A healthy lifestyle is the first step toward a naturally more beautiful you. A proper well-balanced diet nourishes our hair and skin, as well as our internal organs. Adopt a diet rich in proteins, leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grains, and adequate water intake, avoiding processed foods, full of preservatives, salt, sugar, and fats as much as possible.
Set reasonable fitness goals, starting with small ones (perhaps firming up those flabby arms?) before going on to larger ones. Try to fit in some aerobic exercise two or three times a week. If your schedule just doesn’t allow for going to the gym, know that such activities as gardening and yard work can be acceptable substitutes. Parking your car further down the street from your destination can add some valuable walking time to your schedule.
If you feel the need to use make-up, apply sparingly. A natural look is desired, not a heavy-handed, obvious appearance. Heavy make-up will only accentuate existing lines and wrinkles. Use a tinted moisturizer or sheer foundation, applied with a damp sponge, to cover imperfections and allow the natural skin tone to shine through. Creme or liquid blush blends more naturally than powder. Apply blush to the apple of your cheeks, outward to the hair line, blending well to avoid a make-up line. The new clear mascaras will separate lashes while giving them shine and luster. Take care not to over pluck eyebrows; pluck stray hairs only, above and below the brow, for the most natural appearance. If you use lip liner, use the same shade as your lipstick. As the lipstick wears off during the day, you won’t be left with an unnatural looking ring around your lips.
Adequate water intake will reflect in our skin and hair as well as keep our internal organs functioning. Many people prefer to buy bottled water, but most tap water is safe to drink. If you aren’t certain about the water in your area, invest in a water purifier for your kitchen tap; in the long run it will save you bundles over buying bottled water.
Avoid overexposure to the sun. It is the sun’s harmful UV rays, not dry skin, that creates lines and wrinkles. Use a sunblock with at least SPF15 when you are outdoors for a length of time, and remember to reapply often when swimming or engaging in other physical activity. Wear UV blocking sunglasses when outdoors to avoid squinting, which will create lines around the eyes and forehead.
Reducing stress (not eliminating, we know that can’t be done!) will also reflect in your skin and eyes. Make time to pamper yourself and relax. Especially mothers and those who care for others need to take time to care for themselves, also. Make it a priority; if you don’t take time to care for yourself, who will? Even a ten-minute soak after the kids are in bed will have benefits. Physical exercise is also a stress-reducer. A more relaxed you will have a calming effect on your family, as well as improving your appearance.
Taking care of your body will make you more attractive, but don’t forget that nothing looks better on you than a smile. Your teeth are often the first thing people notice. Good oral hygiene is desirable and contributes to your overall health. Diseased teeth and gums can spread infection to other parts of your body, making you feel ill and run down, or worse.
A good mental attitude, good posture, and self-confidence will go a long way in overcoming any physical shortcomings. A person’s physical attractiveness may draw us to them, but it’s their beauty inside that keeps us coming back. Be kind (even to those who don’t deserve it), attentive to the needs of others, willing to listen to their complaints (most people don’t want answers, they just want someone to sympathize), and you will find you possess a special attraction that no amount of physical beauty can rival!
