How to Look Drop Dead Gorgeous

Co-authored by Jordan Stolch and Eric McClure

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 Approved

Want to be noticed and admired for your breathtaking looks? Is “beautiful” just not enough to describe the way you want to feel about yourself when you look in the mirror? The good news is that being out-of-this-world beautiful really just comes down to effort. Anyone can raise eyebrows with their style and flair, it just takes a bit of energy to get there! Still, you should know that beauty standards are arbitrary. You don’t need to be skinny, use makeup, or dress a certain way to be drop-dead gorgeous. You certainly can if that’s what beauty means to you, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it’s your eye!

Things You Should Know

Put effort into your daily hygiene and follow a good skincare routine to make your complexion clear and bright.
Exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, and eat a healthy, balanced diet so you always look and feel your best.
Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night so you look refreshed every day, and maintain an upbeat attitude to exude positive, attractive energy.

1

Put effort into daily hygiene.

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It’s easy to overlook basic daily upkeep, but this is energy well spent. Do not skip out on the basics. It’s easy to start looking for fancy clothes or new haircuts if you want to stand out, but just taking care of the basics goes a long way.^{[1]
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- Brush your teeth twice per day. Don't brush more than that because the enamel on your teeth will start to wear. Try to floss every night, as well.
- Shower once a day. That doesn't mean you have to wash your hair every day (and sometimes you shouldn't — keep reading for more on that), but your body should be cleaned daily.
- Take care of your nails. Nails should be trimmed at least once a week; if you want, you can even try a manicure or pedicure.
- Remove unwanted body hair regularly. You don’t have to remove any body hair if you don’t want to, but if you do, stay on top of it!

2

Take care of your skin.

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Clean and clear skin is a big part of how people receive you. Having a skincare routine would not just only maintain your skin but also let people know you take good care of yourself.^{[2]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source} In addition to washing and moisturizing twice a day, avoid breakouts by keeping your hands away from your face and sleeping on clean pillowcases.^{[3]
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Research source} Spot-treat pimples using salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.^{[4]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

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- Wash your face twice daily. Even if you're super exhausted at night, try to at least take off your makeup and use a moisturizer.
- An occasional sheet mask or facial can do wonders for your complexion.
- Exfoliating your skin periodically will help it stay clean and healthy.

3

Style your hair and get regular trims.

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Choose a hairstyle that you like based on your face shape. How you wear your hair can highlight different parts of your face, so choose a style that brings out the best in you. If you have sharp cheekbones and a wide jaw, wearing your hair pulled back will make these more prominent, whereas flowing layers will make a round face seem longer.^{[5]
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Research source} The health and appearance of your hair goes a long way towards how people view you, so take care of it!^{[6]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

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- You can try braiding the side of your braid for a half-shaved look, do a messy ponytail, fishtail braid, or curl it.
- Get split ends trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks and touch up any highlights or color around the same time.

4

Apply makeup as you like.

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There’s no one way to wear makeup right, so do what makes you feel good. Choose products and looks that make you feel like the best version of yourself.^{[7]
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Research source} If you don’t have strong preferences, try the eyes-or-lips rule. This is where you focus the drama on either your eyes or your lips, but never both. If you have a great pucker and wear red lipstick to make it look amazing, skip the heavy eyeliner and eyeshadow, and do one coat of mascara. If you want to highlight your eyes, skip the bold lipstick.^{[8]
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- Investing in a good blusher can go a long way.
- If you don’t wear makeup, that’s totally fine! Remember, the goal here is to be the most drop-dead gorgeous of you, not some alternative version of yourself who wears makeup when that’s not something you would normally do.
- Even if you aren’t a big fan of lipstick, a good lip gloss will keep you looking slick. Lip balm is a great option if you want to keep your lips moisturized and looking smooth.

5

Build a wardrobe that reflects you.

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Choose clothes that reflect your personality and look good on you. What suits one drop-dead gorgeous guy or gal might not look great on you, and vice versa. In general, your goal should be to choose clothes that look flattering based on your body type. The good news is that figuring out what probably looks good on you is easier than you think.^{[9]
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Research source} Try these tips:
- Incorporate a lot of red into your wardrobe if it suits you. There’s a lot of evidence that people who wear red appear to be more physically attractive to others.^{[10]
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6

Whiten your teeth.

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Give your smile an upgrade with some teeth whitening. If your teeth aren’t quite as bright as you’d like, see your dentist and ask them about teeth whitening. They’ll be able to recommend the best product that will work for you, and they may even be able to perform an in-office whitening procedure. You can always use teeth whitening strips at home if you prefer—the impact of those treatments should last for about a year.^{[11]
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Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public

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- Use a whitening toothpaste to remove stains and gently polish your teeth to keep them white.
- There are also whitening gels and rinses if you aren’t particularly fond of the whitening strips.

7

Get a tan if you’d like.

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A subtle tan is a great way to give yourself a glow-up. Unfortunately, tanning naturally or via tanning beds can be pretty unhealthy.^{[12]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

Go to source} Your best bet is to get a quality self-tanner that is just slightly darker than your current skin shade. Just exfoliate, then gently rub the tanner into sections of your skin using circular motions. Take care to blend the color at your hands, feet, and joints.^{[13]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

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- If you are going to tan (either in the sun or in a tanning bed), you absolutely must wear sunscreen to protect your skin. Even then it’s not going to be 100% safe, but at least you’ll have some protection!^{[14]
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  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  
  Go to source}
- Using a tanning beds isn’t safer than tanning in the sun. Either practice can damage your skin, increase your risk of skin cancer, and speed up the aging of your skin.^{[15]
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  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  
  Go to source}

8

Make time for sleep.

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People refer to a long rest as “beauty sleep” for a reason! It’s hard to look your best if your body needs to rest. Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Not only will you feel better throughout the day, but you’ll actually appear more attractive to other people!^{[16]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

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- Getting plenty of sleep gives your body time to heal from all of the stress of the day. Your skin will look better, your metabolism will be more consistent, and you’ll have a generally healthier “glow.”
- If you’re sleep deprived, your eyes will appear redder and swollen. Your skin may look paler, and your mouth may droop in an unattractive way.^{[17]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  
  Go to source}

9

Exercise regularly.

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Exercise will not only make your physique look better, but it'll boost your confidence and give you energy. Try to set aside time to exercise for at least 30 minutes, 3-4 times per week, or get involved in an athletic sport you enjoy. Staying active is also essential if you want to maintain a healthy weight!^{[18]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

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10

Eat right.

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A healthy, balanced diet will keep you feeling and looking your best. Consuming a healthy mix of lean protein, fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats will keep you feeling your best.^{[19]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

Go to source} A balanced diet will also ensure that your skin stays clear and your weight remains stable, which is great if you’re trying to turn some heads!^{[20]
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- If you’re looking to lose a little bit of weight, this is really the only way to do it. Any fad diets, cleanses, and other “health hacks” are more likely to make you feel (and look) worse. Just eat healthy and stay active—there are no tricks here!^{[21]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  
  Go to source}
- If you’re a guy, incorporate some garlic and carrots into your diet. It may sound whacky, but these foods can slightly influence the color of your skin and the scent of your sweat, and studies suggest that people find these changes attractive.^{[22]
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11

Accentuate your best feature.

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Dress, style, and accessorize to draw attention to your favorite feature. If you’ve got some beautiful eyes, do your makeup to make your eyes pop! Love your hourglass figure? Rock some high-waisted jeans to make that thin waist and hips stand out even more. Whatever you think your most attractive feature is, build your style around that.^{[23]
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- Makeup really comes in handy when it comes to highlighting lips, cheekbones, or lips.
- Your hair can absolutely be your best feature. Stick with simpler tops and keep your makeup subtle to draw more attention to your hair.

12

Dress to appear a little taller.

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If you’re a bit on the shorter side, making yourself look tall may help. Simply adding an inch to your stature or giving the false appearance that you’re a little taller than you really are can reap big benefits when it comes to how other people see you.^{[24]
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Research source} Here are some ways to do it:
- Wear monochromatic outfits. If you wear outfits that are almost entirely black, gray, or white, you’ll naturally appear a little taller than you really are.^{[25]
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- Wear shoes with taller heels. You don’t even need to break out high heels if you don’t want to; just pick shoes with thicker heels that give you an extra 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm).
- Use smaller accessories. Whether it’s a purse, backpack, or umbrella, smaller accessories can give people the impression that you’re taller than you actually are.^{[26]
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13

Choose a signature scent.

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People don’t pay attention to it, but aroma plays a huge role in attraction. A lot of folks put deodorant on and just call it a day. However, good smells can put people at ease, reduce stress, and make people pay attention to you. Pick a signature cologne or perfume and wear it every day. You may not know it, but people will find you more attractive!^{[27]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

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- The “natural pheromones” thing is true—your natural body odor can be very attractive to others. However, the impact of pheromones is pretty low, and you’re much more likely to turn heads with a stronger scent.

14

Exude joy everywhere you go.

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Interior beauty is actually huge when it comes to physical attractiveness. Smile, spread the love, and choose positivity whenever you can. If someone is having a down day, build them back up with some motivational advice and compliments. People are more likely to find you physically gorgeous if you’re optimistic, kind, and compassionate, so make the world a happier place.^{[28]
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- If you struggle to stay positive, practice more gratitude. Every day, spend a few minutes listing things that you’re thankful for. You’d be surprised how big of an impact this can have on your attitude!

Have a Transformational Glow Up with this Expert Series

Are you ready for the biggest glow up of your life? It's time to care of yourself, build your confidence, and become the best version of yourself that you can be! Read these expert articles to supercharge your glow up.

1

Have a Glow Up

2

Make Yourself More Attractive

3

Get Glowing Skin in Just One Week

4

Do a Full Body Makeover

5

Look Naturally Beautiful

6

Be Confident in Your Looks

Expert Q&A

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Add New Question

Question

Does your skin tone affect which colors look best on you?

Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor
Jordan Stolch is an Image Strategist, Style Advisor, and the Founder of MiKADO - a concierge personal styling firm. With over a decade of experience, Jordan specializes in helping people eliminate the confusion and insecurities associated with how to dress in order to build a powerful image and use clothing to their strategic advantage. Jordan trains entrepreneurs, business leaders, and corporate executives in the foundations of "power dressing", from some of the country's preeminent companies such as Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Berkshire Hathaway, Universal Music Group, Starbucks, and Disney. She works with clients both in-person and virtually, teaching them how to take the confusion out of style so they can operate at a higher level. Jordan earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Waterloo and studied Merchandise Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIDM).

Jordan Stolch

Image Consultant & Style Advisor

Expert Answer

Yes, absolutely, as most people aren't divided into warm and cool tones. Knowing what skin tone you are and then being able to choose from either side of the palate will play a huge difference in the way color looks on you.

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Question

Sometimes I feel pretty, but other times I feel ugly. I always find myself comparing myself to others. I'm 17, would being a teen have something to do with this?

Community Answer

Yes, these are very normal feelings to have at your age. Teenagers are constantly comparing themselves to others. Just know that everyone else feels the same way you do, even the most confident person you know. Even adults have days they don't feel so attractive, though. Keep in mind that we are our own worst critics, and try not to focus too much on appearance. There's a million things about you that make you interesting and beautiful that have nothing to do with your looks.

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How do I get rid of natural eye bags?

Community Answer

Put some spoons in the freezer overnight. When you wake up, apply the cold spoons under your eyes. You can also use used, cooled tea bags on your eyes.

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Make sure your clothes fit the way you want them to look. Unless you’re going for a specific style, your clothes shouldn’t be too baggy or painfully tight.

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Avoid over-styling your hair. One or two days a week, give your hair a break from blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners.

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Consume more of vitamin C, which is good for your skin (and the rest of your body). It can be found in strawberries, peppers, broccoli, kiwis, citrus fruits, and other natural sources.
Never go to sleep with makeup on—it can clog up your pores and contribute to acne.
Feel free to use dry shampoo on the days when it's not necessary to wash your hair.

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