You but better, what does that mean?

With the end of the year approaching, I find myself getting reflective—it must be that natural urge to reset, to think about how we look after ourselves and why. Are you a “new year, new you” type? I love a fresh start, and as the new year approaches, I’m realising just how powerful it can be to find routines that truly make us feel our best.

Over the past year, one of my own routines has been weight training, which started out with me wanting to “look better.” I’ll admit, it was driven by a bit of vanity (getting closer to a big birthday (40) does that, doesn’t it?), but I quickly realised that this time at the gym was doing more than just changing the outside. It was helping me think more about the version of me I want to bring to my family, friends, and clients.

“Look like me, but better” – What does that even mean?

As a makeup artist, I hear this phrase all the time: “I want to look like me, but better.” but what does that mean? For me, looking in the mirror and feeling like the best version of myself is about focusing on what makes me feel vibrant, rather than fixating on insecurities. With rosacea and Neurofibromatosis (more of that on another blog to come), I’ve had my share of days where I wished I could wave a magic wand over my skin. The right makeup technique and product can be that little wand, though. Not to hide who I am, but to me show myself through in a way that gives me confidence.

I think we all have those days when we look in the mirror and think, “My skin looks good today,” or “I love how my hair turned out.” Those are the days we feel a little lighter, with a bit more spring in our step. It’s not about hiding what we may feel is an "imperfection" it’s about letting the best parts be the focus.

What do you see or feel when you look in the mirror?

Having a daughter has made me even more conscious of the importance of my “why”—why we care about how we look, why we make these little choices that make us feel good. I try to be mindful of how I talk about my own insecurities, knowing how society and social media often push perfectionism on us all, especially on young people. When I look in the mirror and feel good, I know it’s because I’ve found what works for me, not because I’m trying to fit someone else’s idea of perfect.

This approach has shaped how I work with my clients. For me, providing hair and makeup services is about more than a polished look—it’s about creating a space where people feel empowered to be themselves, to feel that confidence from within. It’s not about perfection, it’s about finding the “better” that each person defines for themselves.

So, What makes you feel like “You”?

Next time you look in the mirror, take a moment to think about what makes you feel your best. If a bold red lip gives you a spark, go for it. If a subtle, natural look is what makes you feel amazing, embrace that. Whatever your “why” may be, it’s yours, and that’s what makes it powerful.

What about you? What makes you feel most like yourself?