Style

These Tiny Things Can Change Your Appearance

by Carina Wolff
Woman raising arms while watching beautiful sunset at beach
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If you're looking to change your appearance, you don't need to suddenly do a whole makeover and become a completely new person. Not only does that take time and money, but it could feel pretty drastic. Luckily, there are little things you can do that can change your appearance for the better, and they don't require buying expensive products switching up your personal style. Instead, they're just tiny tricks and habits that can help you feel more confident, attractive, and comfortable in your own skin.

Some require changing up your wardrobe and others involve some skincare, but all of these little changes don't take long, won't cost you much, and will leave you feeling like the best version of yourself. You can do them all for a more startling improvement, or you can pick and choose the tricks that seem best suited for the kind of change you're looking for. It's all about what feels right and logical for you

Whether you just want to spruce up your look, feel a little bit more comfortable in your own skin, or even attract a mate, consider these 11 tiny things you can do that can change your appearance for the better.

1Moisturize

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If you don't already spend time moisturizing your skin, do it now. "As soon as you do start, it will make your skin smoother and help to reduce wrinkles and aging," says skincare specialist and makeup artist Shara Strand over email.

2Cut Back On Alcohol

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Happy hour is fun, but it's not the most helpful when it comes to your appearance. "Alcohol dehydrates your skin and makes your complexion appear worn and blotchy," says Murat Evin, creative Director at The London School of Make-Up, over email. "Aim to reduce the amount of alcohol you consume during the week to improve your appearance for the long term. And when you do drink, ensure you top up on water to naturally restore moisture."

3Wear Earrings

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Something as simple as wearing earrings can have a powerful impact. Research out of Korea found that women wearing earrings were perceived to have higher individuality, attractiveness, potency, loveliness, and elegance than women in the study who did not wear earrings.

4Wear Sunscreen

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You might want that tan now, but wearing sunscreen daily can make a much bigger difference in how your skin looks down the road. "Ninety percent of skin aging is from the sun, so getting into the habit of wearing sunscreen on a daily basis will keep you looking younger for much longer," says dermatologist Dr. Alan J. Parks over email.

5Clean Your Cell Phone

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"Believe it or not, talking on your phone can cause breakouts and acne," says Parks. "Since we spend so much time on our phones, they tend to get a build up a lot of dirt and bacteria." Wipe down your phone with an antibacterial wipe on a daily basis, and it's likely your skin will improve as a result.

6Whiten Your Teeth

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Whether you use whitening tooth-paste, an at-home treatment, or a professional service, whitening your teeth can go a long way. White, evenly spaced teeth makes people seem more attractive because it makes them seem more healthy, according to research from the universities of Leeds and Central Lancashire. You don't have to go crazy with the whitening though: Super white teeth were judged to be no more attractive than a more natural shade, according to the study.

7Wear More Color

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Many of us tend to stick to black, white, and grey clothing, but color is a fun way to change up your appearance. You might even consider incorporating some red, which studies show can make you appear more attractive.

8Take Supplements

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Want glowier skin all around? Consider taking some supplements. "Omega 3s, vitamin C, evening primrose oil, CoQ10, neem oil, and garlic are just some simple dietary supplements that have been known to boost the skin's overall radiance," says Diane Elizabeth, founder of Skincare Ox, over email. "Although taking supplements is by no means a magic beauty bullet — it can take 30 days or more to experience skin benefits — it is a simple daily routine that can change your whole body."

9Stand Up Straight

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The way you carry yourself is very important to your overall appearance. "Standing up straight may seem like an obvious tip, but hunching over your laptop all day at work can severely damage your posture," says Evin. Good posture can also help you feel happier and more confident, according to multiple studies.

10Get More Sleep

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They call it beauty sleep for a reason. "Getting a good night’s sleep is the remedy to a glowing complexion, though it’s easier said than done when you have a busy schedule," says Evin. "Set a reminder alarm on your phone to plan what time you’re going to head to bed. Doing so means you can stick to a daily sleep routine, maintain refreshed looking skin, and decrease the opportunity for bags to appear under the eyes."

11Do A Mini Workout

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Not only can working out help you build muscle, but it can help improve the appearance of your skin and complexion. Exercise increases blood flow, which helps nourish skin cells and keep them vital, according to WebMD. This can help improve skin issues like acne and eczema.