How to Be Good Looking

Co-authored by Shelley Golden and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: September 24, 2022 References Approved

Looks may not be everything, but it sure doesn't hurt to be easy on the eyes. Fortunately, there’s a lot more to looks than what’s in your genes (or your jeans, for that matter). By making a few changes to your daily habits, you can boost your self-esteem and make sure you look great every day.

1

Smile more.

Make yourself look friendly and approachable. Walking around with a constant frown is like wearing a "Keep Away" sign. Even a little smile will brighten your face, making you look friendlier and, thus, more attractive. You don’t have to have a huge grin on your face every day (that’s a little scary), but a small, pleasant smile can make you look more approachable and attractive.^{[1]
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- Studies also show that smiling can make you look younger.
- Smiling a lot can also help boost your mood and make you feel happier.

2

Keep confident body language.

Self-esteem can give you an incredible makeover.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Shelley Golden
Personal Branding Image Consultant & Personal Stylist
Expert Interview. 10 July 2020.} Put your chin up and keep your spine straight. Push your shoulders back and try to look everyone in the eye as you talk to them. When you’re standing, spread your feet into a wide stance. The more confidence you exude, the better you’re going to look.^{[3]
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- Look more approachable by keeping your arms uncrossed.
- Even if you don’t feel totally confident, you can fake it until you make it. Before you know it, you’ll actually feel more confident than when you started.

3

Get a new haircut.

The right haircut can open up your face and refresh your style. Choose something that flatters your face. For men, round faces look handsome with tapered fades or mid fades with a pompadour, square faces look good with buzzcuts and side-swept parts, oval faces look strong with undercuts, and heart-shaped faces look good with long fringe and a lot of volume up top. For women, round faces look great with angular haircuts, square faces look good with lots of soft layers, oval faces look awesome with blunt bangs, and heart-shaped faces look great with swooped bangs. If you’re not sure what to get, talk with your hair stylist to figure out what’s right for you.^{[4]
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- Don’t be surprised by the price tag—a good haircut can cost upwards of $100 in a salon.

4

Use a self-tanner.

Give yourself a healthy glow all year round. While indoor tanning beds are dangerous (and can increase your risk for skin cancer), a spray tan isn’t risky at all. You can get one professionally done or use a self-tanning lotion at home for a bronzed, glowy look.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Try not to go too dark too fast. Too much self-tanner runs the risk of looking orange.

5

Whiten your teeth.

Make those pearly whites shine again. If your teeth are looking a little dingy or yellow, head to the store and pick up a package of white strips. If you have any harsh stains or discoloration, make an appointment with your dentist for a professional whitening treatment. White teeth can make you look younger and more attractive right away!^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
American Dental Association
World's largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health
Go to source}
- Whitening your teeth can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, so use caution if you already have sensitive teeth.

6

Take care of your skin.

A good skincare routine can make you look glowy. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and warm water, then dab on a moisturizer. If you have oily skin or you’re prone to breakouts, try using products with azelaic acid in them. If you’re noticing wrinkles or dark marks on your skin, try an anti-aging cream that contains retinoids.^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Add sunscreen on top of everything to protect your skin from UV rays. SPF 30 or higher will keep your skin looking young and fresh for much longer.

7

Take the time to dress well.

Pick a style and go for clothes that fit. First, think of a style or a person you want to emulate: maybe you like the skater aesthetic, or perhaps you’re going for a more business casual vibe. Then, look online for inspiration as you pick out pieces. You don’t have to spend a ton on a new wardrobe—you might be surprised at what you find in your very own closet.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Shelley Golden
Personal Branding Image Consultant & Personal Stylist
Expert Interview. 10 July 2020.}
- As you pick out clothes, make sure they flatter your body type and fit you well.

8

Exercise every day.

It will keep you fit, toned, and good looking. There’s no need to bulk up and gain a ton of muscle, but aim for getting 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day. You could try running, jogging, swimming, biking, hiking, or doing yoga to keep your body in shape. Focus on feeling good in your own body, not conforming to anyone else’s beauty standards.^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
Go to source}
- Not only will exercising keep you looking good, it also releases endorphins to make you feel good, too.

9

Eat a balanced diet.

The right nutrition can clear your skin and make you look great. Try to eat plenty of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as you make your meals. In particular, vitamin C, vitamin E, healthy plant fats, and fish are all great for your skin, and they can help you look glowy and more attractive.^{[10]
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- You can find vitamin C in most citrus fruits, like oranges, limes, and lemons.
- Get your vitamin E from nuts, seeds, fruits, and veggies.
- Healthy plant fats come from avocados, canola oil, olive oil, peanuts, and flaxseeds.

10

Emphasize your features with makeup.

It’s not a necessity, but it can help you feel more confident. To cover up blemishes and make your skin look glowy, try a light BB cream or a tinted moisturizer. Add some mascara and a bit of lip gloss for an everyday look that can’t be beat. Or, go all out glam with full coverage foundation, fun eyeshadow, falsies, and bold lipstick. Just like your clothes, your makeup should enhance your natural features and be appropriate for the occasion.^{[11]
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- If you’ve never worn makeup before and you want to try it out, look up some online tutorials on YouTube.
- You don’t have to break your bank to buy expensive makeup products. Most drug stores have the basics, and you can start with those as you learn how to apply them.

Community Q&A

Question

What if being 'yourself' is not attractive?

Community Answer

If people don't like you for who you are, then forget them. There is someone out there that will like you for who you are.
Question

How can I look good without makeup?

Community Answer

Moisturizer is a must and sunscreen helps to prevent aging of your skin. You can also wear a tinted lip balm to keep your lips healthy and looking good.
Question

How many times should I wash my face every day?

Community Answer

Once a day is often sufficient, but if you wash your face in the morning and come home feeling dirty, then perhaps twice a day, to freshen up at both ends of the day.