Many of us have a mental image of how we would like to look. Perhaps we want to lose ten pounds, or we wish our boobs were bigger or smaller, or maybe we’re not happy with the shape of our nose. The majority of us have something we would like to change.
As we’re all too aware, changes to our physical appearance can take time and effort. It may involve revising our diet or beginning a new exercise plan. In some cases it may involve cosmetic surgery. We certainly don’t believe that our self-worth should depend on how we look. However, we do believe that looking and feeling our best has countless positive benefits for our health and lifestyle.
Hair
Our hair is one of the first things that people notice about us. Make sure yours is in tip top condition by scheduling regular trims and using products to suit your hair type. If you blow dry frequently and use hair straighteners, try and counter-balance this with a deep conditioning treatment.
Consider changing your style from time to time to update your look. This could be a dramatic new do, or as simple as pinning your hair back in a bun or chignon. Similarly, try experimenting with colour by trying temporary hair dyes. It will always wash out if you don’t like it.
Regardless of whether or not you’re looking for a change, focus on the condition of your hair and on always looking your best. Find styles that look effortless and are easy to maintain.
Skin
Like our hair, our skin is nourished from the inside. So establishing and maintaining a healthy diet is extremely important. Problem areas such as dry or oily skin may be as a result of the foods we eat or don’t eat.
A good place to start is ensuring you drink enough water each day. Our skin needs water to remove toxins and keep it hydrated. Skin that is properly hydrated appears fresher and ‘plumper’. This can give the effect of smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.
Make sure you’re using the right skincare products and keep to a regular beauty regime. Wash off your makeup each day and use a good moisturiser and night cream.
Makeup
Makeup can provide us with an instant transformation. It can work wonders. Focus on finding the right base tone or foundation. This should provide you with enough coverage to hide small flaws, while maintaining a natural and healthy look.
Use contouring to enhance features or take the focus away from areas you want to play down. Decide on an ‘everyday’ look that is easy to achieve and experiment for evenings and special occasions.
YouTube has some useful step-by-step tutorials and covers everything from covering up flaws to dramatic, party makeup. Discover some of the best beauty vloggers here.
Body
The issue of body confidence could fill several books. It’s easy for us to say that in order to achieve this, focus on health, diet, exercise and being comfortable in your own skin. It’s not so easy to apply this and take it to heart. We’re all beautiful in our own way. The trick is to recognise this and make the most of what we have.
There are a few quick steps we can take to look and feel our best. Healthy eating and a regular exercise plan are long term goals. The thing with exercise is to find something that you enjoy doing. If the gym isn’t your thing, it’s unlikely you’ll stick to it. Instead choose something that works for you and practise it regularly. Start with something simple like getting off the bus a stop earlier and walking the rest of the way. Then gradually build it up.
When we exercise our bodies release chemicals called endorphins which make us feel good. It impacts on our physical and mental health.
Like our face, our bodies need special care. Choose products that suit your skin type. Apply a good body lotion or moisturising cream daily. And don’t forget sun block.
Clothes
Clothes are our friend. They can accentuate areas we want to highlight and hide areas we want to play down. It’s not about fashion and the latest trends. Choose clothes that are well-cut and well-made. Opt for styles and colours that you feel good in.
Go through your wardrobe and get rid of any items you’re no longer wearing. Create new outfits from a range of garments and work out where there are gaps. And don’t forget jewellery and accessories.
Look after your clothes by adhering to washing instructions and storing them correctly. This will have the added benefit of making them last longer.
Mood
It’s not all about our physical appearance. Peace of mind and happiness come from within us. Being tired, worried, overworked or stressed all impact on our life in many ways. Many people believe that if we’re happy on the inside, it is reflected on the outside.
Look for areas of your life that you’re not happy with. Are you unhappy with your job, your social life, relationships etc.? Try to work out solutions. If you find this difficult or you don’t know where to start, consider enlisting in the help of a professional. Coaches and therapists can help you get to the bottom of issues and help you to reach resolutions.
Make sure you get enough sleep each night. Building up a sleep deficit impacts negatively on most area of our lives.
Discover your passions in life. Find what you love doing and do more of it. Try lots of different things to realise what works for you.
The French have a well-known saying which is ‘bien dans sa peau’. Translated it means ‘comfortable in your own skin’. For many of us this is a holy grail; something to aspire to that is just beyond our grasp. But it is achievable. It doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t make changes if this is what we need to do. Change can be good. It’s about accepting ourselves, embracing our flaws and not waiting to live our lives when we’re a few pounds lighter or when we have the perfectly toned body. By all means strive for those things, but in the meantime live your life. Find your passion and be happy.