There are many changes you can make to improve your physical appearance, but ultimately, if you don't have good self-esteem, you will feel unattractive regardless of your look. Improving yourself aesthetically can energize you for some time, but the most important steps to change in the long run are to look within and cultivate greater confidence. With an integral approach that allows you to focus on both your interior and your exterior, you will have more satisfying and lasting results.
Steps
Part 1 of 7: Look Inward
Step 1. Ask yourself why you want to improve your physical appearance
Do you want to do it for yourself or for someone else? What do you hope to achieve from this change?
If you are looking to change your look in hopes of attracting someone, try not to lose sight of yourself as you go through the following steps. Only do what you feel is right for you
Step 2. Identify what you like and what you hate about your physical appearance
In general, it is easier to identify the parts of yourself that are not particularly liked, but it is important to define the positive aspects as well.
Once you understand what you like best about yourself, think about how you can take advantage of it
Step 3. Try to be realistic about what you can actually change
It can be helpful to make a list of what you like and what you hate, and then realistically consider what you can really change.
For example, you can't change your height, but if you want, you can give the illusion of being taller by wearing high heels (if you're a woman) or shoes with thicker soles (this applies to both genders). To have an apparently slimmer physique, it is also possible to use some tricks in terms of clothing and hairstyles (for example, short people should avoid wearing very long hair or jackets that reach below the knee, since they can make the figure squat)
Step 4. Learn to love your unique features
Maybe you hate almost everything about your physical appearance, but from an aesthetic point of view it is not only what is considered canonically beautiful that counts. As you go through the following steps, try to move at least one of your characteristics from the list of things you don't like to that of things you like.
You may hate having particularly thick hair, but with a cut, products and hairstyle that are right for you, you will be able to transform the situation and truly appreciate what you can do with your hair
Step 5. Don't lose sight of yourself
In theory, improving your physical appearance means letting your true essence shine. The point is not to fall within a standard of beauty imposed by society. Remember this well as you are on the path to improve your exterior.
Maybe you really feel like yourself when you leave your hair and skin natural, wearing neutral clothing. Maybe you would really feel like yourself with extravagantly colored hair, piercings, and unique hand-sewn garments. Don't let society dictate how you should evolve - only you can know what's best for you
Step 6. Be kind to yourself
For someone it is enough to have a new haircut to feel better in their own skin; for others, the process can be much longer and more difficult. Remember that everyone has self-esteem issues at one time or another and fails to cultivate healthy habits. The key is to be optimistic and, above all, tolerant of yourself.
If you decide that playing sports more often must become part of this improvement program, being tolerant of yourself means being realistic about what you can do. For example, if you don't train regularly, start doing it twice a week and continue from this starting point. Being tolerant also means not feeling guilty for missing a workout or making a mistake. You just have to acknowledge it, forgive yourself, and make a commitment to start over the next day
Step 7. Create a realistic action plan
Having a concrete idea of your goals will help you stay focused and not lose sight of the final goal. When making an action plan, try not to set too many goals at once. If you try to make many changes at once, you risk getting overwhelmed by everything; as a result, you will hardly be able to keep up with all the aspects you intend to change.
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If you decide you want to lose weight, improve the condition of your skin and sleep better, you will need to implement these changes by changing your lifestyle step by step.
For example, you can start by exercising twice a week and making a commitment to wash your face twice a day with an appropriate cleanser (i.e. suitable for your skin type, which can be dry, normal, combination or acne-prone). Implement these changes in the first two weeks
Step 8. Write the plan
Considering the reasons and strategies you have for improving your appearance, keep track of your thoughts and moods in a journal. Write your action plan, so you can have it as a reference point for your journey.
Keep updating it as you develop new habits aimed at improving your appearance. This will help you gauge what works and what doesn't
Step 9. Be realistic and patient
Unless you have unlimited funds or are willing to undergo surgery, the results will not be immediate. To improve your long-term appearance, lifestyle changes need to be lasting. Give yourself the time and space you need. Remember that each individual path is unique because it depends on personal goals and situations.
Part 2 of 7: Being fit
Step 1. Drink lots of water
Many overlook this very important step. Maintaining good hydration not only improves skin texture, it also helps you focus and be full of energy. In addition, it is useful for promoting weight loss.
- The amount of water to drink varies depending on several factors, but on average we recommend eight 8-ounce glasses per day.
- To understand if you are well hydrated, check the color of your urine, which should be clear or very clear. Dark urine indicates severe dehydration.
Step 2. Eat healthy
There is no absolute correct diet, everyone has different needs that depend on their body and its reactions. Basically, you need to get enough protein (lean meats or, alternatively, nuts), healthy fats (like extra virgin olive oil and avocado), and other nutrients from fruits and vegetables. You need to avoid processed foods and sugar as much as possible.
- If you are lactose intolerant, vegetarian, vegan, celiac or have special dietary needs, it is useful to consult a nutritionist for a tailor-made diet.
- Remember that changing your diet does not mean staying on a diet. Unless you are being followed by a nutritionist because you have to lose a lot of pounds, avoid cutting out calories or otherwise healthy food just to lose weight. Do-it-yourself diets are sadly famous because they almost never succeed. Among other things, when you go hungry and feel exhausted because you don't eat well, you have less energy and it will be more difficult to face the change with determination.
Step 3. Focus on your health and how you feel, not your weight
Instead of weighing yourself every morning, think about how your bones feel, how your brain feels, consider your energy. Unless you have a medical condition, over time you will realize that these healthy changes will improve your mental and physical state.
- If you have a medical condition, be sure to see a specialist and get their approval before making any lifestyle changes.
- If you are 180cm tall and want to weigh 50kg like your favorite actress, try to be realistic. A weight like that wouldn't be healthy for your height, you'd be skinny.
Step 4. Exercise
Choose workouts that you enjoy and that are effective for the body. Slowly introduce them into your lifestyle. If you already train twice a week, try to organize your schedule to add another session. To get good results, you need to mix flexibility, strength and cardiovascular exercises.
- Essentially, you need to plan to be active at least 30 minutes a day, with longer, more intense workouts 3-5 times a week.
- By choosing interesting activities, playing sports will be less tiring and more rewarding. You could sign up for a dance class or join a team.
- If you have knee problems, try not to run: it would be better to swim.
Step 5. Meditate
Meditation helps you build stronger contact with your mind and body. Not only will it help you focus on your goals, it will also allow you to cultivate greater inner peace and tranquility. It will therefore be easier to accept yourself for who you are, regardless of your path.
Step 6. Get enough sleep
When little sleep becomes a bad habit, it is impossible to give your all. This is reflected in the mood, body language (hunched back, drooping eyelids) and skin (dark circles, bags under the eyes); as a result, you end up looking less attractive. Try to sleep 7-9 hours a night and have some regularity (for example, always sleep from 11 pm to 7 am).
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If you have trouble sleeping, you may find progressive muscle relaxation helpful.
After lying down in bed, close your eyes and breathe deeply, consciously engaging the body. Starting at the top of your head and working your way down your body, contract the muscles, then relax them. To be more precise, follow this order: forehead, eyebrows, eyes, cheeks, nose, mouth, jaw, neck, shoulders, arms, forearms, hands, fingers (make a fist), chest, upper belly, lower part of the belly, pelvis, buttocks, thighs, knees, calves, ankles, feet, toes. Once you are done, contract your entire body and hold the position for a second before relaxing
- For those who work from home, it can be difficult to make a transition from professional commitments to rest, especially if the rooms are small and there is no dedicated corner for office hours. If you suffer from insomnia, it is important to dedicate a specific area to rest, nothing else. Don't bring work into this space. The bed must be sacred.
- Essential oils and herbs can also be useful for relaxing before bed. You can use essential oils like lavender and neroli or a plant like valerian root. If you decide to take supplements, consult your doctor or other specialist to make sure they do not interact with other products you take or with a particular condition.
Step 7. Give yourself a whim
If you are working hard to improve your physical appearance, you probably tend to struggle with various self-esteem issues. In any case, while not fighting, you will realize that it is a complicated path. Make sure you take the time to reward yourself for your hard work.
How to reward yourself? You can buy a new outfit, treat yourself to a day at a spa, buy a video game you like (as long as you don't take away the time you should be playing sports), save money, or pay for that expensive gym class you want to do. weather
Part 3 of 7: Improving the Skin
Step 1. Buy a facial cleanser suitable for your skin type
Almost all brands make it easier to choose, as product labels specifically indicate their function.
In general, you will see four types of cleansers: for normal skin (occasionally imperfections may appear, but without causing too many problems), mixed (often the cheeks are dry, while the forehead, nose and chin are oily), oily or tendency acneic, dry or sensitive (sometimes chapped, often sensitive to scented cleansers)
Step 2. Wash your face twice a day
Gently massage it. Do not rub it, otherwise you risk irritating the skin, causing blemishes or making existing ones worse.
Step 3. After washing your face, apply a toner
Once the cleansing is complete, dab a toner with a cotton pad. This product helps to balance the pH of the skin (acid-base balance) and gives it a healthier appearance. Avoid tonics containing alcohol - they can dry out and irritate the skin.
Step 4. After washing your face and applying the toner, moisturize it
Just like with cleansers, the various brands specify the function of each cream on the package.
Step 5. Exfoliate your skin once a week
Exfoliation removes dead cells and revives the complexion. If you have severe acne, you should completely avoid this step, since the friction can irritate the skin, while the exfoliator can carry bacteria from the pimples to other areas.
Step 6. Buy a cream to combat impurities
Have tea tree oil or a cream containing salicylic acid available - this will come in handy when you have pimples. Don't try to squeeze them, as it will only make the situation worse.
Step 7. Treat severe acne
If the situation has become unmanageable and you have more than one problem keeping it under control, it is a good idea to consult your primary care physician and seek advice from a dermatologist. This specialist can help you understand the cause, and then prescribe a treatment to reduce it and perhaps get rid of it permanently.
- Your dermatologist can prescribe oral medications, a topical cream, or a combination of both treatments.
- If you are a man and you shave, try to run the razor in the same direction of hair growth to avoid irritation causing blemishes.
Step 8. Apply sunscreen
Many moisturizers have an SPF of 15 or 30. Just read the product label: it should say "SPF 15" or "SPF 30". When you buy a sunscreen cream, make sure it has a non-comedogenic formulation (i.e. it does not clog pores), especially if you are going to use it on the face. Avoid those containing oily substances.
Step 9. Apply concealer to your face
If the condition of your skin makes you enormously uncomfortable, try using a tinted moisturizer or concealer. There are products suitable for both men and women. Prefer non-comedogenic ones designed for your skin type (which can be normal, combination, oily or acne-prone, dry or sensitive).
- To specifically cover a pimple or a red area of the face, try dabbing a pinch of green concealer before applying one that suits your complexion.
- Remember that wearing makeup can make acne worse, although some products promise to help fight it.
Step 10. Try to have healthy eyes
In this way they will enhance the complexion. Combat bags and dark circles with creams and / or a concealer. Reduce redness with eye drops.
If you have an eye condition, consult your ophthalmologist before using the eye drops
Part 4 of 7: Having a Pleasant Smell
Step 1. Take a shower every day
Unless you have skin problems (such as extremely dry skin) or other external impediments, wash yourself daily. Try to wash and rinse your body thoroughly, especially those parts that sweat the most (i.e. armpits and genitals).
When choosing a soap, it's common to be tempted by more scented products, but intense fragrances can irritate the skin. Buying a soap that is neutral or designed for your skin type is safer (for example, if you have oily skin and acne on your back, you should opt for a product suitable for oily and acne-prone skin)
Step 2. Brush your teeth at least twice a day
If they are healthy and you have no problems with enamel, you can use a whitening toothpaste. If you have slightly transparent teeth, it is best to buy a mild toothpaste with properties that help repair the enamel.
Step 3. Floss at least once a day
This allows you to remove food residues and plaque from the teeth. They will therefore be healthier, and their breath will also improve.
Step 4. Use the deodorant
There is a wide range of deodorants designed for different purposes. If you want to be especially careful, avoid those containing aluminum: according to some studies, they can be carcinogenic.
Step 5. Do your laundry regularly
Make sure you have clean and, if necessary, ironed clothes (for example, dress shirts and trousers should be ironed after washing).
- It is a good idea to wash your underwear and sportswear after each use (with the exception of bras, which you can wear several times before washing them). Wash your shirts and shirts after putting them on a couple of times and depending on how much you sweat. Trousers can be washed every 5-6 uses, while coats can be washed every 1-2 months.
- Washing your pajamas regularly (after wearing them 3-4 times) can also help you avoid acne (if it affects other parts of the body besides the face).
Step 6. Use perfume or cologne
Look for a fragrance that you consider unique and yours. Different categories of aromas adapt to different pHs. The ideal would be to go to a stocked perfumery and try various scents until you find the right one. After you spray one on your skin, wait at least an hour to draw conclusions, as the smell can change over time.
- The fragrances are divided into different olfactory families: aromatic (herbs / spices), powdery (musk, patchouli, bergamot), citrus (pungent smells like grapefruit or mandarin), floral (they taste of fresh flowers; remember that floral and fruity notes often overlap), leathery (dry, bitter and intense notes, often combined with floral and pungent aromas), oriental (musk, vanilla, amber, exotic woods, perhaps combined with floral and spicy notes) and woody (warm aromas, sandalwood, cedar, balsamic notes often accompanied by aromatic and citrus fragrances).
- Try not to overdo it with cologne or perfume. It would be better to avoid using the product directly than to overdo it. If you're not sure how much to use, start small, just a few sprinkles. You can also try to mist it in front of you and then go through the perfume cloud.
Step 7. Freshen your breath
When you have to meet someone and think you have bad breath, try chewing on a couple of mints or using a spray to freshen them up. If you decide to chew gum, be sure to throw it out before an important meeting - many find this sound rude and / or annoying, and some even think it shows little class.
Part 5 of 7: Dress Up
Step 1. Define your style
Perhaps you have already figured out who you are and how you want to look outwardly. If you don't have a clue, though, it can be useful to start keeping a style journal, and maybe you can even create folders online to keep photos that inspire you. To define your look, you need to consider clothes and hairstyles (even makeup, if you use it) that best represent you.
- Do you have an eccentric or discreet style? Are you outgoing and do you like being the center of attention? Do you like to be noticed, but prefer to wear neutral clothes and then surprise others with your personality?
- Sometimes it is necessary to remember that it is not always possible to find a perfect style, as economic or professional limitations can come into play. For example, if you are a nurse, you need to stick to a specific uniform, even if that doesn't stop you from expressing your style in your spare time.
Step 2. Find out what kind of body you have
Defining the shape of your body helps to choose the right models and to highlight the parts that need to be enhanced. The types of male and female bodies are different.
- In general, women have four types of figures: apple-shaped (large breasts, prominent belly and thin legs), straight / rectangular (the waist and hips are almost the same, so it is a rather masculine physique), pear-shaped (the lower body is wider, with hips substantially wider than the bust) and hourglass (hips and breasts are the same, while the waist is narrower).
- In general, men also have four types of physique: medium (with broad shoulders that taper towards the waist), inverted triangle (athletic, with moderate / noticeable muscle definition), rectangular (thin or tight-built; the waist and shoulders have the same width) or triangle (the central part is more pronounced, while the shoulders are narrower).
Step 3. Dress according to your body type
Use clothing to enhance the parts of your body you like best. For many women, this means highlighting the waist, bust, side B or legs; many men emphasize broad shoulders, a muscular chest or a toned lower back.
- If you are a woman and have an apple shape, you should wear clothes that flatter your slender legs and distract attention from broad shoulders or a prominent belly.
- If you are a man and have a triangle physique, you need to make your shoulders look wider, and your midsection tighter. With fitted and simple shirts you are on the safe side.
Step 4. Bring colors that highlight your complexion
There are different skin colors, but as far as the undertone is concerned, there are two basic categories: warm and cold. Understanding which yours matches yours is a great place to start.
- Warm undertones are also referred to as "yellow". You can identify it by looking at the veins: if they turn green, you have a yellow undertone. The shades that recall the colors of the earth will suit you: burnt orange, cream, bright yellow, brown, dark green and dull red.
- The cool undertone is also referred to as "rosy". To understand if this is the case, look at the veins: they should look blue. Black and cool colors, such as royal blue, navy and gray, will look good on you.
Step 5. Clean up your wardrobe
After you have defined your style and figured out which clothes are the best value for you, examine your entire wardrobe and get rid of the clothes that do not fit you. If you have a good budget, test your sportswear and pajamas as well.
- Improving your physical appearance means above all cultivating good self-esteem, so it is important to always feel good about yourself, even with pajamas on.
- If you can't figure out what to throw away or keep, invite a couple of friends to give you some advice. It is also an opportunity to spend a nice evening together: invite them to dinner to thank them for their help.
Step 6. Buy only clothes, shoes and accessories that make you feel great
The sales are tempting, but you can save by buying only what suits you.
Step 7. Get help
Ask your friends to go shopping and buy new clothes. If you have a lot of trouble understanding what values you and can afford such a service, hire a personal shopper to help you out.
Step 8. Don't overlook the details
Use accessories such as watches, sunglasses, ties, necklaces, and so on. Trim your nails or do a manicure. If you are a woman, you can also try combining nail polishes with clothes. It's the details that really define your style.
For example, you can always dress in black but use flashy accessories. In this case, if you are a woman, you can use a large and flamboyant necklace, but also apply a bright lipstick. If you're a man, you can spice up black with a vibrant geometry tie and vintage cufflinks
Part 6 of 7: Hair and Hair Removal
Step 1. Buy the right products for your hair
Are they thick or thin? Are they dry, oily or mixed? Do you dye them? Are they curly or straight? All these factors will affect the choice of products to buy. Fortunately, most brands (both supermarket and professional) indicate the exact function of shampoos, conditioners and masks.
Step 2. Don't wash your hair too frequently
Figure out how often you need to shampoo to keep them clean and set a schedule. Respect it with care, because otherwise you risk drying them out. In general, they should be washed when they are greasy, flat and lifeless.
Step 3. Find out what the shape of your face is
It can be square or round (the face is as wide as it is long; square faces, specifically, have an angular chin), oval (the face is longer than it is wide) or heart-shaped (the chin is pointed, while the hairline is V-shaped, also called a "widow's peak").
Step 4. Choose hairstyles based on the shape of your face
Search online or buy a trade magazine to find examples that you like and that fit the shape of your face.
- A square face can be enhanced by a strong and clean cut, like a bob at the height of the chin. Soft layered cuts are also good.
- Oval faces become more harmonious with a layered cut, regardless of length. Even bangs can make this type of face more balanced.
- Heart-shaped faces often have high cheekbones. Enhance them with a short layered cut or a long front tuft.
Step 5. Be realistic
If you have fine, straight hair and want a cut that would only suit thick and curly ones, retrace your steps. A hairdresser may be very talented, but he is certainly not a magician: he cannot completely change the texture of the hair.
Step 6. Make a good quality cut
Find out about and / or search online to find reputable hairdressers in your area. When you go to your appointment, take photos of the cuts and hairstyles you like with you, so the hairdresser will understand exactly what you want. Explain what result you want to achieve. Before it gets down to business, confirm it to clarify your goal.
Step 7. You could also dye your hair
Of course, your natural color should be perfect for the complexion, but a tint can help to enhance the eyes or to renew the look in general. As with clothing colors, you need to choose the tint based on your complexion (which can have a warm or cool undertone).
- If you have a cool undertone, you can go for dark, bold tones, such as black. If you want to splurge, try blue.
- If you have a warm undertone, it is preferable to choose colors that recall earth tones, such as red, copper or an intense and warm brown.
- If you can afford it, always let a hairdresser do the dye. This way, you can ask him for advice on the color that best suits your complexion. Also, generally the quality of the products is superior, so you will hardly damage your hair.
Step 8. Don't neglect facial hair
If you are a woman, you should pluck your eyebrows and get rid of all unwanted hair (i.e. hair that grows out of moles, mustache and chin). If you are a man, the process can be a little more elaborate: you can pluck your eyebrows, shave completely, let your mustache grow, or wear a neat beard.
If you are a man, the shape of the face is important in this case. For example, if it's in the shape of a heart, a goatee or beard can help you create balance with the upper part of the face
Step 9. Shave other parts of the body according to your needs
Many women and some men have a habit of shaving their legs and armpits, and at least plucking pubic hair. If you don't feel like doing it and / or you don't need it, no one forces you! You are working on improving your appearance according to your canons, so if the hair on your legs does not give you any problems, you have no reason to remove it.
Part 7 of 7: Exuding Confidence
Step 1. Try to have positive inner dialogues
Many have a kind of little voice in their head that discourages and always finds the negative side of things. You've probably heard it thousands of times: it tells you that you are worthless or that you are not attractive. Don't let it get you down: acknowledge its presence, but counter it with an optimistic inner dialogue.
For example, one morning you notice that your clothes are a little tight and you think, "I'm really ugly and fat. I can't believe I'm fat. I'm such a loser." Instead, think, "I recognize my negative reaction. True, my clothes are a little tight, but it's not the end of the world. I don't automatically get uglier for that. I'm not stupid, I'm not a loser. Clothes. they're just a little tight. That's all. " Then, contrast the negative thought with a positive one: "I looked great at yesterday's meeting" or "I'm proud to try to improve my image"
Step 2. Make sure you have good posture, ie you should stand straight, but without stiffening your back, with your chin tilted slightly upwards
Practice even when you sit down, avoid hunching over.
Step 3. Convey positive feelings through body language
When you talk to others, there are signs that can denote openness and attention to them:
- You smile. You don't have to laugh all the time or have a 32-tooth smile. A slight and relaxed smile is enough to show that you are happy to talk to your interlocutor.
- Look at it while keeping your chin pointing slightly down so you don't feel like you're superior.
- Avoid carrying in a completely frontal way with respect to your interlocutor; instead, stand slightly to the side so you don't look too dominant.
- Avoid making gestures that denote closing or detachment: show your palms, open your eyes, raise your eyebrows, keep your lips parted (not tightened).
Step 4. Make good eye contact
Don't overdo it to the point of staring at the other person with wide eyes or a crazy look. The important thing is to look your interlocutor in the eye when you talk to him and / or when you listen to him. Remember to blink!
Step 5. Learn to be charismatic
Having charisma means being confident (but not presumptuous), interesting, optimistic and attentive to others.
To be charismatic during a conversation, tell interesting stories, show that you have a good sense of humor, and most importantly, focus on your interlocutor. Ask him for advice, ask him appropriate questions when he tells you something. Acknowledge his views and don't criticize him
Step 6. Speak in a deep voice
According to some studies, the loudest and quietest voices are associated with submission, while the deeper ones are associated with social ancestry. Ideally, you should speak using your diaphragm, in a strong and confident manner.
- The voice can have different media and emission levels. Each of them has various effects on the listener. It can be emitted from the following parts of the body: nose (the voice is high-pitched and whining), mouth (the sound emitted is not very powerful, so it is considered to be easily ignored), chest (voice used by many men and women; it has a sound pleasant, generally can keep interest high. Does not have a negative effect, but not optimal either), diaphragm (attracts attention, is fascinating, has the strongest and most natural sound of all vocal levels).
- To learn how to speak with your diaphragm, practice deep breaths (imagine dilating your belly), not shallow (chest height). This will not only help you make your voice more beautiful, but it will also help you feel more relaxed and focused.
- If you have severe self-esteem issues due to your voice, you might want to invest in a course with a vocal coach or at least watch videos dedicated to the topic online.
Step 7. Try to have a beautiful smile
When you smile, others generally find you more friendly and approachable. The secret of a beautiful smile lies in spontaneity: this means that you should also smile with your eyes.
How you smile depends on the situation. For example, show your teeth when a photo is taken of you or talk to people at a party. Instead, use a less intense smile with closed lips if you are trying to get the attention of someone who is a few feet away
Step 8. You need to know who you are and continue to be yourself
Learn to be comfortable with yourself and not change. Self-confident people who are comfortable in their own skin have a charm that cannot be achieved with any hairstyle, treatment or training.
- When others understand that you are yourself and what to expect from you, they will be more willing to hang out with you. If they know that sometimes you are funny while others act like a pooper, they will find it difficult to have a calm approach to you.
- As you work to improve your appearance, you may find that you are inspired by certain icons or gurus, role models you want to be like. It's not necessarily wrong, as long as you don't end up comparing yourself to them and / or trying to imitate them through and through. The goal is to evolve to improve your potential, not become someone else's carbon copy.
Advice
- Treat others as you would like to be treated. Kindness and solidarity are among the most fascinating qualities of a person.
- Go to the dentist about every six months.
- Make sure you wear and do what makes you happy. If you are satisfied and believe in yourself, your beauty will naturally shine through.
