Inner Glow Patrol: 15 Ways to Radiate Beauty Even When You Feel Ugly

We all wish there was some magic formula for how to be beautiful. Especially on those days when you just feel…kind of ugly. And let’s face it, even supermodels have days when they don’t feel quite ready for their close-up. It’s important to remember you tend to be your own worst critic so, even when you’re feeling less than gorgeous, the rest of the world still sees the same fabulous you.

The stunning Salma Hayek put it so poetically: «People often say that ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’, and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that you are the beholder. This empowers us to find beauty in places where others have not dared to look, including inside ourselves.» Of course it’s hard to keep that advice in mind during the holiday whirlwind, when you’re frazzled and overextended yet have to be ‘on’ and ready for a photo op at a moment’s notice. As you think of Salma’s sage words, here are 15 more tips on how to be beautiful on the outside when you feel frumpy and disheveled on the inside.

1. Feel Your Strength

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When you feel strong and powerful, you radiate beauty. Start your day with something that reminds you of your own strength. Get to the gym, go for a run or even fix something around the house. Whatever makes you feel like the confident, self-sufficient woman you are.

2. Lipstick & Mascara

Sure it’s shallow, but it works! There’s nothing like a swipe of red lipstick and a touch of mascara to make you feel instantly refreshed and pulled together. They’re all you need in a pinch.

3. Positive Affirmations

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Negative self-talk starts to creep in when you’re feeling blah. Block out all the ‘I’m fat’ and ‘Is that a new wrinkle?’ inner monologue with a few positive affirmations. Take a few minutes to look in the mirror and think about what you love about yourself. Whenever negative thoughts start creeping in throughout the day, block them out with a ‘Damn, my a** looks good in these jeans!’.

4. Bold Color

Wear something colorful to beat the blues and brighten your mood. It’s hard to feel frumpy and sad in a vivid blue sweater or fun floral tights. Even if you just put on a pretty colorful cocktail ring, you’ll smile every time you catch a glimpse of your vividly adorned hand.

5. Killer Platforms

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Few things make a woman feel as stunning as a great pair of shoes. For an even bigger boost (literally and figuratively) put on a pair of killer platforms. A few extra inches make you feel taller, more powerful and ready to take on the world.

6. Mani/Pedi

Not only does taking a few minutes out of your day for a mani or pedi spruce up your nails, it also makes you feel pampered and special—even if you do it yourself. It’s amazing what a big difference the little things can make.

7. Your Kids

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Yes, running around after the little ones and wrangling wayward teens are major contributors to feeling less put together than you’d like. However, if you stop to think about what a miracle it is that you made these incredible human beings and how grateful you are to have them, you’ll feel pretty damn beautiful.

8. Sing It

It may be a tad cheesy, Christina Aguilera’s 2002 hit, Beautiful is a catchy, pop affirmation. If that doesn’t work for you, play a few tunes that make you want to dance to get your groove back.

9. Take a Nap

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Beauty rest is not a myth. If you can manage it, a nap is one of the best, easiest and most enjoyable tips for how to be beautiful. Even 20 minutes in the middle of the day can make a world of difference in your outlook.

10. Meditate

Meditation is the next best thing to a nap. Find a quiet spot to close your eyes, decompress and think serenity.

11. Smile

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Everyone’s prettier when they smile. When you make an effort to smile at others, they’ll smile right back and before you know it everyone’s laughing.

12. Good Karma

Doing something nice for someone else is good karma. It will make you feel connected with another person and great about yourself. If you want to know how to be beautiful inside and out, an act of random kindness is the answer.

13. Complement Others

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When you find fault with others, you’ll inevitably turn that critical eye on yourself. Look for good qualities that you admire in other people and let them know. You may get a few complements in return.

14. Dress Up

We all have our go-to ensemble that we just know looks great. When all else fails, put on your favorite outfit and walk with confidence.

15. Spritz It

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Try a little aromatherapy to brighten your mood and make you feel flirty and feminine.