8 Ways To Look 100% Prettier In One Minute

We work long days, don’t we, ladies? Though you can leave the house looking fresh as a daisy, by hour eight everyone’s a bit wilted. But what if your day’s gonna go past hour eight and you’ve gotta stay flower-fresh for a couple more hours? Here are a few simple ways to feel instantly prettier, no matter how tired you are.

Stand up straight. Slouching is so unattractive, no matter what you may see in magazines. No, girl, if you want to look instantly more elegant, pulled together and slimmer, stand up straight. Imagine my finger poking you in the side if you must; I did this to my little brother so many times I cured him of his bad posture forever. Lift up your chin, roll your shoulders back and consider your posture for a minute. Pretend you actually have a book atop your head. You’ll look and feel so much more powerful, ready to conquer the rest of the day.

Bright lipstick. When I’m at the near-end of a long-ass retail shift, only a swipe of really bright red lipstick will cure me. It lights up my whole face; my eyes look bluer, my hair shinier. Red is my magic color, but perhaps a sunny pink or orange is yours. Whatever makes you feel a little more magical is the one you should reach for.

Hydrosols. The day I discovered face sprays was a landmark occasion. Not only do they instantly refresh you and your makeup, but the little blast of cool water perks up your skin right up. Leave them in the fridge during the sticky months of summer and you’ll experience a bit of heaven with every spritz. I like Evian’s (which I know is just fancy water) and Caudalie Beauty Elixir, which I swear is like an energy drink for your face. Bonus: Face sprays will set your makeup, keeping it on lock for a few more hours.

Pinch your cheeks. This is an old wives’ tale of sorts, but it really works. When you don’t have any makeup on your person, pinch your cheeks to mimic the flush you get from exercise or a glass of wine. It will make you look healthy and sweet; health is always attractive.

Keep a few samples of perfume in your bag. When I work a long shift, I make sure to refresh my perfume halfway through. I like to mist it on the back of my neck under my hair and behind my knees, because the heat rises and the scent disperses better.

Drink a big glass of water. You know, I drink a ton of water and I really don’t know if it’s making me more beautiful or healthier, but I’m still doing it. Take a plastic cup, fill it and chug that shit down.

Keep a mini-kit on hand. If you’re a really busy chick, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have a mini makeup bag on hand in case of emergency. Just toss it in your purse. Mine contains bobby pins, a toothbrush, ponytails, a mini perfume, a travel-sized mascara, brow pencil, concealer and a highlighting pen, so it can take me from work to dinner to an impromptu sleepover. It never hurts to be prepared, right?

Smile. Your day will pass so much faster if you’re smiling. I don’t know why that is, but it works.