Make Every Man Want You: How to Be So Irresistible You'll Barely Keep From Dating Yourself! (17 page)

A less expensive route is to consult books. I particularly love the
What Not to Wear
gals, Trinny Woodall and Susan-nah Constantine. They appear regularly on "Oprah" and have written several books designed to help women use clothing to look and feel their best. Trinny and Susannah are excellent guides who will help you get real on what's working and what's not when it comes to your wardrobe; they can show you, step-by-step, that changing the way you dress can truly change your life.

Magazines can also be an excellent source of inspiration and guidance for the fashion challenged. Look for magazines that provide websites, phone numbers, store locations, and prices for the items they feature. Many magazines also offer the same look at different price points to
serve every budget. Finally, never underestimate the power of a fashion intervention. Invite a few good friends over to help you update your wardrobe and discover what works best for you now.

Along the same lines as clothing, your hair and makeup play a big part in how confident and attractive you feel. With the overwhelming array of cosmetic products available on the market, it's easy to get confused and resist buying anything new. A simple way to discover what makeup works best for you now is to visit a beauty counter at a high-end department store. Here's what to do: choose a brand that you feel best suits your individual style and that falls within your budget. Schedule a makeup lesson and be clear about what you are there for. If you only plan to purchase one or two items, let the makeup artist know in advance. She or he will appreciate your honesty. Be sure to take note of how to apply the products so you can easily re-create the look again by yourself. If high-end anything is outside of your financial plan, you can get similar results from drug store cosmetics. Use magazines for inspiration, product recommendations, color suggestions, and how-tos.

I like to keep things very simple. A touch of gloss, a sweep of mascara, and a hint of color on your eyes and cheeks can take you from drab to fab in minutes. When it
comes to makeup, less is definitely more. A little makeup applied tastefully and skillfully goes a long way. Women are naturally beautiful, especially when they are practiced at living an irresistible lifestyle.

Regarding your hair, go for the best. A fantastic haircut will showcase your best facial features and save you time and energy getting ready every day. Get a trim at least every six weeks—more often if you have color or highlights done. I like to use the products my stylist recommends. This does away with the guesswork, and for the few extra bucks, a consistently polished look is worth it.

Irresistible women pay attention to the details. Become practiced at treating yourself like a beautiful diamond that sparkles with a little polishing. Commit to having everything you own be in great shape—especially you.

In life, everything matters. It's no different with your appearance. Healthy skin is just as important as healthy hair. Great shoes are just as important as great clothes. Nice bras are as important as nice socks. Investigate your wardrobe, your cosmetic bag, and your jewelry box. Look for rips, stains, or wear and tear that's beyond repair. Get rid of anything that doesn't make you look and feel your best. Take inventory of your shoes, bags, bras, and underwear. Keep an eye open for items that are worn out or that no longer work for you. If you feel embarrassed wearing something
or would feel self-conscious if someone saw you in it, don't hesitate to chuck it.

Simply become aware of details and commit to keeping your appearance clean and crisp. I'm not suggesting you adopt an obsessive-compulsive striving for perfection, but experience the sense of personal ease and satisfaction that comes with having things around you be well taken care of.

Don't forget to give yourself a gentle once-over. Go to the mirror and look at your skin, eyebrows, and teeth. If you could use some professional support in any of these areas, get it. Go for a facial, have your eyebrows shaped, and pay a visit to the dentist. As a self-proclaimed make-over show addict, I've seen more before and after shots than you can imagine. One of the fastest and easiest ways to brighten your appearance is by having your teeth whitened. Whether it's a professional job or do-it-yourself whitening strips from the drugstore, I never cease to be amazed at what a difference a fresh, white smile makes.

Most important, don't rush as you get ready for your day. Apply your makeup carefully. Allow enough time to wash and style your hair so you look and feel fresh. Choose clothing and accessories that make you feel fantastic.

Do what you know will support your irresistibility inside and out. Drink water, take vitamins, and wear sun-screen. Nourish yourself with healthy, nutrient-rich food that fuels you.

With so many books, videos, and magazines available regarding health and fitness, I'm not about to go into great detail about what to do; however, suffice to say, your body
is designed to move. Never underestimate the impact that consistent exercise has on your irresistibility. The benefits of fitness go way beyond having a strong and healthy figure. From increased endorphins (a.k.a. happy hormones) that naturally combat depression, to reduced risk of heart disease, to increased ability to perform everyday functions, the payoff is well worth the investment.

Irresistible Action Challenge

Make a list of different areas of your packaging that need updating. The following will give you some ideas:

bras and underwear

cosmetics and skin care and hair products

jewelry and accessories

shoes

work clothes

evening clothes

workout clothes

hair, skin, and teeth

socks