PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Once you hit the preteen years, it's normal to start caring a little more about your appearance. Luckily, you probably already have a natural, pretty glow—but it's perfectly okay if you want to start experimenting with your clothes, hair, skincare, and makeup. Just remember at this stage, less is usually more. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you look your very best!

  1. It's fine if you don't feel like smiling all the time! But, when you really want to make a good impression, put on a smile so you can come across as friendly and open.
    • If you're having a hard time smiling because you feel overwhelmed or stressed, try to find an activity that helps you relax—like playing a sport, hanging out with friends, or taking a long bath. If those things don't help, try talking about your feelings to your parents or another adult you trust.
  2. Advertisement
2

Experiment with natural-looking makeup.

PDF download Download Article
  1. When you first start wearing makeup, it's tempting to try to recreate some of the dramatic looks you see on Insta or your favorite stars. As a pre-teen, though, you'll probably look your very best when you keep your makeup subtle—if you wear it at all.[1] Here are a few basics you can try:
    • Use concealer to cover acne spots, or dark spots under your eyes.[2]
    • Opt for tinted moisturizer or BB cream if you need to even out your skin tone.
    • Try a cream or powder blush to add a little color to the roundest part of your cheeks.
    • Use an eyelash curler to make your lashes stand out.
    • Finish your look with clear or tinted lip gloss or balm—save lipstick for special occasions.
3

Style your hair every day.

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's up to you how much effort you want to put in—you might feel perfectly confident just running a comb through your hair before you head out the door, and that's fine! But if you want to add a little extra to your look, try out a fun style like a low ponytail, messy bun, pulled-back braids, or wearing your hair half up and half down.
    • If your hair is shorter, try using a little mousse to keep it in place throughout the day. You could also use barrettes or headbands for a more feminine look.
    • Try to embrace your hair's texture—if it's curly or thick, for instance, look for styles that look best with a lot of volume, like an updo or puffs.
  2. Advertisement
5

Wear clothes that help you feel comfortable and confident.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Typically your clothes are going to be the most flattering if they skim neatly over your body, rather than being overly baggy or super-tight.[3] And remember—if a certain fit doesn't work for you, it does not mean there's anything wrong with your body! Just keep trying on different styles until you find what looks best on you.[4]
    • Feel free to play with different looks—if you feel like wearing a T-shirt and jeans one day and a dress the next, that's totally fine. It's all part of figuring out who you are![5]
    • Don't give in to the pressure to dress provocatively. It might get you a lot of attention in the short term, but it's better to be well-known for being awesome at math, incredible at kickball, or someone your friends can always count on.[6]
    • Wear supportive, comfortable undergarments that don't show under your clothes. If your chest starts developing, you may prefer the support that comes from wearing a bra.
  2. Advertisement
6

Accessorize to show off your personality.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Even a plain white T-shirt and a pair of jeans can become a one-of-a-kind look with the right accessories.[7] When you're shopping, look for cool pieces like necklaces, earrings, bracelets and wristbands, belts, scarves, and sunglasses so you can really express yourself.[8]
    • For a more classic look, go with timeless jewelry like a nice watch, a simple pendant necklace, or stud earrings.
    • If you like a funkier style, look for chunky cuff bracelets, unique hats, and cool rings.
    • Don't forget the shoes—save up your extra money or ask your parents to buy you a couple of pairs that you think are really cool. Just make sure they're comfortable!
8

Wash your face twice a day.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Things like dirt, oil, and makeup can clog your pores, so it's really important to get in the habit of washing your face every day. It's best to wash in the morning and at night, but if you can only manage to remember it once a day, try to do it at night. That will help prevent acne, so you'll always feel your best.[9]
    • Regular soap can dry out your face, so use a gentle, unscented face wash instead.
    • As you're washing, work your fingers in small circles to really help clean out your pores.[10]
    • Stash some face wipes in your bag to keep your face clean after gym class or soccer practice
9

Apply a moisturizer after washing your face.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Go with something light and oil-free, and skip anything with a strong fragrance—those can irritate your skin. Just pat on a light layer of the product you choose, then let it soak into your skin on its own. Your skin should feel refreshed and smooth afterward![11]
    • It can be tempting to skip the moisturizer if your skin gets oily, but don't! When your skin is dry, it can actually overproduce oil—so a lightweight moisturizer will help keep your skin balanced and clear.
    • Face masks—like sheet masks or a homemade avocado mask—can be a great way to add extra moisture to your skin.[12]
    • Use body lotion to keep your skin soft and smooth.
  2. Advertisement
10

Spot-treat acne.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Acne treatments can be kind of harsh on your skin, leaving it irritated and dry. Instead of applying it all over, try just dabbing the treatment onto the bump or blemish.[13] Then, leave it alone—trying to squeeze or pop it will just make it worse, and you could even end up with an infection.
    • For occasional breakouts, use an over-the-counter acne product made with benzoyl peroxide.[14]
    • For really stubborn acne, see a dermatologist—they may prescribe you a stronger product, like topical retinol.
11

Put on deodorant every day.

PDF download Download Article
  1. As your body starts to develop, you'll likely notice some changes you aren't so thrilled about—like armpit odors. Luckily, a swipe of a combination antiperspirant and deodorant every morning will help keep that under control. It can help keep you from getting damp or yellow stains under the arms of your clothes, too—so in addition to smelling great, you may look better, too.
    • Just wearing deodorant won't prevent odors from building up on other parts of your body, so be sure to shower or bathe every single day, too!
    • Wear clean clothes every day, since sweat and oils can build up and make them smell funky.
    • If you want, you can add a light spritz of body spray or perfume, but don't go overboard—strong fragrances can be really overwhelming to the people around you.
  2. Advertisement
14

Tweeze or shave if you want to remove body hair.

PDF download Download Article
  1. As the hair on your body starts growing in—or the hair that's already there gets thicker and darker—you might decide that you'd be more comfortable removing it. If the hair is growing over a large area, like your legs or your chin, you're probably better off using a shaving cream or gel and a sharp razor. You could also experiment with waxing, but ask an adult you trust for help so you don't burn yourself with the hot wax.
    • If you only want to remove a few hairs, like around your upper lip or your eyebrows, try plucking them with a tweezer.
15

Eat healthy and exercise.

PDF download Download Article
  1. To keep your body healthy, be sure to eat a diet with lots of fruits and veggies, whole grains like brown rice, and lean proteins like chicken and turkey. Try to avoid processed foods that are high in fat or sugar, like chips, ice cream, and cake. Also, try to get at least 30-60 minutes of physical activity every day.[17]
    • Exercise doesn't have to be boring, though—jumping on a trampoline and playing ball with your friends are great ways to get your body moving!
    • Be sure to drink plenty of water, too. Your skin will look its best when you're well hydrated.
    • If you eat well overall and stay pretty active, it won't hurt you to have a cupcake or some french fries once in a while, so don't worry about depriving yourself. Just try not to make them part of every meal.
  2. Advertisement

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.

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I update my wardrobe so it's more in?
    Sarah McDonald
    Sarah McDonald
    Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
    Sarah McDonald is a Certified Stylist and Image Consultant and the Owner of Pivotal Style. She helps both men and women feel confident through clothing by guiding them on how to dress based on body type, color tone, lifestyle, and personal and professional goals. Sarah received her Image and Style Professional Certification from The Fashion Stylist Institute.
    Sarah McDonald
    Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
    Expert Answer
    Honestly, I would recommend going into any trendy boutique or youth clothing store and just look around. Anything that those stores are carrying is going to be trendy.
  • Question
    How can I look more mature?
    Sarah McDonald
    Sarah McDonald
    Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
    Sarah McDonald is a Certified Stylist and Image Consultant and the Owner of Pivotal Style. She helps both men and women feel confident through clothing by guiding them on how to dress based on body type, color tone, lifestyle, and personal and professional goals. Sarah received her Image and Style Professional Certification from The Fashion Stylist Institute.
    Sarah McDonald
    Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
    Expert Answer
    It's all about crafting a look that's mature and elegant. Don't overdo it and don't overdress. Stick with sleeker, crisper outfits and choose a handful of elegant accessories to make things pop.
  • Question
    How can I look pretty with no makeup?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Consult Look Your Best Without Makeup at School.
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Tips

Tips from our Readers

  • A tip I learned is if you respect yourself, others will respect you too. If you think you are pretty and act confident, others will notice that and feel the same way too.
  • Talking to a parent, sibling, or even a friend when you're feeling like you aren't pretty is very helpful. Don't bottle stuff up because it only makes it worse.
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

What Clothing Do Guys Find Most AttractiveThe Top 16 Outfits Guys Find Most Attractive
Look Sexy Be Sexy at Any Age
Have Sex Appeal Increase Your Sex Appeal (12 Ways to Make Everyone Want You)
Be PrettyBe Pretty
Be HotBe Hot
What Clothes Do Girls Like on GuysHow Do Women Like Men to Dress? 16+ Outfits That Girls Love on Guys
Dress when You Have Broad Shoulders Dress when You Have Broad Shoulders
Look RichLook Rich
Be Pretty if You Are Unfortunate With Your Looks Become More Attractive and Feel Good about Yourself
Get Rid of a Babyface9 Tips to Get Rid of a “Babyface”
Be a Hot Girl Be the Hottest Girl in the Room: 24 Powerful Tricks
Have Beautiful Flirty Eyes As a Boy Without Make Up Get Attractive Eyes Naturally & Without Makeup (for Men)
Look Good NakedLook Good Naked
Look Naturally BeautifulLook Naturally Beautiful
Advertisement

About This Article

Sarah McDonald
Co-authored by:
Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
This article was co-authored by Sarah McDonald and by wikiHow staff writer, Amy Bobinger, BA. Sarah McDonald is a Certified Stylist and Image Consultant and the Owner of Pivotal Style. She helps both men and women feel confident through clothing by guiding them on how to dress based on body type, color tone, lifestyle, and personal and professional goals. Sarah received her Image and Style Professional Certification from The Fashion Stylist Institute. This article has been viewed 59,977 times.
27 votes - 89%
Co-authors: 29
Updated: February 6, 2024
Views: 59,977
Categories: Looking Good
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 59,977 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Love B.

    Love B.

    Nov 3

    "Actually, it is giving a lot of tips and that why I feel, it is so good sharing tips, specific and clear, so for..." more
    Rated this article:
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Advertisement