Level Up

beauty & glow up tips

[pposhspice]

My self-mastery, level up plan; the journey of being my desired self always continues. ☆

( to be still updated )

Physical / appearance

Surgery this year (2026)

Composite bonding (2026)

Career

Invest in new course

Invest in professional photoshoot for LinkedIn

Optimise LinkedIn

Social

Start a new hobby, horse riding / tennis.

Join a wellness club (goal is an expensive membership club)

Join a social club

Be confident and have more solo dates.

Network with likeminded individuals.

Finances

Invest into stocks.

[the-pretty-narcissist]

Omg tonight I met a nuclear physicist. It was an event but he and I hit it off as soon as we saw each other. We talked for like an hour and a half. I always enjoy conversations with deeply intelligent men. Of course, he was knowledgeable about science but he was also well versed in politics, history and literature.

This is why I encourage women to know enough to be conversational in a wide array of topics. I’ve been to events in the past, where the wives or girlfriends couldn’t contribute much to the conversations that were going on around them and they were visibly uncomfortable as a result. No one has ever looked at me and thought “she probably doesn’t know anything about [insert topic]”. I have a reputation for being knowledgeable and inquisitive.

My knowledge about auto mechanics is what hooked him. When I mentioned that I was currently reading several scientific books, that’s when he was locked in. We discussed our educational backgrounds. That led to us name dropping some of the high profile people in our networks and then he shared other groups that I might be interested in joining.

I can’t wait to talk to this man again.

[the-pretty-narcissist]

can you talk about how you improved your skill in networking and socializing I struggle with this a built myself. Curious what worked for you.

It took me a while to come up with an answer that made sense to other people. I hope you get the gist of what I'm trying to say.

Here are the things that worked for me:

Stop Overthinking It: Because I am naturally an anxious person, I used to be the queen of overthinking and overanalyzing. For me, I placed a lot of value on being accepted by other people. I had to work on taking that value away and making other peoples opinions worthless.

It has taken me years to get to a good spot. But now I am able to walk into a room by myself and leave with a handful of new genuine connections--each one of them delighted to have met me. I have changed my mindset and instead of worrying about others liking me, I go into conversations hoping that I like the other person; asking myself 'do I like this person?' Once I mastered this way of thinking everything else became easier.

Read the Room: I learned how to read the room. I'm open to discussing a range of topics at any moment. I don't have to mentally and emotionally prepare myself to discuss certain topics, I'm always at the ready. But during my early college years I learned quickly that everyone else does not operate this way.

I had to learn which types of people had the capacity to discuss certain topics and which ones didn't. Trying to discuss the political and economic state of the world with the housewives whose only plan for the day was getting wine drunk at our 10:30am brunch was not the move. That made me look weird as hell.

Discussing my love of celebrity gossip with the president of the local Bar Association was also not the move. That lady did not invite me over to talk about the Kardashians.

I've since learned that there's only a few special people who can get on that level with me and comfortably sit through the range of what goes through my mind. It's best for me to just modify my conversation topics and learn my audience.

Attend Events Because You Actually Enjoy It: I developed genuine hobbies and interests. A while back, I was reading about a woman who was complaining of the surge of people who had recently joined her hobby group. The hobby was trendy on TikTok at the time, for being something that the oLd MoNeY, wEaLtHy, eLiTe, HiGh VaLuE, hIgH sOcIeTy people partake in. Of course, many people just had to go join these activities so that they can take pictures and be seen doing privileged activities. Prove that they weren't like the rest of us peasants.

The woman who was complaining was not unhappy with new people joining, she was unhappy with people posing and pretending to enjoy the activity. People who have a genuine interest in things can easily spot the people who are present just for clout and they don't want to engage with them. Would you go out of your way to have a conversation with someone who is only speaking to you because it makes them look cool?

When I go to events it's because I have a real interest in whatever is happening. I don't go places just to meet people for the sake of meeting people. Sometimes I go places and don't leave with any connections, but I'm still satisfied at the end of the night because I participated in something I truly enjoyed.

Plus, having a genuine interest in things gives you a reason to start a conversation with strangers. You are both there for the same reason, so start off by talking about that. I don't understand how so many people can clout chase and join new groups every other week but can't seem to figure out why none of their relationships stick.

Take the Power Away: I stopped giving others the power to control the quality of my future. I used to attend events solely because I told myself that if I didn't meet the right type of people, my life wouldn't have the outcome I wanted. The quality of my future was dependent upon the types of people I knew. Because of that, I eventually found myself in community with people who I did not enjoy being around but I stayed because I knew what benefits they could give me socially.

This made networking and going out feel like a chore. Like a part-time job. Going out wasn't fun anymore, it was something that I needed to do or else I wasn't going to have a good life. It took me years to grow out of this type of mindset. That way of thinking is exhausting.

I recently went to an event where the keynote speaker was a high profile politician. He has been in the news quite a bit in recent years. That morning didn't go as planned, I was moody and I didn't eat at all that day, so by the time I arrived for the event in the evening, my energy was drained. I didn't feel like talking to people. I just wanted to sit and listen to the speaker. I found a nice spot to sit and enjoyed my own company.

A colleague noticed that I was sitting alone and invited me to sit at his table with the politicians team. It was great because I had opted out of spending the extra money just to sit at these tables and now I was being offered the chance to sit at one for free. Old me would have jumped on this opportunity because I have to rub shoulders with such an influential person right? That's the right thing to do. That's the whole point of me showing up to the event right? That's what I would have told myself. But the evolved me politely declined the invitation and continued to sit by myself.

I listened to my body and emotions. I was tired from the prior events of the day. I knew that my social battery didn't have enough juice to get me through a conversation. I was going to pass up the opportunity to be introduced to an important person....and that was okay. My future wasn't going to be destroyed.

The old me would have scolded myself for fumbling such a great opportunity. I would have told myself that I missed the best opportunity of my career and that I was going to have a hard time climbing to the top if I continued to turn down such opportunities. None of that is true. I am going to be successful because I choose to be. Knowing certain people does help, but it won't be the sole reason for my life taking a certain path. No one has that much power over my life.

[csuitebitches]

On Becoming Well Read

Why is it important to be well read or well informed?

We tend to gravitate towards people who we find interesting. A fear that most of us have is that we’re not interesting enough.

“What if I don’t make any friends because they think I’m boring?”

“What if I don’t know what to say at that date and he ghosts me?”

“I have no idea what this person is talking about, but I’ll pretend like I do.”

“God, I wish I had done some more research before coming here. I feel so dumb.”

In order to combat such feelings, we need to actually address them and work on them.

It’s not that you’re boring or plain. It’s just that you may not have expanded your horizon enough.

Here are some things that I do:

1. Read 3 academic articles a month (this month I’m reading on parenting, globalisation and urban riots). Annual review is a great resource. The articles I’m reading aren’t more than 30 pages long.

2. Read the news every single day. I have 13 different news apps that I use. You don’t need to use so many (I just like being informed in what’s happening in my country, the world, and certain specific nations). Start by reading just the headlines everyday.

3. My brain likes reading about fashion, lifestyle, exotic travel as well. I refer to CNA Luxury’s website for that.

4. If you don’t like reading, watch videos instead. YouTube is a vast resource. Look for TED videos, Cold fusion, Slidebean, Circle of Life, History Matters, Ted Ed, Absolute History.

Here are some topics I think are interesting / you can research on:

* your country’s history

* Basic international history and some of the most notable/ infamous events

* Classic literature

* Architecture basics

* Interior aesthetics

* Famous people and families in your country

* Prominent CEOs, politicians and personalities

* Start ups and industries that are becoming popular

* Small talk

* Jewellery - stones, metal types, settings

* Massages - best pressure points

* Real estate - structure deals, buying and selling homes

* Economics - rates and what they mean

* Philosophy basics and notable figures

* Alcohol basics - how is French wine different from Italian, why is champagne called champagne, what is the most popular drink in every country?

* Lesser known communities and tribes

Based on how well this article is being received, I'm thinking of creating a free newsletter, with content like this. Sign up here! Launch on 8th January, 2033.

[csuitebitches]

On Being Well Spoken

I recently received a request about posting something regarding being well spoken.

Something you need to realise is that you’re not going to become well-spoken overnight. You need to practice on people. You need to SPEAK.

I used to stutter so badly that I could barely speak a whole sentence.

Flash forward a few years. I pitched my start up in front of a crowd, I joined Model United Nations in high school and college, I’ve been invited to speak on my entrepreneurial experience by some top universities in my country. It’s taken a lot to get here. And I’m still not where I want to be.

1. Apps to track progress and help you get better at public speaking

An app that you can use: “Speeko.”

I used to use this, it is beginner friendly and you can improve your public speaking skills as well.

2. Use topic generators

Go online and look up a topic generator. Generate a random topic, video yourself speaking on that topic. Don’t give yourself time to prepare anything - read the topic and start speaking. Set a time limit - you’ll realise that speaking for even 2 minutes can be quite difficult at times.

Not only does this make you realise that you may have limited language skills, but it will also make you realise exactly where you’re falling behind. Note down things in a journal.

- is grammar the issue?

- Lack of vocabulary?

- Too many filler sounds?

- Knowledge gap?

This is also a great idea if you’re at an intermediate level of learning a language/ polishing a language. Do this everyday and maintain a diary on your improvement.

3. Reading out loud

Select a news article or any article. Read out loud, slowly and steadily. Pronounce every syllable calmly.

A two minute read should take 5 minutes to read out loud. That’s how slow you should go. Not more than 4-5 words per breath.

Your tongue needs to get used to different syllables and sounds. Practice will help.

4. Talk in real life

Talk to anyone and everyone whenever you can.

Ask your barista how their day is going.

Ask your work or university security if they’ve had a good day and if they ate today.

Chat with your taxi driver about their life. I always start with asking them if they are from the city we’re travelling in. Even if you’re from that city, act like a tourist. Where are the best eateries? The conversation eventually goes to personal questions. How many children do they have, and what do they do? What do they like about the city?

You’ll learn the art of small talk only through practice. No book or guide can actually prepare you. You have to practice, practice and practice.

5. Diaphragm breathing

Diaphragm breathing is very important. Look up some YouTube videos for reference. You essentially breathe from your tummy (stomach goes in and out; not chest going up and down). This is a great calming exercise too.

6. Stuttering tongue/ jaw exercise videos

These are great because they really do prep your jaw and tongue well. The videos could include tongue stretches, placing your tongue on your palette correctly, etc. Search on YouTube.

7. Body posture

You really need to work on your posture too. Sit up straight. Back, STRAIGHT. Chin up, shoulders relaxed. Something as simple as posture can change your level of confidence.

8. Pranayama

A yoga exercise for breathing. You can find a guided video on YouTube for sure.

9. Vocabulary

Invest your time in expanding your vocabulary. There’s enough apps and games that can help you with that, if you aren’t fond of reading. A sign of being well spoken is having great vocabulary.

Start by looking up the synonyms of everyday words.

“I’m upset”

- how many different words can you find for upset?

“I had a crazy day today”

- one can easily use “hectic”, “chaotic” “lively” instead

10. Idioms

Idioms, phrases, sayings - look up common idioms in your language of choice. Aim to use at least 3 new idioms on 3 separate occasions in a week while you speak. You need to understand when and where you can use the idioms in your vocabulary.

11. Knowing when to switch

You can’t talk like a 50 year old heiress to a 10 year old child; you need to get down to their level.

If someone is clearly not a native speaker and is struggling to put words together, don’t use difficult words around them.

If you’re meeting with someone high profile, refrain from using slang.

The best speakers know when to switch their level of language.

You can’t use one singular type of speaking with everyone. You need to understand that there is a time and place for everything - and you’ll be able to switch like a pro only when you actually speak and start gaining experience.

[scorpionlafemme]

I hope every woman sees this post. ❤️

[abrokegirlsguidetolevellingup]

Easy level up hack- self record. Set your camera on yourself and just- do life. Whether on time lapse or not. Whether you're doing dishes or cooking or walking or dressing or alone in your bed, self record. FORCE YOURSELF to watch it (I know its cringe but that's the price we pay). See what needs improving. Post all of them in your private locked tumblr or something so you can track yourself. If you don't like anything trick I used was watching media training videos on youtube and elegance type videos and series like Mind Your Manners etc. Hidden advantage is you heal your visibility/discovery/belonging wounds with this so hello healed era.

FASHION 101: A COMPLETE BEGGINER'S GUIDE TO A CAPSULE WARDROBE, PERSONAL STYLE AND ELEGANCE, but make it budget.

[miseducatedmelanicmuse]

[brazillianprincess]

We live in the best time to stand out.

The overwhelming majority of people barely read, write poorly, struggle to understand simple instructions, and can’t be bothered to look for information that is widely available.

They stay uneducated, avoid effort, and fear anything that isn’t comfortable.

They victimize themselves, blame others for their own failures, and place the hope of their success on someone else.

They think they’re the center of the universe and get offended easily.

In an environment like this, it’s not hard to stop being mediocre.

If you’re willing to read four good books a year, replace bad music with silence, and show real interest and commitment at work, you’ll already be ahead of most people.

If you also watch films that aren’t on everyone’s radar, exercise regularly, and refuse to consume personal information about other people’s lives, you’ll be ahead of thousands.

It’s not about being perfect.

It’s about doing what most people refuse to do: learning, working, improving, and taking responsibility.

And in today’s world, that alone makes you rare.

[brazillianprincess]

We live in the best time to stand out.

The overwhelming majority of people barely read, write poorly, struggle to understand simple instructions, and can’t be bothered to look for information that is widely available.

They stay uneducated, avoid effort, and fear anything that isn’t comfortable.

They victimize themselves, blame others for their own failures, and place the hope of their success on someone else.

They think they’re the center of the universe and get offended easily.

In an environment like this, it’s not hard to stop being mediocre.

If you’re willing to read four good books a year, replace bad music with silence, and show real interest and commitment at work, you’ll already be ahead of most people.

If you also watch films that aren’t on everyone’s radar, exercise regularly, and refuse to consume personal information about other people’s lives, you’ll be ahead of thousands.

It’s not about being perfect.

It’s about doing what most people refuse to do: learning, working, improving, and taking responsibility.

And in today’s world, that alone makes you rare.

[riplikeren]

[nextlevelk]

So real

[the-joy-of-knowledge]

Common Sense for women in their 20s

Define your raison d'être

Journal regularly, in fact daily

Figure out the right hairstyle for you

Buy clothes that fit your body type

Learn to do you own makeup if you'd like to wear it

Observe, observe, observe

Try to participate in the society

Know that not everything is within your control

Do not live in fantasy or fear, they are distractions

Read books

Learn to form you own opinion

Do not force friendships

Do not stress the small stuff

Spend time getting to know your self

Know women's history & History and use it to your advantage

Have some intellectual rigor

Create your own community

Find a third space

Take your vitamins

Your wellbeing and wellness should be your priority

Have role models for every area of your life

Have discretion

Do not be quick to anger

Have mentors and be a mentor to others

Your social skills will take you far

Be responsible, the world is not so forgiving to women

Know when to stand out

Know when to fit in

Curate your life to fit your goals and desires

Understand strategy and how best to use it to your advantage

Get acquainted with what maks the world go round

You have to climb socially

You need allies in areas where you want to win

Be kind

Be content with what you have, otherwise you will pay the price

[free-my-mindd]

Someone said “Nothing gives you a clearer look into someone than how they misinterpret things, every misinterpretation is a confession” and it’s so true because how people misunderstand things can reveal a lot about their perspectives and feelings.

[nextlevelk]

An ex friend of mine always misunderstood everybody. No wonder she was hated and avoided

[prissygrlsorority]

everything you need to make your own personal beauty binder 🎀

disclaimer: this post is heavily inspired by @tomb-of-ligeia and @daphne-dauphinoise, and early 2010s beauty youtubers. it’s always kind to credit your inspo <3

inspired by the lookbooks and makeup charts used by makeup artists designers at high fashion runways shows and childhood bratz coloring and activity books. the law of attraction is at use heavily with this binder (writing down goals and wishlists)!

you should be keeping diy recipes you find in here.

*you don’t need a physical binder. some people function better with digital mediums. i prefer anything physical and concrete. but you can do all this in something like a notion, or your notes app, etc.

why? 🎀

a cute girly hobby (esp for type A, anal retentive, or analytical personalities/extremely creative, hands on people) to keep track of your routines, motivate you to keep yourself maintained, and figure out what works best for you. it’s nothing too serious, just a girly pastime for people that maybe buy too many products, slip up on routines, or don’t what looks best on your features. have fun!

what to record in your binder? 🎀

an intro sheet 10 different topics divided by tabbed sections: your personal features, makeup, body, fashion, skincare, hair, fragrance, nails, treatments/procedures, salons/spas/referrals/contacts 🎀

intro sheet 🎀

here, you should keep your goals, desired look, and how you want to perceive yourself.

your personal features

a chart of your color season. mine is cool winter. you can use color season for whatever, i choose to apply it to my makeup.

your natural body shape. this will help you choose the best clothes to flatter your silhouette.

a close up, unfiltered clear photo of your bare face. note your skin type, color, undertone, and any other things that stand out to you.

note what you wanna enhance and what you wanna improve. this will help throughout your binder.

makeup

put on a light layer of every lipstick/lip gloss/etc. you have and make kiss shaped swatches in your binder. note the shade, brand, and finish. then the mood/occasion in which you’d wear it.

swatch all your lip liners, again leaving the details of the product.

swatch your foundation shades. note the finish, name and brand.

make a sheet dedicated to all your “holy grail”, essential products.

swatch your eyeshadow palettes. i have all my shimmer pigments swatches and it’s the prettiest thing to look at.

do you have any go to makeup looks? your casual look, going out look, no makeup makeup look, etc.? do these looks and take high quality pics. make personalized face charts by printing them out and noting the steps and products you used.

take c*nty pics of your lashes after trying on all your mascaras/falsies. note the effects and when you would be most likely to wear them.

print out any pics of interesting makeup looks and products you wanna try.

try on lip combos and kiss swatch them. i’m doing this because i do amazing lip combos all the time but i forget which products i used, and it’s hard to replicate the look.

body

take a stick figure-esque picture of yourself and print it out. any outfit you want to buy, print and clip it out first and see if it’s something you’d wear and actually like.

are you experiencing any skin issues on your body and trying any products? keep track of the issue and how the products are doing.

if you don’t already have one, brainstorm workout routines and general wellness/fitness goals.

what are your fav body products? what products did you buy, and hate? TRACK THEM!

any detoxes/diets you’re doing should be recorded in this section.

record “beauty enhancing” foods and drinks here. mine include matcha, lemon water and acv shots.

fashion

outfit planning! take pics of pieces you already have and clip them out. (i’m doing this currently and keeping them all in a little pocket in my binder).

make a moodboard of your personal style(s). how do you want your closet to look? try to see what details, colors, additions are consistent throughout. when shopping, these are what you should keep track of.

print out your signature clothing color palette if you want to have one.

dedicate a page to accessories you have/want, and how you’d style them.

*this can be expensive but the fashion girls will prob love this* go to the fabric store and buy little swatches that you like. take note of what the fabric is and why you like it.

dedicate a page to all your signature details. all the little specific things that scream YOU and NO ONE else! that means do not write pink, girly, etc. here. that is not exclusive to you, hun.

skincare

take a current filter free photo (make it glam! tie your hair up in a ballerina bun and put on some cute earrings) of the state of your skin. if your skin is perfect, i’m jealous and how does it feel to be god’s fav? if not what problems are you experiencing?

log your current skincare routines and how they’re working.

make a page for your skin type, how it feels when you wake up and how it feels and looks by the end of the day and research tips to deal with your personal skin type.

skincare wishlist! list any products you wanna try and what they are for. sample them from ulta or sephora if it’s possible.

dedicate a page to the skincare ingredients your skin loves the MOST! mine are retinol, bha, and vitamin c.

i have a page for all the extra cute little skincare devices i want. on it there’s a stainless steel gua sha, an ice pack, facial steamer, and pink foreo.

hair

what’s your hair type, density, porosity and curl pattern?

write down any hair goals you have. mine is frizz free tailbone length caramel brown hair with honey blonde highlights by the end of this year.

what’s your signature hairstyle? do you have a signature? brainstorm here.

clip out hairstyle inspo from pinterest and insta and try to recreate all the looks!

what are your fav hair products? i keep track of the best curling creams and leave in conditioners for my hair personally.

take note of any trending products you wanna try.

fragrance

make a moodboard of how you wanna smell. after this, research notes and how they work together.

now track your fav perfumes, your most complimented, etc.

note what fragrances go with what occasion and how they make you feel.

make your perfume wishlist! my fav part!

nails

swatch all your polishes. label them and their finish.

what’s your signature/go to nail look?

do you have any pics of your fav mani + pedis? print them out and write the details you loved the most.

write down your at home mani and pedi routine and it’s frequency.

write your fav colors and styles to wear on your nails. mine are glittery pink, pale pink, white, cream, french tip and pink frenchie. a hyper girly twist on the classics.

treatments/procedures

take note of any surgeries or procedures you want done and what they do.

anything you leave the house to have done regularly, keep track here.

don’t limit yourself! forget your budget! what are some high maintenance treatments you wanna experience? manifest it.

references

write down the sources of which you find great info for beauty and fashion

keep addresses of your fav salons and spas.

keep business contacts of your fav estheticians, stylists, nail techs, etc.

use my branding yourself guide to assist in your beauty binder! so much inspo and so many good resources! 🎀

[sosuigeneris]

manifesting a group of women who are slightly older than me but like to discuss literature, politics, business, markets, good film, share their experiences, travel to places that are not instagrammed and stay in boutique hotels; dinners on Friday at lovely establishments, go to jazz bars and museums, have a distinct personality that shines through their manner of speech, expression of thoughts and style; artists, business figures, musicians, scientists, women who have a deep passion for something; women who know how to have a good time and enjoy themselves without feeling the need to fit into society’s idea of fun.

[tahyal]

This year is all about integrating and applying the information you’ve been gathering.. no more hoarding screenshots or frantically watching content to « gain further insight ».

You already know what to do, take action 🤍.

[nextlevelk]

Reminder to myself, I tend to gather information without ever rechecking it or applying it

[expensiveity]

we’re often taught not to cut ties with people because we might need them someday. but today, i pray that i never have to rely on anyone who has hurt, ridiculed, or embarrassed me. may God always provide for me abundantly so i never find myself in that position.

[nextlevelk]

Amine