7 grooming habits that instantly feel luxurious if you grew up with less

If you grew up in a household where grooming meant clean—but not much else—you’re not alone.

For many of us, grooming was about the basics: wash your face, brush your teeth, keep your hair neat, and try not to use too much hot water.

Anything beyond that? Considered indulgent, unnecessary, or reserved for people with more time or money.

So it’s no wonder that certain self-care routines can feel borderline extravagant as an adult—even when they’re completely normal.

Not because they actually cost a fortune, but because of how they feel: calming, nourishing, dignified.

Here are seven grooming habits that can feel surprisingly luxurious—especially if you didn’t grow up with them.

1. Moisturizing intentionally

I used to think lotion was just for dry skin in winter.

Now? A few minutes spent applying moisturizer—slowly, deliberately, from my neck down to my heels—feels like a full-body reset.

When you grow up with less, you often rush through grooming. Moisturizer, if you even had it, was a slap-and-go situation.

But when you take your time, use something that smells good, and treat your skin like it’s worth pampering? That feels like luxury.

This isn’t just about silky skin either. Experts, like those at Choosing Therapy, emphasize that self-care is far more than just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

The benefits? Better productivity, happier relationships, and greater self-esteem.

2. Exfoliating beyond your face

Here’s a weird question: Have you ever exfoliated your shins?

I hadn’t until a few years ago. I remember standing in the shower, using one of those gritty sugar scrubs someone gifted me for Christmas, and thinking, Why does this feel so fancy?

Exfoliating your body—even once a week—can turn a quick rinse into a ritual. It’s a small thing, but it leaves your skin smooth, your senses awakened, and your towel slightly jealous.

If you’ve only ever used bar soap, this one feels like entering a whole new world.

3. Caring for your nails (even if you’re not getting manicures)

Growing up, I associated manicures with movie stars and “ladies who lunch.” They didn’t fit into a practical life of work, chores, and budgeting.

But nail care doesn’t have to be expensive or flashy. Filing your nails, pushing back your cuticles, or putting on a simple clear coat can feel like an act of care.

When I started doing this for myself, I noticed something interesting: I felt more pulled-together. More confident. And it turns out, I’m not imagining it.

As noted by the American Confidence Institute, “Confidence is the best outfit. Feeling comfortable in your own skin at any age makes you appear more attractive”.

4. Having a bedtime routine that includes your skin

Let’s talk about nighttime rituals.

If you grew up in survival mode, you probably didn’t have a “routine” before bed. You might’ve fallen asleep fully clothed or skipped brushing your teeth after a long day.

But creating a gentle wind-down—maybe some face cleansing, a night cream, and a few deep breaths—signals to your brain that you’re worth winding down for.

It doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. The key is in the consistency and the message it sends: I care enough about myself to slow down.

Healthline supports this idea, noting that self-care has major benefits: “happier relationships, higher self-esteem, a lower risk of burnout, and even increased productivity”.

5. Washing your hair the way your hair wants to be washed

For years, I washed my hair every day—shampoo, rinse, repeat—because that’s just what I thought you were supposed to do.

It wasn’t until I learned about hair types and scalp health that I realized I was actually drying out my hair.

Once I started spacing out my washes and using conditioner intentionally, everything changed. My hair looked better, sure. But more than that, I started feeling like I was taking myself seriously.

Something as simple as learning what your hair responds best to—and adjusting accordingly—can be a quiet, personal luxury.

It’s not about having salon-perfect waves. It’s about tuning in, experimenting, and realizing you’re allowed to give yourself options.

6. Investing in scent—just for you

Scent is powerful. It can bring back memories, calm your nervous system, or even boost your mood before a stressful day.

When I was younger, I saw perfume as something you wore for other people. Weddings. Dates. Job interviews.

But choosing a scent you love, and applying it just because you enjoy it? That’s an entirely different experience.

Whether it’s a fancy perfume, a drugstore body mist, or a drop of essential oil—it’s about claiming beauty and pleasure for yourself.

There’s something rebellious (in a good way) about choosing not to wait for a special occasion to feel good.

7. Upgrading small daily moments

Here’s something I didn’t expect: a soft towel can feel luxurious. So can a really good toothbrush. Or a hairbrush that doesn’t tug and pull.

If you didn’t grow up with high-quality versions of these things, it might not occur to you to seek them out. But when you finally do? You’ll never go back.

This isn’t about replacing everything at once or blowing your budget on $60 candles. It’s about noticing the tiny, daily tools that impact how you feel—and giving yourself permission to choose better.

Sometimes luxury isn’t about excess. It’s about feeling like you matter.

Final thoughts

Luxury isn’t always about price tags. It’s often about slowing down, noticing what feels good, and making small choices that say, I deserve care.

These seven grooming habits might seem simple on the surface—but if you grew up with less, they can feel like radical acts of self-respect.

Try one this week. See how it feels. And remember: even the smallest shift in how you care for yourself can change the way you move through the world.

Because when you start treating yourself with care, it ripples outward.

And that, in my book, is the ultimate luxury.