. In fact, you’re far more likely to think negatively about yourself than anything else – but this is something that must change moving forward.

When getting ready in the morning, stand in front of the mirror and give yourself a compliment out loud. You could talk about your outfit, your hair, your smile – whatever feels the most natural. The next day, try three different compliments. While this can feel strange at first, it’s a great way to boost your self-esteem by blocking out negativity.

8. Celebrate your “flaws.”

More often than not, the parts of our appearance or bodies we perceive to be flaws are actually what make us beautiful. For example, while you may dislike your smile, it could be the first thing that somebody notices when you walk into a room. For this reason, it’s important that you’re able to embrace and celebrate those traits that make you, YOU!

Often, this comes hand in hand with learning to reject the idea that societal beauty standards are something we should all aim toward. You don’t have to fit into a specific mold to be beautiful – and life would get pretty boring if we were all exactly the same!