Let’s talk about one of the most common questions I get — and I mean constantly.
It usually comes in a DM. Or during one of my informal consults (yes, I do them — no, I don’t charge — because I actually love helping women feel confident and informed).
And it goes something like this:
“Sandra, I’m thinking of having some work done. But I don’t know where to begin. I think I look good… I just want to refresh myself. Should I start with my eyes? I don’t want to make the wrong choice.”
First of all: I LOVE this question.
Because it tells me something important — you’re not trying to chase perfection. You’re not trying to erase yourself. You’re trying to enhance what’s already there — without doing something you’ll regret later.
So let’s talk about the smartest way to start.
If you’ve never done anything — no Botox, no filler, no procedures — the worst thing you can do is jump right into the deep end because TikTok said so.
I’m not anti-Botox. Trust me. I’ve been getting it on the regular since I was 32. (With a break during pregnancy.) But I would never tell a beginner to start there.
Because when you’re new to this world, you want two things:
Subtle results
Control
And that’s why I always recommend beginning with a “soft glow-up” plan.
My favorite first step?
Dermaplaning.
It’s easy, it’s safe when done properly, and it gives you an immediate glow without changing your face. Dermaplaning removes that fine peach fuzz and the dead surface layer that makes skin look dull. You can do it as part of a facial or as a standalone treatment — but either way, it tends to deliver that:
“Wait… why do I look so fresh?” effect.
This is the kind of change that makes people compliment you without being able to pinpoint why.
And yes — the person who asked is absolutely right: the eyes are a great place to begin. You can create a big “refreshed” effect without any needles at all just by focusing on the eye area.
Here are a few options:
This can be:
The point is: lashes instantly make you look more awake, more polished, more alive.
Brows frame your face. Period.
If you want a dramatic difference with minimal effort, microblading can be incredibly effective — especially if your brows are sparse, uneven, or light.
It’s permanent makeup, yes — so choose a pro you trust — but when it’s done well?
It gives the face structure and “pop.”
Some people also do subtle permanent eyeliner enhancement — not a thick line, not a harsh look — just a gentle definition that keeps your eyes looking clean and lifted.
Here’s what women don’t talk about enough: lips don’t need to be “big.” They need to be balanced and defined.
A subtle lip enhancement — whether that’s tint, liner, or a small refresh — can make your face look younger and more harmonious without going into the “obviously done” category.
If you’ve never done Botox before, I’m not saying you’ll never do it. I’m saying: don’t start there. Start with the glow-up basics first. See how you feel. Get comfortable in your skin. Learn what you like.
And THEN — depending on your age and your goals — it may make sense to add Botox gradually. But let me be super clear about something: Young women are starting way too early.
I’ve seen girls in college doing things to their faces that I want to scream about.
Stop.
If you’re young, your face doesn’t need freezing. It needs skincare, hydration, sun protection, sleep, and calm. Aging is real. It’s normal. And it doesn’t have to be scary.
The best “work” is the kind that makes you look like you… on your best day. Not overdone. Not puffy. Not generic.
Just:
lifted
So if you’ve been wondering where to begin, here’s your roadmap:
Dermaplaning
And remember: this isn’t about fixing. This is about refining.
If you learned something today, follow along — because you know I’m always going to keep it real.
Until next time: keep your glow, keep your boundaries… and remember — aging is optional. Aging is not.