How to Look Good Every Day

A guide to look better instantly and boost your self-confidence

Co-authored by Shelley Golden and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: November 8, 2024 Fact Checked

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.

How to Look Better: Easy Tips

Smile more to look friendly and approachable.
Stand up straight to maintain confident body language.
Get a new haircut that flatters your face shape.
Use a self-tanner to give yourself a healthy glow.
Whiten your teeth with whitening strips or a professional treatment.
Wash your face with cleanser and apply moisturizer daily.
Take the time to dress well and wear clothes that suit your body type.
Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day to keep you fit and toned.

1

Smile more.

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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.

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Self-esteem can give you an incredible makeover.^{[2]
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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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Mind
U.K.-based mental health charity focused on providing advice and resources to anyone facing mental health problems.

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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.

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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.

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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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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

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- Try not to go too dark too fast. Too much self-tanner runs the risk of looking orange.

5

Whiten your teeth.

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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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American Dental Association
World's largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health

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- Whitening your teeth can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, so use caution if you already have sensitive teeth.

6

Take care of your skin.

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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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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

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- 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.

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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.
EXPERT TIP

Alena Le Blanc
Personal Stylist
Alena Le Blanc is the Personal Stylist and the Founder of Le Blanc Label. Based in San Francisco, California, Le Blanc Label is the leading personal stylist brand for sustainable style transformations. Alena and her team specialize in seasonal wardrobe refreshes, closet edits, styling for special events, travel, photoshoots, and general personal needs. Alena has been featured in podcasts including EMPOWERED BY WMN, I Am Fearless, and Mind Power Meets Mystic. Alena received her BFA in Fashion and Apparel Design from the Academy of Art University.

Alena Le Blanc
Personal Stylist

Try out different styles and looks. In a style rut? Identify the image you want to cultivate. Prioritize purchasing high-quality garments and learn about fabrics and construction to make informed choices. Most importantly, don't be afraid to try new styles that flatter your body and make you feel confident.

8

Exercise every day.

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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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Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public

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- Not only will exercising keep you looking good, it also releases endorphins to make you feel good, too.

9

Eat a balanced diet.

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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.

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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.

Join the Discussion...

Best tips on how to be more attractive

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WikiAxolotlDancer711

I know "beauty is subjective" but what are some actionable steps I can take to be just generally better-looking/attractive to others? I don't thi... Read More

WikiMistRider890

Surefire ways to become more attractive:
1. Practice being more confident (not cocky). Notice I said practice: it's something you develop by... Read More

WikiMountainCat42

If you have some friends with decent style who can be brutally honest with you, get them to help you figure out how you can be more attractive! I... Read More

See all 3 Replies and

Read Discussion

Common Questions: Tips for Always Looking Your Best

How can I look cute naturally?

Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly for a natural glow and a boost in confidence. Smile and be positive so you’re always spreading good vibes. Wear bright colors and clothing that reflects your own personal style. Wearing red in particular can make you look more attractive (regardless of gender).^{[12]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK

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How do you get a better-looking face?

Upping your skincare game is an easy way to make your face more attractive without using makeup or cosmetic procedures. First, avoid smoking, which can make your skin look dull. Use a gentle face wash twice daily and follow up with a moisturizer formulated for your skin type. Always wear sunscreen outdoors.^{[13]
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How do you look good in school?

Give yourself plenty of time to get ready in the morning and don’t skimp on your hygiene routine. Wear clean clothes that fit you well and reflect your personal style. Try to be a positive and kind person who greets everyone with a smile. Act confident since this can make a big impact on your attractiveness.^{[14]
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American Heart Association
Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education

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Tips

If you love yourself, other people will gravitate towards you. Nothing is more attractive than a happy, healthy attitude.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

When buying clothes and accessories, choose pieces that are versatile rather than trendy so you can mix and match them into multiple outfits over time. This saves money while keeping your style fresh.
Good posture projects confidence and makes you look better. Stand up straight with your shoulders back. Remind yourself throughout the day if needed that confidence starts from within.
Before a special event, carve out time to properly prep — trim your nails, groom your hair, and apply moisturizer. Feeling put together will boost your confidence.
Pay attention to fit and tailoring. Well-fitting clothes that are properly tailored to your body type are the foundation of polished style, no matter your budget.
Find a style icon who embodies an aesthetic you admire, then use magazines and social media to get ideas for putting together outfits inspired by their look.
Fragrance is powerful. Find a signature scent that makes you feel happy and confident when you wear it.

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