5 Tips on How to Be Beautiful

As much as I firmly believe that way too much emphasis is placed on physical attributes in our culture, and also think that the media definitely creates unrealistic standards of beauty (I’m supposed to hold down a full-time job and look like a Photoshopped celebrity who has a personal chef and trainer? I don’t think so), I also definitely feel more confident when I’m happy about the way I look. It’s an inescapable part of being human, no matter how much we might be aware of our culture’s perverse fascination with looking “perfect.”

1. Be Confident

This is something I’ve written about before as well. Confidence can instantly make you a more magnetic person. According to Harvard psychologist Craig Malkin, it’s because confident people are more likely to engage in behavior that inspires trust in other people, like solid eye contact and open body language, as well as are more likely to be open and say what they mean. So even if you’re naturally on the shyer side, try to fake it ’til you make it on those nights when you want to feel super cute.

We’re all our own worst critic when it comes to the way we look, which is why some quick, scientifically-proven ways to look better can be just the thing to help melt away our insecurities. So throw on that red dress, pump up your hair, and remember that you look awesome.

2. Mimic

That’s right — a study featured in the Social Psychology Bulletin simply subtly mimicking the person we’re talking to can increase your attractiveness. So the next time you’re in conversation with someone you’re really into, be sure to pay attention to their body language and respond with a similar gesture or posture.

3. Have Red Lipstick Handy

The same Business Insider piece noted that a University of Manchester study found that our lips are considered to be one of our most attractive and arousing facial features. It also found that drawing attention to them with red lipstick means they will be stared at for an average of seven seconds longer. So if you’re looking to feel your sexiest, go with the red!

4. Take Care Of Your Skin