Guest Author - Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen

You’re more than your weight, hairstyle, clothes, and height. You know that intellectually, but still…when you look in the mirror, it’s hard not to be affected one way or another by what you see. Sometimes I feel pretty and energized; other times, I feel ugly and drained; I suspect most people have their ups and downs when it comes to their appearance.

However, no matter how you feel, there are five parts of your body that can be enhanced so you look your best all the time:

1. Hair – It’s amazing what a different hairstyle can do; I tried on a long, straight, red-haired wig recently and looked like a totally different person. Play with your hair, and try on blonde, brunette, red, gray wigs – short, long, curly, straight – and see what looks best on you. Look through past photos of yourself and choose the most flattering style, color, and cut. Talk to a hairstylist or two about the shape of your face and the cut that would most suit you. Have fun with your experiments – you can even earmark a “hair day” with a friend, a day that you two spend improving your hairstyles.

2. Clothes – The right outfit can subtract at least 10 lbs, and even a decade or two! Enlist the support of a trusted friend, relative, or partner to help you weed out the duds in your wardrobe. When you ask them, “Do I look fat in this?” assure them that you need to hear their honest answer – and promise them you won’t get hurt or angry when they tell you the truth (and then DON’T get upset!). Swallow your pride, donate the unflattering clothes to Goodwill, and shop for clothes that enhance your curves and shape.

3. Make up – I’ve had professional makeup done once in my life and the difference it made was astounding! My eyes were brighter and bigger, my lips red and defined, my blemishes and zits covered up…I looked like a whole new woman. If I had paid attention when the make-up lady was at work instead of obsessing about my wedding in a couple of hours, I would’ve learned her secrets. It may be worth it to pay for a professional makeover and learn a few tips to enhance your facial assets. If your lips are gorgeous, learn how to outline and fill them in. If your eyes are your assets, pay attention to what opens them up versus narrows them down. If it’s your cheekbones, learn how to brush on the blush to highlight your cheeks. Learn how to enhance your natural assets.

4. Body – If your hips are big like mine, then find styles that enhance your waist or legs. If your boobs are small, look into push-up bras or flattering blouses. If your legs are short, find out what jean cuts and lengths make them look longer. Do a little research into your body type and what colors you look best in, and don’t be afraid enhance what you’ve got! Even more important: get lots of sleep, drink lots of water, and eat lots of nutritious food – because what you take in definitely comes through in your face and body.

5. Attitude – The more you smile and are genuinely friendly and interested in other people, the more you’ll feel and appear to be a beautiful and interesting woman. Beauty is more than facial structure and weight; it’s open attitudes, authentic actions, and good cheer. It may sound hokey, but it’s true. When I walk around smiling, people actually do double takes – and it’s certainly not because of my looks. It’s because I’m happy, and that’s more attractive than a beautiful face.

You know when you’ve let yourself go…but it’s easier than you think to start pulling yourself together. Tackle just one aspect of your self at a time, highlight it for all it’s worth, and be amazed at how confident and good you feel about yourself!