Look Beautiful As a Teenage Girl

Looking beautiful is one of the things many teenager girls strive to be. Luckily, it is not hard to do, although it does take some time and effort. There is much more to looking beautiful than slapping on makeup, styling your hair, and putting on a trendy outfit, however. You have to take care of yourself, your skin, your hair, and your body. After that, the styling parts will come a lot easier!

Steps

Taking Care of Your Face and Skin

1. Wash your face at least twice a day using lukewarm water. To keep your skin looking its best, you should wash your face in the morning when you get up, and at night before you go to bed. Use a facial cleanser (not regular soap) and gentle, circular motions. Never scrub your skin, as this can damage it. Focus on the areas that tend to get the most oily and dirty, such as your nose, forehead, neck, and chin. When you are done, splash your face with cold water. This will help tighten and minimize your pores.
   • Avoid using hot water, as this can cause your skin to become dry.
   • Always remove your makeup before you go to bed, no matter how tired you are. Leaving makeup on will lead to clogged pores and the dreadful pimples.
2. Use the right facial cleanser for you skin. What works for your best friend or sister may not work for you. Take a look at your skin. If you skin looks oily, then get a facial cleanser that says "For Oily Skin" on it. If you have dry skin, look for something that says "Moisturizing" or "For Dry Skin" on it. Remember, you can always visit a makeup counter and ask the sales person there to help you find out what type of skin you have.
   • Your skin type may change depending on the time of year and the time of the month. Many girls find that their skin gets really dry during the winter season, and more oily while they are on their period.
   • Consider a cleaner that has salicylic acid in it if you have oily or combination skin. It's great for managing acne too!
3. Follow-up with toner and moisturizer. Toner is important, because it helps seal your pores and restore your skin's pH. Moisturizer is important, because it helps make your skin soft and smooth. It also helps prevent your skin from looking flaky when you put makeup on! Use a lighter moisturizer with SPF in the morning, and a heavier one in the evening.
   • You may have to change the type of moisturizer you use throughout the year. For example, you might want to use a heavier one in the winter, and a lighter one in the evening.
   • Even oily skin types can benefit from moisturizer! Choose a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer intended for oily skin. If you have sensitive skin, try one without any added fragrances.
4. Remember to put on sunscreen! A lot of people love that sun-kissed glow and tanned skin, and for good reason: it makes you look healthy! Too much sunlight, however, can damage your skin and lead to wrinkles and skin cancer. This does not mean that you have to avoid sunlight like a vampire, however. Simply put on sunscreen that has at least 30 SPF on it every day before you go out, and try to limit your sunbathing.
   • You can always add a healthy glow to your skin with bronzer.
   • Many moisturizers and liquid foundations contain sunscreen. Consider getting one for the summer.
   • Try to avoid the sun between 10am and 2pm, as this is when the sun's rays are at their strongest and most damaging. If you must step out for long periods of time, put on some sunscreen or at least a long-sleeved shirt!
5. Don't be afraid to wear makeup, but be sure give your skin a few days' rest in between. Wearing makeup is a great way to make your natural features shine and stand out. It can also help you feel good about yourself. It can, however, clog your pores and potentially lead to acne. If you wear makeup on a daily basis, try to go makeup free every so often to give you skin a change to breathe.
6. Don't underestimate the important of exfoliating. If you notice your skin looking dull and grey, it is time to whip out that loofah or scrubby. Get into the shower, and gently buff your face, neck, arms, and legs. This will scrub away the old, dead skin cells, and reveal the healthy, soft, glowing skin underneath.
7. Don't be ashamed to treat yourself to scrubs and body butters. They not only smell great, but they are great for your skin! Scrubs can be used on your face, arms, and legs to exfoliate away dead skin cells. Body butters can be used all over your body just after a shower to lock in moisture. This will help your skin feel soft and smooth.
   • Avoid using body butters on your face. Use facial moisturizing creams instead.
8. Remember to wear deodorant and don't overdo it on the body spray and perfume. Looks are a big part of being beautiful, but smell also plays a big part too! Be sure to wear deodorant (you may have to reapply it throughout the day). You can wear some perfume or body spray, but don't overdo it. Too much of a good thing can quickly become a bad thing!
   • Oftentimes, the body washes, shampoos, and lotions that you use are more than enough to keep you smelling great!
9. Be wary of over-the-counter acne medications, and consider getting a prescription from a dermatologist instead. If you cannot afford to go to a dermatologist, look for products that contain benzoyl peroxide. Use these products sparingly at night before you go to bed. Focus on your forehead, chin, nose, and cheeks—all areas that tend to get breakouts. Don't just spot-treat pimples as they come up.
   • You will need to use the product for at least a month before you start to see the results you want.

Taking Care of Your Hair

1. Wash your hair, but not every day. It may sound gross, but washing you hair every 2 to 3 days (instead of every day) actually leads to healthier hair! If you wash your hair every day, you will strip it of its healthy oils. This results in hair that looks dry, brittle, and ratty. If your hair tends to look oily, consider wearing it in a braid, ponytail, or bun on the second or third day.
   • If you exercise a lot, have fine hair, or have oily hair, then you may need to wash your hair every day or every other day. Consider using a gentle shampoo and conditioner in these cases.
2. Wash your hair properly. Focus the shampoo on your scalp and the top to middle of your hair. Gently massage it into your scalp using your fingertips—never "scratch" your scalp with your nails. After rinsing the shampoo out, apply the conditioner, focusing it on the ends of your hair. This will keep your hair from turning dry and your scalp from becoming oily.
   • Use the right type of shampoo and conditioner for your hair. Again, not everything that works for your friend may work for you.
3. Comb your hair properly to prevent frizz and snags. Don't comb your hair straight down from the roots to the ends at first. This can make your hair snap and break. Instead, work in small sections, starting from the ends of your hair. Once the rest of your hair is smooth, only then can you run the brush from roots to ends.
4. Skip the daily heat styling, and use a good heat protectant when you do. Not only can daily straightening or curling look boring after a while, but it can do a lot of damage to your hair. When you do heat style your hair (ie: straightening or curling), apply a heat protectant spray or serum to your hair. This protects your hair from getting burnt and prevents it from looking dry.
   • Having a bad hair day with unmanageable frizz? Try braids. They are much gentler on your hair than straightening, and take much less time to do!
5. Try to go natural when choosing shampoos and conditioners. Stay away from products that contain silicones and sulfates. Silicones are great at making your hair appear sleek, smooth, and shiny, but they can cause build-up over time, which results in dull, lank, and limp hair. They can only be removed with sulfates, which are harsh cleaning agents that make your hair appear dull and dry.
6. Try a vinegar rinse. It may sound gross, but the soft hair you'll get afterwards is well worth it! Vinegar cleans out any buildup in your hair as well as restores its natural pH. The result is soft, shiny, smooth hair. Mix ½ to 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water, then pour it over your hair towards the end of your shower. Tilt your head back and close your eyes so that you don't get any in your eyes. Follow up with a cool water rinse to close the cuticles and maximize shine.
7. Try a hair mask if you have dry or damaged hair. Hair masks are like rich conditioners that help soften, hydrate, and moisturize your hair. Each brand varies, but you generally apply them after shampooing your hair, then leave them on (preferably under a shower cap) for 10 to 15 minutes. After that, you rinse them out; you don't have to use conditioner!
8. Take advantage of your hair's natural texture. It is much easier to embrace your hair than to fight against it. Visit a hair stylist, and ask him or her to help you choose a hairstyle that suits your face shape and hair texture.

Taking Care of Your Body

1. Stay hydrated. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses (8 ounces/240 milliliters each) every day. This will cleanse out any impurities in your skin, and give it a healthy glow. It also helps keep off water weight, which is caused when your body becomes dehydrated and stores extra water.
2. Eat well and eat healthy. Skipping meals is one of the worst things you can do to yourself, and it can actually cause you to gain weight, because your body enters starvation mode. You should eat 3 full meals each day, and 2 to 3 snacks in between. Be sure to eat a well-balanced diet, filled with healthy grains, lean meats, and lots of fruits and vegetables.
   • If you are vegetarian, you can get protein through eggs, dairy products, beans, and nuts. If you are vegan, you can get protein through beans, nuts, and soy products. Do try to consume some meat, egg, or dairy every once in a while, however; your body is still developing!
3. Exercise to stay fit and lift your mood. This does not mean that you have to hit the gym and start weightlifting. Even a simple 30 minute walk each day can help keep you in shape. Not only will you be keeping fit, but you will be relaxing your mind. You may even find yourself feeling a little less stressed afterwards!
   • If walking doesn't suit you, try doing something active that you enjoy, such as: jazz dance, ballet, sports, martial arts, jogging, or even yoga.
   • If you are trying to lose weight, be patient, and try not to worry. Many girls find that their weight fluctuates during puberty. Weight loss also takes time.
4. Get 8½ to 9½ hours of sleep enough night. That may sound like a lot, but it is important. There's a reason it's called "beauty sleep" after all! Not getting enough sleep causes more than just bags under your eyes. It can also lead to things like mood swings, depression, or anxiety. It can also make your skin look dull and your weight to increase.
5. Try to feel good about yourself. Many girls think that they are ugly, but they are actually very pretty! If you feel ashamed and insecure about your appearance, take a look in the mirror, and try to find at least one aspect of yourself that you like. It does not have to be big, it can be very simple, such as the shape of your nose, your freckles, or the color of your eye. Look in the mirror each day, and compliment yourself. By boosting your self-esteem, you may eventually stop seeing your flaws, and start seeing the true beauty that you actually are!
   • A positive attitude will allow you to see the good things about yourself. A negative attitude only allows you to see your flaws.

Enhancing Your Beauty

1. Understand that you don't need to wear makeup to look beautiful. You should only wear makeup for your own enjoyment, and never because someone tells you to. If wearing makeup makes your feel good about yourself, then go for it! But if people are trying to pressure you into wearing makeup, and you really don't want to—ignore them and be yourself!
2. Consider keeping your makeup simple. Wearing more makeup won't make you look more beautiful. If anything, it may make you look older and overdressed for the occasion. Most professional makeup artists choose to keep their makeup light and natural during the day. It is only for the evenings and special occasions where they go for the dramatic looks.
   • For a simple, every day look, try a tinted moisturizer, a little bit of brown eyeshadow, some mascara, and lip gloss. You can also add some blush or bronzer too, but keep it light.
   • If wearing dramatic makeup makes you happy, then go for it! You might want to give your skin a break every few days, however.
3. Try concealer if you have pimples or dark, under eye shadows. Concealer is not mandatory, but it can help you feel better about yourself if you feel self-conscious about things like pimples and under eye shadows.
4. Take care of your hands. When it comes to making themselves beautiful, people have tendency to only focus on their face and hair—but hands are important too! Keep your hands soft by wearing a moisturizing hand lotion, and don't pick or chew on your nails. Keep your nails trimmed, and use a manicure brush to clean under them every night. Don't be afraid to paint your nails, or even get a professional manicure. A little bit of color never hurt anyone!
   • If you do choose to paint your nails by yourself, remember to take the old nail polish off first. Wearing nail polish on top of chipped, peeling nail polish will look messy.
   • To protect your nails and make your polish last longer, remember to apply a good base coat before your nail polish, and a good top coat after you are done.
   • Don't use nail polish as a replacement for proper nail care. Take care of your nails first, then think about nail polish.
5. Shave or wax your body hair away. Most girls will just remove the hairs on their legs and underarms, but you can do your forearms too, especially if your hair is thick and coarse. You can also go to a beauty salon or manicure place, and have your eyebrows and upper lip waxed as well!
   • It is not a good idea to pluck or wax your eyebrows by yourself. Getting the right shape can be hard, and it is easy to mess up and over-plus.
   • If you can't or don't want to wax your eyebrows, consider grooming them instead. Pluck away any unruly hairs with a pair of tweezers, them comb through your eyebrows with a clean spoolie brush.
   • Check with your parents. They might not allow you to shave because of religion or just of personal choice, ask your parents and obey what they say!

Dressing for Yourself

1. Wear what you feel most comfortable in. You may find the hottest, cutest outfit in the mall, but it won't do you any good if you don't feel comfortable or yourself while wearing it. Your lack of confidence will show. Instead of trying to look like everybody else, why not try to make your own style and wear what you feel most comfortable in? Who knows, you might start the next fashion trend!
2. Dress up a simple outfit with accessories. You don't have to wear accessories if you don't want to, but they can really make your outfit look more complete. For example, a wide belt over a maxi dress or a simple tunic can really take your outfit to the next level! Choose accessories, such as belts, hats, and jewelry that match your outfit, personality, and style.
   • Look through fashion magazines to get ideas.
   • Can't afford cute accessories? Make your own!
3. Keep your wardrobe clean and tidy. An outfit may look super cute by design, but it won't look cute if it is messy, dirty, or smelly. Take good care of your clothes, and wash them when they get dirty or smelly. Take care of the way you put your outfits on. It is fine if you prefer a torn, ragged, "punk" look, but try not to be sloppy about it.
4. Emphasize the part of your body you feel most confident about yourself. Wear vibrant tops if you like your upper body/arms and slimming pants if you love your legs! If you don't feel good about any part of your body, ask a friend (or even a friendly sales associate) to help you find an outfit that will look cute on you. Sometimes, it is easier to see what looks good on other people than it is on yourself—your friend might be able to see something that you don't!
5. Dress for your body type. There is an outfit for everyone out there! Whether you are skinny or overweight, you can still wear similar clothes, such as shorts and tank tops. What matters, however, is the cut. For example, if you have narrow shoulders, you'd look better in tops that have thinner straps. If you have broader shoulders, you'd look better in tops that have wider straps.
6. Be kind. Being kind is one of the easiest things to do to look prettier. Think: you could be the prettiest girl on the outside, but you may be really mean. Would you want to be that girl, or would you want to be the kind, friendly girl everyone wants to talk to?
7. Be yourself. Whoever you are and however you look, own it. Beauty is a mindset. Feel beautiful, and you will be beautiful. Just look in the mirror. You don't need a wiki page to remind you that you rock.

Tips

• Don't forget to have a kind and friendly personality; it will add to your look.
• Walk with your shoulders and back straight—don't slouch!
• A positive attitude and self-acceptance make a huge difference. Walk confidently and smile!
• Everyone has a different idea of what's beautiful. Focus on what you think is beautiful.
• Smile often, and take good care of it. This means brushing and flossing everyday, and visiting the dentist.
• Drinking warm water with a squeeze of lemon in the morning will help remove toxins from your skin and body.

Warnings

• Beware of harsh facial cleansers, they dry out your skin.
• Do not worry about your weight. Regular exercise is good. Build up your exercising routines as you get more fit.
• Do not smoke, drink, or do drugs. They will make you look tired and unhealthy. Plus, they are bad for your body.

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