Confidence Starts With You – Not the Mirror

This week I had the pleasure (and if I'm honest, a little hesitation!) of appearing in the Daily Mail's swimwear feature. We all know how unpredictable the comments section can be—but I said yes. Not because I’m fearless, but because I believe in showing up, as I am, with confidence and kindness.

Because here’s the truth: confidence is the most powerful thing you can wear. It doesn’t come in a bottle, a bikini, or a lipstick tube—it comes from how you feel in your own skin. And that feeling? It’s something you build, not something you wait for permission to have.

No Age Limits, No Rules—Just You

So many of us were brought up to believe that style, beauty, or self-expression has an expiration date. That shimmer is for the young, bold liner is only for certain eye shapes, and heaven forbid you show a soft tummy after menopause.

I say: rubbish to that.
If you like it, wear it.
If a red lip gives you a spark—put it on.
If you feel powerful in a black swimsuit—wear it with pride.
And if you feel your best with bare skin and a strong brow? Go for it.

Makeup, style, and beauty should never be about restriction. They should be about freedom—the freedom to feel like you, at every stage and in every season of life.

Build Confidence from the Ground Up

At Ruby Hammer Beauty, we talk a lot about tools, not rules. Because building confidence starts with how you care for yourself. And no, it’s not about perfection. It’s about the little rituals that make you feel more put together, more powerful, and more present.

One of my favourite examples? Our Foot File.
It’s not flashy, it’s not showy—but it works. It smooths, buffs, and helps your feet feel cared for. And when you step into your shoes with silky-soft feet, trust me—you stand a little taller.

Confidence isn’t about a quick fix. It’s about ongoing maintenance.
It’s those five minutes you take for yourself. That tidy brow. That swipe of colour on your lips. The little things add up to how you carry yourself out in the world.

Feeling Good Is the Goal

If there's one message I want to pass on from the Daily Mail piece, it’s this:
You are allowed to feel good. You are allowed to enjoy beauty. You are allowed to be seen.
There is no one "look" that defines confidence. It’s about knowing yourself, honouring what makes you feel fabulous, and having the tools to express it.

So whether you’re reaching for a bold red lip, blending in some cheek colour with your fingertips, or simply looking after your feet—do it for you. Not for trends. Not for approval. Just because it makes you feel your best.

Confidence is ongoing. Let’s keep showing up for ourselves.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE