8 scientifically proven ways to look your best

Beauty is indeed only superficial and, ultimately, means nothing if we don’t cultivate the more enduring parts of our identity, like kindness and wisdom. However, sometimes we just want to look our best, and in that case, there are some scientifically proven ways to look more attractive.

You can still believe that in today's culture there is an overemphasis on physical features and that the media creates unrealistic standards of beauty (how can anyone hold down a full time job and look like a photoshopped celebrity, private Chefs and coaches?), you also feel more confident when you feel happy with your appearance. It's an inevitable part of being human, no matter how aware you are of this country's perverse obsession with looking "perfect."

That being said, based on various scientific studies, there are definitely some super easy ways to look better—which in turn can give you a little extra confidence to help you tackle that big moment or event. At the end of the day, so much of beauty products and clothing is about how they make you feel, rather than the impact they actually have on your appearance.

Looking for research-backed ways to look better? From adjusting your hair care routine to maintaining a brushing (and flossing) habit, here are eight scientifically proven ways to look more attractive.

1. Keep teeth white

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According to a study by the University of Leeds , clean and white teeth are a quick indicator of good health and therefore can instantly make you more attractive to others. So grab these whitening strips (or whatever works best for you and your life) and embrace an awesome, prettier smile.

2. Choose a fluffy hairstyle

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One study found that thicker hair is linked to health and vitality, and it instantly makes you look better. If your hair is thinning with age, or just generally thin, you can try using dry shampoo on your roots to absorb heavy oils and create the illusion of instant volume.

3. Take care of your skin

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A study published by the National Institutes of Health found that smooth skin is a major factor in overall attractiveness because, like white teeth, it instantly signals good health. So if you want to boost your confidence, start giving your skin a little care. Follow a dermatologist-supported skin care routine that includes a good face wash, exfoliator, and moisturizer to keep your complexion radiant. Also, never forget sunscreen – seriously.

4. Get your red lipstick ready

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Simple strategies on how to become beautiful? Studies have found that waitresses who wear red lipstick receive larger tips than waitresses who don't wear red lipstick. Plus, a study from the University of Manchester found that your lips are considered one of the most attractive and exciting facial features. The study also found that using red lipstick to attract people's attention meant they were looked at for an average of seven seconds longer. So if you want to feel your sexiest, go for red!

5. Put on that red dress

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If you love red lipstick, you should also consider wearing that red dress you have in your closet. In a study from the University of Rochester, participants rated people wearing red as more attractive than people wearing other colors—even if they were photos of the same person.

6. Imitate the person you’re talking to

That's right—a study in Social Psychology Bulletin found that one way to stay attractive is to subtly imitate the person you're talking to. So the next time you talk to someone you really like, be sure to pay attention to their body language and respond with similar gestures or gestures. Subtle imitation indicates attraction.

7. Emphasize your symmetry

You may have heard that facial symmetry is closely related to attractiveness, and a study from Stanford University confirms this. However, the truth is that most people are not perfectly symmetrical. Your eyes may be slightly different in size, your mouth may be a little lopsided, and your nose may be a little lopsided. This is natural and normal and usually doesn't require stress at all. However, if you want that extra boost of confidence, the good thing is that makeup works wonders at creating the illusion of symmetry. You can soften hooded eyes, shade your nose, or slightly reshape your lips—it all depends on how you do it.

8. Stay confident

The most important answer to the question "how to look good" is confidence. Confidence instantly makes you a more attractive person. Harvard psychologist Craig Malkin believes this is because confident people are more likely to engage in behaviors that inspire trust in others, such as firm eye contact and open body language, and are more likely to speak openly and honestly. own meaning. So even if you're naturally shy, try to fake it until you make it on those nights when you want to feel super cute.

When it comes to your appearance, you are your own harshest critic—and rightfully so. But these quick, scientifically proven ways to look more attractive are just the thing to banish your insecurities. So, put on that red dress, put your hair up and remember you look great.

Research references:

Bell, C. (2013). Self-perceived attractiveness, romantic desire, and self-esteem: A mating sociometer perspective. Evolutionary Psychology. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/147470491301100107

Fink, B. (2016). Age, health, and attractiveness perception of virtual (rendered) human hair. Frontiers in Psychology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5177627/

Gegen, N. (2012). Lipstick and tipping behavior: When red lipstick increases waitress tips. International Journal of Hospitality Management. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278431912000497

Hendry, C. (2012). There is evidence that teeth served as human ornaments, signaling mate quality. PLoS 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3409146/

Karemans, J. (2008). Imitation of attractive opposite-sex others: The role of romantic relationship status. Social Psychology Bull. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18453390/