How to get glowing skin naturally……..You ever wake up, catch your reflection in the bathroom mirror, and think, “Wow… so this is my villain origin story”? Because same. My skin has been through it. Dry winters in Queens. Pollution. That one summer I basically lived off dollar slices and Red Bull. And don’t even get me started on the breakouts during my “DIY skincare experiments” phase.
But somewhere between accidentally bleaching my upper lip with lemon juice in high school (true story) and learning how to actually listen to my skin, I figured out a handful of home remedies that, weirdly, actually work. Not in the “Pinterest-perfect before-and-after photo” way. More like: you wake up one morning, your skin looks less angry, and you’re like, “Okay, maybe I won’t hide under a hoodie today.”
And since you’re basically my friend now (hi 👋), I’m spilling. Seven things I swear by for that naturally glowing skin thing everyone’s obsessed with.
1. Honey on Your Face (Yes, Straight Up)
This sounds like a sticky nightmare. Because it is. But honey—especially raw, unfiltered honey—has been my go-to for years. One winter when my skin was so dry it was basically flaking like a croissant, my aunt in Jackson Heights said, “Put honey on your face. Trust me.” And I did. And it worked.
Now I’ll smear it on (thin layer, not full Winnie-the-Pooh mask) and leave it for 10–15 minutes while making tea. My skin comes out softer, calmer, like it’s had a therapy session.
2. Aloe Vera: The Plant I Keep Forgetting to Water
I’ve killed every houseplant except this one. Aloe vera is basically immortal (which is good because I’m forgetful). Whenever I get that weird redness around my nose or a random patch of irritation, I cut a tiny piece of the leaf, scoop out the gel, and rub it right on my skin.
It’s cooling and soothing. It’s the skincare equivalent of your grandma giving you soup. And it costs… nothing once you buy the plant. (Mine’s from a bodega in Corona for like $7.)
3. The Oatmeal Face Mask I Stole from YouTube
Okay, confession: I once tried an oatmeal mask at 2 a.m. after binge-watching “natural skincare hacks” videos. I woke up looking like a breakfast crime scene but—BUT—my skin was baby-soft.
The recipe:
- 2 tbsp oats (plain, not that sugary stuff)
- 1 tbsp yogurt
- A drizzle of honey
Mix it, slap it on your face for 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. Pat dry like you’re in a commercial. The oats calm irritation, the yogurt’s lactic acid gently exfoliates, and the honey does its honey magic.
4. Ice Cubes: My Lazy Morning Secret
This one’s so easy it’s almost embarrassing. I keep a tray of green tea ice cubes in the freezer. When I’m puffy (hello, bagel + cream cheese hangover), I rub one gently over my face for a minute. Boom. Tighter pores. Brighter skin. I look awake even if I’m not.
Is it fancy? No. But it works better than some overpriced creams I’ve tried.
5. Coconut Oil for When My Skin’s Basically Screaming
I know, I know. People either love coconut oil or act like it’s the devil. For me, it’s a sometimes-treat. When my skin feels super dry (like post-winter subway air dry), I massage a tiny bit of virgin coconut oil onto damp skin at night. In the morning, I’m glowy—not greasy.
Just don’t go overboard unless you want to look like a buttered croissant.
6. Lemon Water (But Actually Drinking It)
Every time someone says “drink lemon water for glowing skin” I roll my eyes. But then I tried it. Not because of skincare—because I was tired of plain water. And after a few weeks, my skin did look less dull.
I’m not saying it’s a miracle. But staying hydrated with something that isn’t coffee or soda? Yeah, it helps. (Also makes you feel slightly more like a wellness influencer, minus the matching set.)
(Outbound link idea: link to a funny blog post about “Things Lemon Water Won’t Fix But I Still Drink It” — could be from a personal lifestyle blog.)
7. Sleep. Like, Real Sleep.
This is the boring one. I hate it. But nothing else works if I’m running on fumes. When I actually get 7–8 hours, my skin thanks me. Dark circles chill out. My face looks… smoother? Softer? Less like a raccoon at a rave?
And it’s free. Which is wild considering how much we spend on serums.
Bonus: Stop Touching Your Face (I’m Still Working on This)
I swear I do everything right and then spend the day leaning on my hand like I’m posing for a 90s yearbook photo. Breakouts follow. So, yeah. Wash your hands. Keep them off your face. (This is me telling myself, too.)
Queens Life + Skincare Reality Check: How to get glowing skin naturally
Living in Queens means my skin’s battling more than just bad habits. It’s the air. The subway grime. The mystery wind that whips down Roosevelt Ave in February. These remedies don’t make me look like a skincare ad, but they make me look like me on a good day. And that’s enough.
Also, don’t stress if you skip a night. Or a week. Skincare should feel like a small act of kindness, not a punishment.
(Outbound link idea: a pop culture article about chaotic skincare routines, like a Buzzfeed “I Tried Celebrity Skincare For a Week” post.)
Quick Recap for the Skim-Readers (I see you)
- Honey mask = soft, calm skin
- Aloe vera = soothing for redness
- Oatmeal + yogurt mask = gentle exfoliation
- Green tea ice cubes = de-puff + glow
- Coconut oil (lightly!) = moisture boost
- Lemon water = inside-out hydration
- Sleep = free, underrated magic
