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Many teenage girls aspire to look beautiful, and while it's not overly difficult, it does require time and effort. True beauty isn't simply about applying makeup, styling your hair, or wearing the latest fashion trends. It's about taking proper care of yourself—your skin, hair, and body. Once you focus on these basics, styling will become much simpler and more effective.
Steps
Proper Care for Your Skin and Face
Cleanse your face at least twice daily with lukewarm water. For glowing skin, wash your face first thing in the morning and before bedtime. Use a gentle facial cleanser (not regular soap) and apply it in soft, circular motions. Never scrub too harshly, as this can harm your skin. After washing, splash your face with cold water to tighten your pores and refresh your skin.
- Steer clear of hot water, as it can dry out your skin.
- Concentrate on areas that get oily or dirty, like your forehead, chin, nose, and neck.
- Always remove your makeup at night, even if you're exhausted. Sleeping with makeup on can clog your pores and lead to breakouts.
Choose the right facial cleanser for your skin type. Identify your skin type first, and then select a cleanser that is specifically formulated for that type. Keep in mind that your skin type might change with the seasons or even during certain times of the month.
- For example, your skin may become drier in winter, and more oily during your menstrual cycle.
- If you have oily or combination skin, consider using a cleanser with salicylic acid, which is also excellent for managing acne.
Follow up with toner and moisturizer. Toner helps close your pores and balance your skin's pH, while moisturizer keeps your skin soft and smooth, preventing it from becoming flaky when you apply makeup.
- In the morning, opt for a lighter moisturizer with SPF, and a thicker one at night.
- In winter, when skin tends to be drier, use a richer moisturizer, and in summer, go for a lighter one when your skin produces more oil.
- If your skin is oily, choose a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer, and for sensitive skin, pick one that’s fragrance-free.
Always wear sunscreen. While many people enjoy a sun-kissed glow and a tan, which gives a healthy appearance, too much sun can damage your skin, causing wrinkles and even skin cancer. This doesn't mean you should avoid the sun entirely, though. Just make sure to apply sunscreen with at least 30 SPF every day before stepping outside and minimize your time in direct sunlight.
- If you want a glow, try using bronzer.
- Many moisturizers and foundations include sunscreen, so look for one in the summer.
- Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when UV rays are strongest. If you must be outdoors, apply sunscreen or wear protective clothing like a long-sleeved shirt.
Don't hesitate to wear makeup, but let your skin rest in between. Makeup is a great tool for accentuating your natural beauty and boosting your confidence. However, it can clog your pores and potentially cause breakouts.
- If you wear makeup regularly, try to take breaks and go without it occasionally to let your skin breathe.
- One good day to skip makeup is when you’re relaxing at home on the weekend.
Never overlook the importance of exfoliating. If your skin starts to look dull or grey, it's time to grab your loofah or scrub. Gently exfoliate your face, neck, arms, and legs in the shower to remove dead skin cells and reveal fresh, glowing skin beneath.
- You can also use a sugar scrub to exfoliate. Purchase one from a beauty store, or create your own.
Don't be shy to indulge in scrubs and body butters. They not only smell amazing but are also fantastic for your skin. Scrubs can be used on your face, arms, and legs to exfoliate away dead skin cells. Body butters are perfect for moisturizing your entire body right after a shower, ensuring soft, smooth skin.
- Find these products in beauty supply stores, or make them at home using simple ingredients like sugar and olive oil.
- Body butters should be avoided on your face; instead, use facial moisturizing creams.
- If you use a sugar scrub on your face, ensure it’s specifically labeled for facial use, and opt for brown sugar if you're making it yourself.
Remember to wear deodorant, and don’t overdo the body spray and perfume. Beauty is not just about appearance, scent plays a role too. Always wear deodorant, and if you choose to add perfume or body spray, use them sparingly. A little too much can quickly become overwhelming.
- Never substitute deodorant with perfume. Deodorant should be applied daily, and if it's a particularly hot day, you might need to reapply.
- The body washes, shampoos, and lotions you use are often enough to keep you smelling wonderful throughout the day.
Be cautious with over-the-counter acne treatments and consider a prescription. If you can’t afford a dermatologist, look for acne products containing benzoyl peroxide. Apply these sparingly at night before bed, focusing on problem areas like your forehead, chin, nose, and cheeks. Avoid using these products solely on individual pimples.
- You'll need to consistently use the treatment for at least a month before noticing significant results.
Proper Hair Care
Wash your hair, but not every day. It may sound strange, but washing your hair every two to three days instead of daily actually promotes healthier hair. Daily washing strips your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and unkempt. If your hair looks oily, try styling it in a braid, ponytail, or bun on the second or third day.
- If you exercise a lot, have fine hair, or struggle with oiliness, washing your hair daily or every other day with a gentle shampoo and conditioner might be necessary.
Wash your hair correctly. Focus the shampoo on your scalp and the upper to mid-lengths of your hair. Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp using your fingertips—avoid using your nails to scratch your scalp. After rinsing out the shampoo, apply conditioner, concentrating on the ends of your hair. This helps prevent your hair from drying out while keeping your scalp from getting oily.
- Make sure you're using the right type of shampoo and conditioner for your hair. What works for your friend may not work for you.
Brush your hair the right way to avoid frizz and tangles. Don’t brush your hair straight down from the roots to the ends right away, as this can cause your hair to snap and break. Instead, start by gently working in sections from the ends. Once the rest of your hair is smooth, you can brush from the roots down.
- If you have curly or natural hair, use a wide-tooth comb instead. This will help minimize frizz even further.
- You can still use a hairbrush on curly or frizzy hair, but only just before washing it.
Avoid daily heat styling, and always use a heat protectant when you do. Constant straightening or curling can get monotonous and cause serious damage to your hair. If you do decide to heat style your hair (like straightening or curling), make sure to apply a heat protectant spray or serum. This will protect your hair from heat damage and keep it from looking dry.
- If you're having a bad hair day with unmanageable frizz, consider braids instead. They're gentler on your hair than heat styling and take less time.
- Consider no-heat styling methods for curling your hair. They take longer, but they’re much gentler on your strands.
Avoid products with silicones and sulfates. Silicones can make your hair look sleek and shiny, but over time they can build up, leaving your hair looking dull and limp. To remove this buildup, you need sulfates, which are harsh cleaners that can leave your hair looking dry and lifeless.
- When shopping for hair products, look for labels that say "sulfate-free." If there’s no label, check the ingredients list on the bottle.
Try a vinegar rinse. It may sound odd, but the softness it gives your hair is well worth it. Vinegar removes buildup from your hair and restores its natural pH balance, leaving you with soft, shiny, and smooth hair. Mix ½ to 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water, and pour it over your hair at the end of your shower. Finish with a rinse of cool water to close your cuticles and enhance the shine.
- Be sure to tilt your head back and keep your eyes closed to avoid getting vinegar in your eyes.
- Don't worry—the vinegar smell will dissipate as your hair dries.
Use a hair mask if your hair is dry or damaged. Hair masks function as deep conditioners that help hydrate, soften, and replenish your hair. While different brands may vary slightly, generally, you apply the mask after shampooing, leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes (ideally under a shower cap), and rinse it out—no need for conditioner afterward.
- These masks can be purchased at beauty supply stores, or you can create your own.
- When choosing a hair mask, pick one that’s tailored to your hair type or condition. For instance, if you have damaged hair, look for a label that reads "for damaged hair."
Embrace your hair's natural texture. Working with your natural hair texture is easier than constantly battling it. Visit a hairstylist and ask them to recommend a hairstyle that complements both your face shape and your hair's natural texture.
Taking Care of Your Body
Stay hydrated. Aim to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses (8 ounces/240 milliliters each) of water daily. This will help cleanse your skin, giving it a natural, healthy glow. Staying hydrated also helps reduce water retention, which occurs when your body stores extra water due to dehydration.
- Drink more water if it’s hot outside or if you’re engaging in physical activity.
- Make sure to pace yourself; avoid drinking large amounts of water at once.
Eat well and maintain a healthy diet. Skipping meals is one of the worst things you can do for your body—it can even cause you to gain weight as your body enters starvation mode. Make sure to eat three balanced meals a day, with two to three healthy snacks in between. Include healthy grains, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
- If you're a vegetarian, protein sources include eggs, dairy products, beans, and nuts.
- If you're vegan, opt for protein from beans, nuts, and soy-based products. It’s okay to occasionally consume meat, eggs, or dairy as your body is still developing.
Exercise to stay healthy and uplift your spirits. You don’t have to hit the gym or lift weights to stay active. A simple 30-minute walk every day is enough to keep you fit and relax your mind. Not only will your body stay in shape, but your stress levels may decrease as well.
- If walking isn’t your thing, try something more fun like: jazz dance, ballet, sports, martial arts, jogging, or even yoga.
- If you’re trying to shed some pounds, be patient. Weight loss can take time, and remember that many girls experience weight fluctuations during puberty.
Make sure to get 8½ to 9½ hours of sleep each night. While it might seem like a lot, it’s essential. It’s called "beauty sleep" for a reason. Lack of sleep doesn’t just cause tired eyes; it can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and even make your skin look dull while causing weight gain.
- Ensure your room is comfortable, and avoid using electronics for at least an hour before bed.
- If you're struggling to sleep, consult your doctor as there could be an underlying medical condition.
Practice self-love to improve your confidence and self-worth. If you’re feeling insecure about your appearance, take a moment to look in the mirror and find at least one thing you love about yourself. It doesn’t need to be big—it could be something small, like the shape of your nose, your freckles, or the color of your eyes. Make this a daily habit.
- A positive outlook helps you see your strengths, while a negative mindset focuses only on your flaws.
- By boosting your confidence, you'll eventually stop noticing your imperfections and start recognizing the true beauty in yourself.
Enhancing Your Beauty
Remember, you don't need makeup to be beautiful. Makeup should be something you wear for your own enjoyment, not because others expect it. If you feel pressured to wear makeup when you don’t want to, just ignore the pressure and stay true to yourself.
- If makeup boosts your confidence and makes you feel good, then go ahead and wear it!
Keep your makeup minimal. More makeup doesn’t always mean more beauty. In fact, piling on too much can make you look older or overdone for certain occasions. Professional makeup artists tend to keep their daytime makeup light and natural, saving the bold looks for evening events or special occasions.
- For a fresh, everyday appearance, consider a tinted moisturizer, neutral eyeshadow, mascara, and lip gloss. Lightly apply blush or bronzer to enhance your look.
- If you love dramatic makeup, go for it! But remember, your skin may benefit from occasional makeup-free days.
Use concealer for pimples or dark under-eye circles. Concealer isn’t essential, but it can be a helpful tool to cover blemishes or hide under-eye circles. If you feel uncomfortable about a pimple or tired eyes, a little concealer can help you feel more confident.
- You don’t need to wear concealer with other makeup. You can simply apply it by itself for a more natural look.
Take care of your hands. While most people focus on their face and hair, your hands also deserve attention. Keep them soft and smooth by using a moisturizing hand lotion and avoid biting or picking your nails. Regularly trim your nails, and use a manicure brush to clean beneath them. Don’t hesitate to add a splash of color with nail polish, or treat yourself to a professional manicure.
- If you choose to paint your nails at home, make sure to remove any old polish first. Layering new polish over chipped nails will make them look messy.
- To help your polish last longer, apply a good base coat before your color and a protective top coat once you’re finished.
- While nail polish is fun, remember to prioritize nail care first, then think about adding color.
Shave or wax your body hair if you prefer. While many people remove hair from their legs and underarms, you can also consider doing your forearms, especially if the hair is thick. Salons can help with waxing your eyebrows and upper lip too. Keep in mind that shaving is a personal decision and not required to look beautiful.
- Avoid plucking or waxing your eyebrows at home unless you're experienced, as it’s easy to make mistakes.
- If waxing isn’t for you, try grooming your eyebrows by plucking stray hairs and combing them with a clean spoolie brush.
- Check with your parents about shaving, as cultural or religious reasons may affect your decision.
- Instead of shaving, consider bleaching your body hair. Bleaching kits can be found at most drugstores and beauty shops.
Dressing for Yourself
Wear what makes you feel comfortable. You might come across the trendiest outfit at the store, but it won't matter if you don’t feel at ease wearing it. Confidence is key, and if you're not comfortable, it will show. Instead of copying others, why not create your own unique style and choose clothing that makes you feel at your best? You may even set the next fashion trend yourself.
Elevate a simple outfit with accessories. Accessories aren't a must, but they can truly transform a basic outfit into something special. For instance, adding a wide belt to a maxi dress or a plain tunic can take your look to the next level. Choose accessories like belts, jewelry, and hats that complement your outfit, personality, and style.
- Browse fashion magazines for inspiration.
- If you're on a budget, you can always make your own accessories!
Keep your wardrobe neat and organized. An outfit might be fashionable, but it won’t look great if it’s messy, stained, or smelly. Make sure to take care of your clothes by washing them when necessary and maintaining their condition. If you prefer a more rugged or edgy look, that’s fine, but try not to be careless about it.
- Read the care instructions on your clothes. Washing them incorrectly can damage your garments.
- Always wash white clothes separately from colors to avoid them becoming dull or stained.
Highlight the parts of your body you love most. If you're proud of your upper body or arms, wear bright tops that draw attention there. If you love your legs, opt for slim-fit pants that flatter them. If you're unsure about any part of your body, ask a friend or a store associate for advice—they may see something that you might not notice. Sometimes, it’s easier to spot a good look on someone else than on yourself.
- Don’t be afraid to try new styles. Visit a store and try on clothes you wouldn’t normally consider—you might be surprised!
- Always stick to what makes you feel comfortable. Even if others say an outfit looks great, if you’re not comfortable in it, don’t wear it.
Dress according to your body type. There's an outfit out there for everyone, regardless of whether you're skinny or on the fuller side. What really matters is how the clothes fit. For example:
- If your shoulders are narrow, opt for tank tops with thin straps.
- If you have broader shoulders, tank tops with wider straps will look better on you.
Be kind. Kindness is one of the simplest ways to enhance your beauty. Consider this: you might be the most stunning person on the outside, but if you're cruel, your appearance won't matter. Wouldn't you rather be the warm, friendly person everyone loves to talk to?
- True kindness goes beyond giving compliments—it's about having kind thoughts about others as well.
- One of the best ways to be kind is by being empathetic and understanding.
Be yourself. Embrace who you are and how you look—own it. Beauty is all in the mindset. When you feel beautiful, that radiance will shine through. Take a moment to look in the mirror and remember, you don't need a bio page to prove you're amazing.
Experience a Total Glow Up with this Expert Series
1
Embrace Your Glow Up
2
Enhance Your Attractiveness
3
Achieve Radiant Skin in Just One Week
4
Transform Your Entire Body
5
Embrace Your Natural Beauty
6
Cultivate Confidence in Your Appearance
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A positive mindset and self-acceptance can transform your entire presence. Walk with confidence and greet the world with a smile.
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Everyone has their own definition of beauty. Focus on what you consider beautiful.
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A kind and approachable personality can only enhance your outer beauty.
This section's advice is drawn from the experiences of Mytour readers like yourself. If you have a helpful tip you'd like to share with the Mytour community, feel free to submit it in the box below.
- Never alter your appearance or style just to impress someone you're interested in. If you do, and it works, they won't truly like the real you—they'll like the version you're pretending to be.
- Stop comparing yourself to others. Being confident and comfortable in who you are will make you look cool, attractive, and self-assured.
- Don't try to emulate the girls you see in magazines or movies—you are unique, and that makes you beautiful!
Cautionary Notes
- Avoid harsh facial cleansers as they can strip your skin of moisture.
- Refrain from smoking, drinking, or using drugs. These habits will make you appear tired and unhealthy, and they're harmful to your body.
- Don’t stress about your weight. Regular exercise is beneficial—gradually build up your routines as you become fitter.
