Feeling like you don’t live up to an impossible beauty standard can be really hard. Even if you know that your character and accomplishments are more important than your looks, there may be times when you just want to look in the mirror and feel pretty. Luckily, a large part of being attractive has to do with the way you present yourself. If you take good care of yourself inside and out, chances are, you’ll start to feel a lot better about your appearance.
StepsMethod 1Method 1 of 3:Taking Care of Your Body
1Shape your eyebrows to look more put-together. If your eyebrows are unruly, comb them, then use a brow gel to smooth them down. If they’re sparse, you can fill them in with a pencil or powder. However, if you feel your eyebrows are too bushy, visit a salon for professional shaping, like a waxing or threading service. Then, as your eyebrows grow in, you can trim, pluck, or wax the stray hairs to maintain their shape.[1]XResearch sourceIf you have other facial hair that bothers you, such as hairs above your top lip or stray hairs on your chin, tweeze or wax them to get rid of them. If it’s a lot of hair, you can also use a special bleaching kit designed specifically for facial hair. However, do not shave the hair on your face, as it will look more obvious when it grows in.Be sure to only use products specifically designed for use on the face, and read and follow any directions on the product label carefully.
2Shower or bathe every day with mild soap. To ensure you smell fresh and have pretty, healthy-looking skin, wash up with mild soap once a day, or more often if you do any vigorous exercise. Using soap that contains harsh detergents or strong scents can leave your skin dry and dull-looking. [2]XResearch sourcePart of being pretty is smelling nice, so put on deodorant and/or antiperspirant after you shower each day. You can also wear a light spritzing of perfume or body spray if you like, but remember to go easy so it doesn’t smell too overwhelming.[3]XResearch sourceIf you’re concerned about visible body hair, try shaving your armpits and legs before you wear clothing that exposes those areas.Advertisement
3Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and apply moisturizer twice a day. Every morning when you wake up and at night before you go to bed, wash your face to remove acne-causing dirt and oil from your skin. Gently pat your face dry with a soft cloth, then apply a thin layer of a lightweight facial moisturizer to keep your skin looking hydrated and vibrant.[4]XResearch sourceBe sure to use a cleanser that’s specifically made for use on the face. The skin there is more sensitive than the skin on your body, so regular body soap can be too harsh.Choose a cleanser and moisturizer that are formulated for your skin type. For instance, if you have oily skin, you might use a foaming cleanser and a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. If you have dry skin, you might use a hydrating gel cleaner and a rich cream moisturizer.
4Exfoliate your skin every 1-2 weeks to remove dead skin cells. If your skin looks dull, you may need to exfoliate to get rid of any dead skin on the surface. Wet a washcloth and gently rub it over your forehead, cheeks, and chin in a circular motion. You can also exfoliate the skin on your body, especially on your elbows, knees, and feet.[5]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologistsGo to sourceThere are also a variety of exfoliating scrubs and brushes you can purchase from a drug store or beauty supply store. You can even make your own sugar scrub by mixing olive oil, honey, and sugar.
5Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Your smile makes a big impression on people when you first meet them, so be sure to keep up with your daily oral hygiene. Brush your teeth with toothpaste at least twice a day, and floss every evening before bed. In addition, see a dentist for a professional cleaning and checkup every 6 months.If your teeth are yellow, ask your dentist whether they recommend a whitening toothpaste or at-home whitening strips. You can also talk to your dentist about in-office whitening options.
6Keep your hair clean, brushed, and neatly trimmed. If you want to have great hair, find a haircut that suits your face shape and the texture of your hair. Then, take the time to style your hair at the beginning of each day. If necessary, use products like leave-in conditioner, hairspray, salt spray, or mousse to help you manage your hair’s texture, but look for products that are labeled as “greaseless” or “oil-free” so they don’t make your hair look dirty.[6]XResearch sourceIt’s best to work with your hair instead of trying to fight it. For instance, if you have curly or wavy hair, a longer haircut might keep your curls tamed, whereas a short cut might make your hair springy, so you might have to spend more time styling it each day.You don’t have to wash your hair every day unless it’s very oily. If your hair is dry, try washing it every 2-3 days instead. You can use a little dry shampoo if your hair does start to look oily between washes, however.Try to find a style that works with your hair’s length and texture. If your hair is short, you might wear it spiked up or neatly combed behind your ears, for instance. If it’s long, you might wear it in a ponytail, French braid it, or leave it down. Medium-length hair looks nice in a half-up, half-down style or in loose waves.
7Keep your nails neat and clean. When you wash your hands or take a shower, use your hands or a nail brush to clean under your fingernails. Keep your nails trimmed to the same length, and avoid biting them, picking at your cuticles, or pulling off hangnails.[7]XResearch sourceIf you’d like, you can paint your fingernails. Try a neutral shade for a subtle look, or wear your favorite color if you want to be bold![8]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to sourceIf your nails are brittle or weak, try applying a coat of nail strengthener about once a week.
8Choose makeup that accentuates your features if you wear any. You don’t necessarily have to wear makeup to be pretty, but a little bit can help you accentuate your best features while improving features you don’t like as much. However, either keep your makeup subtle or pick one feature to highlight, as doing bold makeup all over your face can be an overwhelming look.[9]XResearch sourceContouring and highlighting can help you if you wish your face, jaw, nose, or chin were smaller or larger. Apply a bronzer that’s about 2 shades darker than your natural color to areas you want to hide. You can also apply a light-colored concealer or highlighter to areas you want to draw attention to, like the tops of your cheeks or the V above your top lip.If your lips are thin, you can draw slightly outside the lines with lip liner to make them look bigger, or you can cover your lips with concealer before you apply lipstick if you want them to look smaller.Wear light eyeshadow and only apply eyeliner to only the outside of your eyes to make your eyes look bigger. Opt for dark eyeshadow and eyeliner if you want to make them look smaller.
9Wear neat clothing that fits well and flatters your body type. No matter what size you are or what type of body you have, it’s important to know what clothing flatters you the most. Opt for clothes that skim over your figure without being too tight or too baggy, and wear things that make you feel good about yourself.Try to determine what body type you have, such as pear, apple, or inverted triangle, then search online to find styles recommended for your shape. You don’t have to only wear clothes that are recommended for your body type, but using the suggestions as a guideline can make it easier to find pieces you feel good in.Always wear clean clothes that are free of wrinkles. Dirty clothes might have an odor left by sweat and old skin cells.[10]XResearch source
10Choose accessories that complement your outfit. When you finish getting dressed each day, try to find an accessory that you can add, like a pretty necklace, bracelet, or handbag. This simple touch can help you look more stylish and put-together.[11]XResearch sourceHair accessories, like a headband, barrette, hair bow, typically add a pretty touch to an outfit.If you wear glasses, look for a pair that suits your face shape. For instance, you might balance a round face with square frames, or a square face with round frames, while cat-eye frames might work best if you have a triangular face. If you have a heart-shaped face, show it off with rimless frames.[12]XResearch sourceAdvertisementMethod 2Method 2 of 3:Taking Care of Your Body
1Exercise 2-3 times a week to stay healthy and fit. A few times a week, make an effort to get out and go for a walk, jog, or swim, or make a visit to the gym. You can also get involved in a sport or a hobby you like. As long as you keep your body healthy and strong, you’re always going to look your best. [13]XResearch sourceIf it’s hard for you to leave home to exercise, play upbeat songs and dance around your living room or bedroom for a few minutes every day!
2Eat a low-fat, nutrient-rich diet to help you look and feel great. If you’re not getting the right nutrients, your skin might look dull and pale and you may have dark circles under your eyes. To ensure you’re getting everything you need from your diet, avoid processed sugars, eats lots of fruits and vegetables, opt for whole grains, and enjoy lean proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, and lentils.[14]XTrustworthy SourceUS Department of Health and Human ServicesFederal department responsible for improving the health and well-being of AmericansGo to sourceFor healthy, glowing skin, choose foods that are rich in antioxidants, like carrots, spinach, tomatoes, berries, peas, beans, salmon, and nuts.
3Stand up straight with your shoulders back and your head high. Whenever you catch yourself slouching or looking at the ground, remind yourself to stand up straight and look people in the eye. Having good posture helps you project confidence, which will make you look more attractive. In addition, having good posture can help you feel more alert and energized.[15]XResearch sourceWhen you’re sitting up, like when you’re at your desk at school or at the dinner table, sit straight in your chair with your shoulders back and your lower back slightly curved in. This is a natural position for your spine. Use lumbar pillows or cushions to help you maintain this position when you’re relaxing, as well.[16]XResearch source
4Try relaxation techniques to cope with stress. Stress can make you look tired and worried, so if you want to look pretty, it’s important to learn healthy techniques for managing stress as it arises. When you’re dealing with a difficult situation, you might try deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to center yourself, for instance. It may also help to vent to a close friend or family member.[17]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to sourceIf you’re regularly feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, you may have too many responsibilities on your plate. Ask your family and friends for help, and practice saying no when someone asks you to do something that will cause you to be stretched too thin.
5Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when you go outside. Over time, damage from the sun’s rays can cause your skin to be dry and dull, and it can even lead to wrinkles. Any time you’re going outside, cover all of your exposed skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30.[18]XTrustworthy SourceUS Food and Drug AdministrationU.S. government agency responsible for promoting public healthGo to sourceYou can also help protect your skin by wearing loose clothing, hats, and sunglasses.Remember, you’re still exposed to the sun’s rays on a cloudy day, so don’t skip sunscreen just because it’s overcast.
6Drink plenty of water each day. Staying hydrated will help keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant. Your exact hydration needs will vary depending on your age, size, and activity level. However, a good guideline is that if you’re a woman, you should try to drink about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of water every day, or about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) if you’re a man.[19]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to sourceTry carrying a refillable water bottle with you to help you remember to drink water wherever you go.If you’re concerned there won’t be clean water where you’re going, bring along a water bottle that contains a filter.
7Get 8-10 hours of sleep every night if you’re between 14 and 18. Try to go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time every morning, since sticking to a regular schedule can help you sleep better. Also, make sure it’s dark, quiet, and cool in your room when you go to bed each night.[20]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to sourceIf you’re 6-13 years old, you need about 9-11 hours of sleep. If you’re over 18, you need 7-9 hours.Getting enough sleep will help you look refreshed each day. In addition, you’ll be in a better mood, which can also help you seem more attractive.AdvertisementMethod 3Method 3 of 3:Cultivating Beauty from the Inside
1Avoid comparing yourself to others, especially media portrayals of beauty. It can be really hard, but don’t allow yourself to fall into the trap of believing you need to look like a TV star or model in order to be pretty. Instead, appreciate the natural beauty you can see in yourself and others.[21]XResearch sourceBy paying attention to the things you find attractive about others, it may be easier for you to find things you like about yourself, as well.Remember, the images you see in magazines, movies, billboards, and TV are often shot after a lot of work with a hair and makeup artist, wardrobe person, and a lighting specialist, and they’re often shot from specific flattering angles. The image might even be edited to remove any “flaws” on the model. If you hold yourself up to this standard, it will be nearly impossible to feel good about yourself.
2Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with constructive ones. If your opinion about how you look is affecting your self-esteem, you might struggle with negative thinking. It can be really hard, but when you’re thinking bad things about yourself, try to switch to a positive, factual thought instead. For instance, you might focus on a few of your best qualities, or you could look for a solution if you’re concerned about a problem that you can change.[22]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to sourceFor instance, instead of thinking, “I don’t look like a model, so no one will ever love me,” you might tell yourself, “I’m really funny and I’m a great friend, and people really like being around me.”If you find yourself thinking something like, “I hate my hair,” try to think of something constructive, like, “I need to figure out the haircut that will work best for my hair’s texture. Maybe I can try growing it out for a while, and in the meantime, I’ll save up for a trip to a nice salon.”
3Be kind to the people you meet. In order to let your inner beauty to shine through, treat others with compassion and love. Look for the good in them, and celebrate it. Give genuine compliments to your family and friends, and be a supportive listener when someone is going through a hard time.[23]XResearch sourceIf you’re beautiful on the inside, you’re going to seem more attractive on the outside.
4Smile when you’re around others. Not only will smiling make you seem more attractive, but it might even make you feel happier. People almost always look prettier when they’re happy, so this is an easy way to brighten up your look any time.[24]XResearch sourceIf you don’t feel like smiling, at least try to keep a pleasant expression on your face whenever you want to look pretty.
5Prioritize relationships with people who make you feel good about yourself. Don’t waste your time around people who put you down or say negative things about your appearance. Instead, make an effort to reach out and spend time with people who make you feel good. Then, you’ll be too busy having a good time with them to worry about what anyone else thinks, anyway![25]XTrustworthy SourceHelpGuideNonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.Go to sourceIf you can’t avoid being around someone who says unkind things, like a family member or a coworker, practice standing up for yourself, instead. For instance, if someone calls you unattractive, you might say, “Stop saying that. It’s rude and it makes me uncomfortable.”Advertisement
