how to look pretty

Your Girl Knows’ product recommendations are handpicked by our editorial team and given the seal of approval by Harman herself. When you buy something through our affiliate links, we might earn a little commission—at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products we genuinely love. Please read my Disclosure Policy for additional information.

Let’s start by saying that YOU ALREADY ARE PRETTY, no doubt about that.

But that being said, I totally get it if you feel like you’re super busy and barely have time to look in the mirror on some days – I’m there like 300 days a year, haha! It’s all good, right?

Because sometimes you just want to glam up, maybe for a date, to impress someone, for work, or just because. (The list of reasons to look pretty is endless, or is there even a question of a list?) And that’s totally fine! Self-care days are key to feeling good and looking your best.

If anyone tries to make you feel bad for wanting to look good, ignore them. It’s okay to take time for yourself and feel pretty. Don’t let anyone bring you down. Just do you and shine! Now let’s do this!

How to be pretty: Step 1 Get the Basics Right

1. Have Plenty of Sleep

33 Easy Hacks on How to Look Pretty Effortlessly Everyday and Feel Fabulous!

You might not think that sleeping has anything to do with looking pretty, but getting enough sleep is crucial for having a healthy complexion and bright eyes. Shoot for at least eight hours of sleep every night.

The moment you know you have a big day or event approaching, schedule your beauty sleep asap! You don’t even know how much of your body needs really depends on that 8 hours of sleep you waste on Netflix and chillin’.

From lesser puffy eyes, glowing skin, healthier hair, and a better appearance to almost everything pretty are directly related to your sleep, I said directly. And these are just the beauty benefits!

Also, tell me, what is more relaxing and fun than lying down and forgetting all your problems and laying off stress for once? Haha, sleeping is probably my favorite thing to do.

FYI, investing in a silk pillowcase can make that sleep even better for your skin and hair. It really does make a difference in improving your skin and hair for good, preventing fine lines and wrinkles, and getting smoother, frizz-free hair when you wake up. (Switching to silk pillow covers is one of my top secrets to clear skin.)

2. Make Hygiene a Priority & Smell Good

33 Easy Hacks on How to Look Pretty Effortlessly Everyday and Feel Fabulous!

This one should go without saying, but it’s as essential to practice good hygiene as it is to dress up. That means showering regularly, smelling like a snack, and brushing your teeth twice daily.

Staying clean, looking fresh, and smelling good are the golden nuggets that will help you attract attention without even doing much. Because tell me, who even wants to connect with someone that smells like a dead rat? (Okay, that’s now an exaggerated example, but you get the point.)

On the other hand, have you ever crossed paths or known someone who smells like a snack all the effin’ time? You know you want to be around them and instantly start to like them because their freshness and fragrance are enticing.

So always make hygiene a priority. It’s really an easy way to be prettier! And try to smell good with or without perfumes. (I love a nice perfume, though. Makes or breaks the day for me!)

I recently got my hands on this little baby, and OMG, it easily is one of the best fragrances I have ever tried. So worth the penny! (But I also have a fantastic Zara dupe for the same! 🤪]

3. Get your Skincare Right

33 Easy Hacks on How to Look Pretty Effortlessly Everyday and Feel Fabulous!

Every kind of skin is beautiful. It really is. But we all love healthy, supple skin, don’t we? The one that shines without a highlighter. Secretly, we all dream of that. I know I have.

Personal Story: I had very bad skin last year. I couldn’t even see my skin, it was just acne and dullness. Every time I saw my face in the mirror, I had at least 50 new bumps on the forehead, 3-4 on the chin, and a minimum of 5 on the cheeks. It was terrible.

I stayed away from clicking pictures and never showed up to any event or party. And I had my sister’s wedding fast approaching! Could it be any worse? I did everything to make those nasty pimples disappear; I even went to a dermatologist and had some treatments. She made me follow this easy 4-step acne skincare routine STRICTLY, and it took me exactly two months to get that clear, glowing skin.

Results? My confidence exploded!! My insecurities started to go downhill. I became happier naturally because I felt pretty, internally and externally. That is how much looking prettier can affect a human being.

So getting your skincare products right is so freakin’ important. Know what your skin needs, and don’t just buy products that are expensive or that you feel will work because of a brand’s extensive marketing or because you have worked for someone else.

For most skin types, a gentle cleanser, antioxidant-rich serum, and moisturizer will work fine! You must also use a good face mask every week or fortnight. And sunscreen is a no-brainer, of course.

If you’re new to skincare, I suggest you start with a simple skincare routine. You can always complicate it later, babe.

Wondering how to be pretty without makeup? Good care of your skin is your answer!

4. Keep Your Hair Clean and Done

33 Easy Hacks on How to Look Pretty Effortlessly Everyday and Feel Fabulous!

Your hair is one of the first things people notice about you, so it’s important to take care of it. Voluminous, healthy, and styled hair undoubtedly makes you look pretty and cute.

Get regular trims and use products that are gentle on your hair. And if you color your hair, make sure you use a quality product that won’t damage your strands.

Treat your hair like a crown, babe; they can actually make or break the entire look. Here are my favorite tips from my hairdresser!

1. Choosing the right shampoo, conditioner, mask, and serums (whatever you use) is the best thing to get gorgeous hair. Know what your hair needs; don’t go with what is best-selling or the recent drop in the market. Many people don’t even know whether they are using the right products. If you have doubts as well, go check out this article here.

2. Pamper your hair with something extra. I’ve loved Olaplex treatment for months now. Gosh, it actually makes your hair super soft and healthy. I GUARANTEE you the result within 2-3 hair washes.

33 Easy Hacks on How to Look Pretty Effortlessly Everyday and Feel Fabulous!

And if Olaplex gets a little out of your budget, these Olaplex dupes will seriously treat your hair with magic.

3. Wash your hair as and when they start to appear oily or dirty. Don’t wait for a particular day or time. And if you are washing them frequently, go for a mild shampoo.

4. Always keep your hair brushed. And if possible, put them into a cute braid or ponytail.

5. Don’t use styling products every day. They weaken your hair much more than you can think. Maybe once a week is considerable but always use hair protectants while doing so.

6. Keep dry shampoo handy for oily hair you don’t wanna wash yet!

7. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair after washing, as this is less damaging than using a brush.

8. Protect your hair from the sun and chlorine by wearing a hat or swimming cap when you’re outside or swimming in a pool.

9. Massage your scalp when you shampoo to promote blood flow and stimulate hair growth.

10. Avoid using elastics with metal clasps or tight hairstyles that can pull on your hair and cause breakage.

Don’t let the bad hair days interfere with you feeling pretty!

5. Give Yourself a Pretty Manicure

33 Easy Hacks on How to Look Pretty Effortlessly Everyday and Feel Fabulous!

By manicure, I don’t mean you have to go to a salon and get your nails done. Although, if you can, that will be the cherry on the cake.

But for now, just trim them, file them to a proper shape, and paint them with a pretty nail polish color if you want. I always go for a nude shade or even a transparent coat would work!

A person with neat, tidy nails looks prettier than those with bitten, pathetic nails. And if you need some help giving yourself a manicure, here’s a complete gel nail polish with everything you’ll need. It has more than 19,000 insanely good reviews!

33 Easy Hacks on How to Look Pretty Effortlessly Everyday and Feel Fabulous!

6. Wear Clothes in Your Actual Size

33 Easy Hacks on How to Look Pretty Effortlessly Everyday and Feel Fabulous!

Exactly, please don’t size down your clothes when shopping just because you think it will help you get motivated for weight loss. It may or may not motivate you much, but it will surely make you feel sick about yourself in the long run, which is a big NO-NO! (The point here is to look pretty, remember?)

You look your best when you dress in clothes that flatter your body. So it’s important to find clothing that fits well and makes you feel good about yourself. Avoid clothes that are too tight or too loose, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles to find what looks best on you.

Rightly fitted clothes are a simple secret to how to look pretty.

If you want to be extremely stylish among all, check out these 16 fashion tricks that are a total game-changer!

7. And Wear Cute Clothes

how to look pretty

Talking of clothes, you need to find your personal style and go-to favorite pieces which you know you’ll look prettier in, no matter what.

But I often find people questioning – how to be pretty and find cute clothes. So here you go!

  1. Find what your undertone is and what colors suit your skin tone the most. Are you warm-toned or cool? Do yellowish colors look good on you or pink? This will completely change the way you’ll shop for life, I swear. I talk about this all the time when I talk about looking stylish effortlessly.
  2. What’s your style? Comfy but chic? Basic but classy? Modern? Preppy? Boho?
  3. And do not forget your body type. It’s one of the main reasons why the clothes that you choose are not looking as great on you as you imagined. So start dressing according to your body type!
  4. Choose the items! (The fun part)

Yes, a red dress or red lipstick can look breathtaking on anyone, but practically you cannot wear it every day. So finding your style and cute clothes can eventually step up your looking pretty game!

8. Love a little Makeup

how to be pretty

Enhancing your already beautiful features with just a little (or more) makeup is a crime in no book. So why not?

You won’t believe me if I say that I never filled my eyebrows until this year (And that too because my lady messed them up :/ ). So when I did, a whole new world of perfect eyebrows was introduced to me. It was awesome!

And that did make me feel good about my eyebrows; not kidding!

Just a little concealer to brighten up the eyes and hide dark circles, blush on those cheeks, and a single coat of mascara just to amplify your lashes is all you have to do if you want to feel great and look prettier in seconds. Less is definitely more when it comes to makeup. Some eye makeup would work too if you are into it! 😉

Here are my FAVORITE natural-looking makeup gems that won’t even cost you much.

9. Keep Your Lips Soft & Supple by Scrubbing

how to become pretty

Accept it or not, the lips are one of the most sensitive parts of your body. And also one of the most attractive but overlooked.

So take care of them. Give them that extra love. Scrub them at least twice or thrice a week but VERY gently.

Wanna know one of my beloved beauty tips? (Winking with both my eyes cause I just cannot, okay!) Scrub your lips with the same brush (but gently) while brushing, or scrub off the dead skin cells on the lips with a towel while pat drying your face after a face wash. Easy right?

10. Love a Tinted or Normal Chapstick

Now that your lips are clean and soft after scrubbing, it’s time for some nourishment!! This is how you can look pretty instantly with a slight tint on your lips or normal lip gloss.

How about a tinted gloss? Good idea! This one from Laneige is not only the best Korean lip balm ever but also one of the best in the market. It has been a total game-changer for my dry AF lips.

33 Easy Hacks on How to Look Pretty Effortlessly Everyday and Feel Fabulous!

Lip Tip: Do not lick your lips whenever you feel dry. Why? Because licking your lips makes your lips feel way drier? Yes, It constantly makes you feel that you need lip balm. So babe, please get yourself a lip balm. And keep it handy 24/7.

[ Lip balm vs Chapstick: Which is Better? (You’ll be shocked!) ]

11. Make your Teeth Look Cleaner

how to become prettier

A smile is the prettiest thing the human body can have. And it all depends on your mood (of course) and clean pearly teeth.

Some experts even say that shiny, white teeth can make you look more attractive, wealthy, educated, and even younger! Although I don’t really believe all this, I do feel that good teeth are a sign of good health. And good health always attracts the right people.

Smiling also makes you look friendly and approachable, and it can even help you appear more attractive. So flash those pearly whites as often as you can!

You can grab these whitening strips or mouthwashes and go for them. A DIY I love for this is rubbing salt+lemon for barely 10-20 seconds after brushing. Won’t give you a huge difference instantly, but works.

12. Always Wear Ironed Clothes

how to look cute

This is one thing I regret that I wish I had realized earlier. As a kid, I always used to wear unironed clothes just because it would take time. Classic Harman! And now that I see my old pictures, god, can I go back and iron them, please?

Most of the time, other people take you more seriously if you look neat and polished. Moreover, who doesn’t want to look presentable and taken seriously at all times?

13. Always Keep Your Body Dewy

how to look prettier

We talked about skin, hair, lips, and everything under the roof. But hello? A nice glowing body is just as much essential too. Because apparently, flaky, dry skin looks pretty to no one.

So always keep your skin moisturized and glowing. Care for it as much as you do for your face. At least 50% of that? That’s acceptable. Okay done.

33 Easy Hacks on How to Look Pretty Effortlessly Everyday and Feel Fabulous!

Harman’s special Beauty tips –

Whenever you have to look pretty in pictures, apply a few drops of body oil to make your arms and legs shine in them. It also gives your skin a healthy glow. But do not go overboard and bathe in it!

I abso-freakin-lutely love this body oil!

14. Shave Your Body and moisturize It

If you ask me, I don’t like these “Girls just cannot have hair on their body in public” stereotypes. (Also, because I can be the hairiest person you’ll ever meet, and I hate waxing). But that’s a different story.

But I do feel that shaving or waxing your legs automatically makes you feel more feminine. (Maybe because we are programmed like that.) You feel confident in whatever you wear. And the moment you feel confident from within, the world changes for you, girl!

15. Pair Cute Accessories with your Outfits

how to pretty

With a few rings for your fingers, cute neck chains, bracelets, a watch, or earrings, whatever you love, accessorizing your simple outfits is a game-changer and actually helps you look expensive on a budget, even without putting in much effort.

I never really was a jewelry person because it felt like an extra step, but I’m not gonna lie, I don’t step out without at least one piece of an accessory now (a watch can get the work done too).

16. Hydrate Yourself like Crazy

I just cannot stress this enough, but drinking enough water and having your body’s water goals always fulfilled is the most important thing you can do for yourself if you really wanna know how to look pretty. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water.

It definitely is not an overnight thing, but in the long run, your skin and body will need less moisturizer and fewer acne treatments, the face will have fewer skin problems, and they will literally thank you!

17. Add more Fruits and Veggies to Your Diet

how to be prettier

I think we all are programmed to this statement, right? If you want to know how to look pretty, fruits and veggies are the solid answer!

But talking to you with all the experiences, I stand by this. It does count in. And if you are willing to experiment just for the sake of being prettier, I’ll suggest you create a diet for the next 20-25 days filled with green veggies and delish fruits. You’ll see a NOTICEABLE difference after just few weeks, trust me.

Add fruits in your snack time and salads as your dinner, fresh juices in the morning, or whatever way you like.

Make way for much healthy and glowing skin, girl!

18. have a straight Body Posture

how to be prettier

Oh my god, I had to include this. I see so many people, charmingly dressed but walking with a hunched back, maybe from working all day, who knows. But let me tell you, it is not a very good posture to look at.

So always make a point to sit and stand straight and put your foot forward with the right body language. It not only makes you look prettier but it also helps protect your only spine. Don’t waste all your efforts because of this, okay?

19. Confidence, Confidence, Confidence. Did I mention Confidence?

how to be pretty

You just cannot look pretty until and unless you feel pretty from the inside. There’s absolutely no point in looking like an absolute beauty when you don’t even have the confidence to own it.

But how do you get there? I have been there. If you’d met me a few months ago, I would have been one of the most insecure people. But I’m learning and growing. And you can too.

Do you know how? By being the most positive personality when I’m alone. By owning up to who I am and affirming that I am the prettiest and I don’t need validation from people (who don’t even know me) for it.

By caring for myself before anyone. By actually loving me for the way I look. By putting me on the top of the priority list. By embracing every flaw, even if they are in millions. (I’m a human; I cannot be perfect. What did you expect?)

I’m telling ya, Confidence is your best friend. It will be the first and last secret ingredient you NEED to look pretty.

20. NEVER Compare Yourself to Anyone

how to be pretty

Yes, she is beautiful but so are you, even when you have that acne or wrinkle or a chubby cheek. Because that is just the vanity metrics, they don’t define beauty, pretty, cute, or anything related.

It is so easy in a world full of unmatched standards of good looks and an excellent body to beat ourselves for nothing. So easy to cringe at yourself for no reason. And so easy to compare yourself with someone you THINK is looking or doing better.

But what’s fun in easy? So choose the not-so-easy option. Which is accepting what you truly are, exploring your inner self, and working on making that better. Not comparing. Instead, love yourself 1000 times more than you’d love anyone in this small world.

21. Radiate Positivity and Be Friendly

how to be pretty

No one gets attracted to negative vibes. (Maybe that’s why ‘Good vibes only’ is quite famous.)

Out of 5 ordinary people in a room, the one oozing positivity and happiness will be the life of that party and will be loved by everyone unconditionally. Ever noticed that?

And positivity is one such thing that you just cannot fake. It comes out naturally when you feel it internally.

So stay positive babe, not just for others but for yourself first. After all, it will also help you get another step down in your How to look pretty journey!

22. Blow a Kiss to Yourself in the Mirror

how to look pretty

Haha, sounds weird? But I love doing it at least ten times a day!

No, I’m not self-obsessed AT ALL, and definitely not kidding. It’s just that seeing myself in the mirror when I haven’t dressed up or washed my face and blowing a kiss to myself reminds me to love myself for who I am and more than anyone else.

Just a positive activity I like to do to overcome my insecurities. If you plan to add this to your life, tell me if it worked. I would be the happiest to know if it did!

23. Always Compliment Yourself

Continuing with that mindset, give tons and tons of compliments to yourself. For instance, say, “Babe, that eyeliner is perfecttttttt!” or “Girl, that smile is gonna kill someone someday!”

If you love your very own compliments, trust me, you won’t need any validation from people on how pretty you are or look. You’ll be happy in your own little world. And that’s the happiest thing you can do for yourself!

23. Destress and Calm Down

how to look pretty

Relaxxx. Things go up and down all the effin’ time. So forget about it. But if you just cannot (like me), do these quick things to destress yourself.

  • Practice breathing
  • Change up your environment.
  • Go for a walk or a run
  • Put on your favorite comedy show
  • Chew Gum (actually proven)

Destressing will help you reduce your skin issues and explore your healthy mind and skin, which will eventually help you figure out how to look pretty. So this is extremely important as well!

24. Rosewater to Rescue for Looking Fresh

Wondering how to look and be pretty? Rosewater is your answer. I remember there was a time when I got obsessed with spraying rose water every two hours. Yes, that was a little too much, but here is fun fact, it doesn’t have any kind of side effect whatsoever!

My skin looked so shiny and healthy within a week that I used to use Rosewater like crazy! I was obsessed and would spray it in the morning to wake me up, at night, while going out, and at any time I wanted to. (I’m not as obsessed now, lol)

No doubt, it’s one of best-kept beauty secret of Cleaopatra herself!

Thus, carry a spray bottle of rose water where ever you go and Spray it once you feel you look tired or dull. It will instantly help you freshen up, and you’ll look pretty in no time!

33 Easy Hacks on How to Look Pretty Effortlessly Everyday and Feel Fabulous!

25. smile and laugh often

There’s no face prettier than a broad smile. No matter what you wear or how you dress, everything would go done the hill if not accompanied by your smile. Be confident and start laughing often.

Let loose. There are so many things to worry about but looking pretty is not one of them. You know why? Because you are already pretty! So give me a quick smile for that 😉

Additional tips on how to look pretty

how to look pretty

If that’s not enough, let me give you some quick beauty tips to look even prettier, just in case!

And don’t worry, I am just like you with all the body issues and insecurities. So, let’s work together!

  1. Face beauty is one thing. But your body holds the bigger proportion. So keep that in check. Exfoliate your underarms, treat the dark spots and ingrown hair on your legs, and get rid of butt pimples and back acne.
  2. If you sweat a lot, start using antiperspirant because that’s the only thing that works.
  3. I have seen that ice facials do work but do that just once or twice a week because it can actually damage your skin if done excessively.
  4. Incorporate at-home chemical peels in your skincare regimen. They are saviors!!!
  5. Get in touch with your feminine energy, light or dark, doesn’t matter.
  6. You know you can even manifest beauty. I am not kidding!
  7. To give your hair extra shine, try using a small amount of beer as a hair rinse after shampooing and conditioning.
  8. Now you’ll think I’m crazy, but start using a humidifier in your home or office to help keep your skin hydrated all the freakin’ time.

Final Thoughts on How to Be Prettier

The concept of how to be pretty starts with loving yourself and being confident in whatever you own. Then comes the external factors of taking care of your skin, health, body, hair, and nails.

Unless you start to feel pretty from the inside, there’s no way makeup and clothes can help you look pretty. So try and live your life in the best way possible, babe. Lastly, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so don’t seek validation or comments from others. Be proud of who you are, and always keep working towards your best self!

And this is how to be pretty!

Related Articles to How to Be Pretty

31 Comments

  1. These tips are gold! 😍 I can totally relate to those busy days when there’s hardly a moment to look in the mirror. But it’s true, we all have those moments when we want to amp up the glam and feel extra pretty. For me, getting enough sleep and hydrating like crazy have been game-changers. And a little self-care, like a pretty manicure or a swipe of chapstick, can work wonders.

      1. At your age you’re perfect and pretty
        These tips will be once you get older
        Never to early to start, less make up is better and take good care of your skin 🤩

  2. My Mum always said that a smile, a well ironed pair of pants and a stroke mascara was all she needed to get through a day. Oh and a glass of Champagne on a Friday night.

    Those words always stuck with me and I know that no matter what else, mascara always makes me feel like I have got my face on.

    But your tips about getting enough sleep and being kind to yourself is so true!!! Everything seems easier to deal with if you are well rested.

    And I am obsessed with rose water too!

  3. This helped me so much on my self esteem as well with my life! I came in here comparing myself to people but, this made my life 100% better! Also, love this lady’s confident tone to her voice/writing almost as if I can hear her in my head! Thank you so much!

  4. Yea girl, there’s nothing wrong in wanting to look. When will our society understand that wr don’t dress up for boys. We dress up for ourselves. More power to you!

  5. OMG all of this is true, everything. You need confidence and you need to love yourself first to feel pretty because you may look pretty but if you don’t believe it or don’t see it by yourself is because you don’t have confidence you will never see how pretty, amazing and unique you are. If you are having trouble being confident then fake your confident that’s why i do eventually you will like how confident you are and start being confidence for real. Don’t hear what others say and always put yourself first.

  6. i LOVE this artical and everything about it and listen i dont like to compliment people but you seem so perfect and such a badass i dont even know you but i love you,thank you for making me smile today,ive been pretty down because of a few things and people leaving my life.Have a great and blessed day.

  7. I love this, definitely going to do some of these. Although, some I already do but thank youuuu! Love this.

  8. I absolutely loved to read this! It made me feel good about myself but my sister is obsessed with all the make-up and social media and I feel if I get into that stuff, my mum will think she has lost her daughter. Idk what to do because all my friends are starting to get into this and then I am just left not understanding what they are saying. This article really showed me how I can make myself look better in a way that she won’t need to read too much into it!

  9. I have been so depressed lately that I started taking a little bit more care of myself. Going to the psychiatrist, taking care of my skin, whenever I could not sleep I would even start practicing on my make up skills. This article gave me more ideas on how to pamper myself.
    It is never a sin to take care of ourselves

  10. Oh my god, this is exactly what I wanted to read! Made me a little more confident and happy. Thank you so much! And yes, keep writing! Love your content.

    1. Hey Heather, “You are pretty as you are” is literally the first sentence of this article. But wanting to look polished and nice is not a crime, or is it?

    1. Yeah! I mean YES be confident about ur self gurl because u are PERFECT! But wanting to look pretty is 100% normal and fine!!!

  11. I have my first ever date coming and I want to look the best. You helped me Harman. Thanks! Could you share some tips on what should I wear or anything related? I’m so confused🥺

  12. Indeed an article that makes me happy. I have my birthday in a month and I so want to look pretty and here this is my go-to now. Thank you.

  13. I don’t know when was the time I had read such a positive article. Yeah, we all want to look pretty and I’m very sure that you have helped me in achieving that! And yes, we should never judge a person if she wants to look pretty. You don’t know what is she going through. Thank you Harman!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *