Everything I Did to Feel Like Myself Again (That Had Nothing to Do With Losing Weight)

Photo Credit:Ajaila Walker

After I had my son, it took me three years to feel pretty again. Not just “presentable” or “doing the best I can”—but actually beautiful. Like the version of myself I could look in the mirror and recognize. And no, this post isn’t about a new workout routine or a miracle diet. It’s about the small, intentional things I did—spiritually, emotionally, and practically—that helped me get my confidence back.

So if you’re feeling stuck in your body, in your routine, or just in a weird in-between season, here’s everything that helped me. Some of these are $5 changes. Some of them are prayers. All of them are real.

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1. I Prayed to See Myself How God Sees Me

This sounds simple, but it changed everything. I literally asked God to help me see myself the way He created me. Not through comparison. Not through weight. Just truth. And slowly, I started believing what I saw.

Let Them By Mel Robbins

$29.99

This book helped me take the biggest risk of my life without be afraid of what others would think.

2. I Started Taking Care of My Skin Again

I stopped buying whatever was cheap and started investing in products that actually worked for my skin:

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Exfoliant

$37.00

Mandelic + Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant

$15.00

Ordinary Caffeine Under Eye Drops

$9.20

Topicals Brightening Eye Masks

$22.00

Amazon Pimple Patches (yes, they helped with skin tags!)

$9.99

3. I Built a 5-Minute “I Feel Pretty” Makeup Routine

Makeup became me time, not pressure.

Fenty Beauty

Sun Stalk’r Bronzer in Coco Naughty

$37.00

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna 
Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

$39.00

e.l.f.

Camo Liquid Blush

$7.00

e.l.f.

Hydrating Camo Concealer

$7.00

Amazon Brow Kit

$13.99

e.l.f.

$9.00

Halo Glow Setting Powder

Telescopic Mascara

$12.99

a good lip liner+gloss combo

Charlotte Tilbury 
Mini Glossy Pink Lip Gloss + Lip Liner Set

$25.00

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

$15.00

4. I Bought a Makeup Caboodle

Sounds random, but organizing my morning routine made it easy to stick to.

Vegan Leather Makeup Organizer

$27.99

5. I Found a Nail Routine That Didn’t Break the Bank

$200 nails? No thanks. I grabbed:

Amazon press-on nails

$14.97

Matching press-on toes

$14.97
They last all season. Just replace the glue.

The Nail Glue I Use

$4.99

6. I Upgraded My Shower Routine

Because sometimes confidence starts in the bathroom:

EOS Shea Butter + Cashmere Body Wash + Lotion

$22.98

CeraVe SA Cleanser + SA Moisturizer

$17.99

(Pro tip: buy the big bottles—they’ll last all year)

7. I Kept My Hair Simple, Stylish, and Protective

Wigs saved me time and stress. I sew them down, and I’m good for months. It’s either a 32-inch bust-down or a cute protective style—whichever fits my season.

30 Inch 13x6 Lace Front Wig

$119.69

8. I Created a Realistic, Repeatable Routine

• I deleted TikTok (bye anxiety-inducing scrolls)

• I set a routine my kids understand (“Mom’s working out now”)

• I journal every morning

• And I don’t guilt myself when I miss a day

The Journal I Use

Cute Stylish Notebook For Girls

$24.44

9. I Dressed My Current Body—Not My “Goal” Body

This was hard. But real.

• Matching sets

• Comfortable basics

• Elevated accessories

• A few go-to shoes: flats, sandals, sneakers. Done.

Piece Outfits Fuzzy Set

$59.99

10. I Gave Myself Grace

Every day won’t be “that girl” energy. That’s okay.
But every day can include something small that makes you feel like you again.

Mock Neck Casual Ruched Long Sleeve Bodysuit

$28.99

Grab this free guide Find out the 5 style mistakes you’re probably making (and how to fix them)—download the free guide!