Learning to Love Yourself

We all struggle with self-doubt from time to time. Whether we question our competency, appearance or overall coolness, rest assured that we all have sore spots when it comes to ourselves. Nevertheless, I have learned a few ways to never let my inadequacies become obstacles, although it certainly did not come easy.

Nobody's Perfect

As a young twenty-something woman in California, it is hard to ignore the physical insecurities that circle my mind while I am trying to work on my tan. It seems like every few feet, the latest Giselle Bundchen is splashing in the ocean. And I cannot seem to shake those few seconds of vulnerability as I disrobe from my sundress into my bikini. But as I became familiar with these bronzed goddesses, I realized they too share the same insecurities. And in an odd twist of fate, everyone seemed so preoccupied in their own flaws to even pay attention to others' flaws. In these few instances, it dawned on me: they are humans too! In fact, we all are just people. So give yourself some slack and realize not one single person is perfect, and no one expects you to be.

Don't Just Complain - Do Something About It!

Another way to overcome your self doubts is to be proactive. A few months ago, exercise somehow got lost in the shuffle of my hectic schedule. As I complained and moaned that my mile time now was in the double digits, I simply made myself feel worse. Finally, I decided I that enough was enough and went for my first run in months. Although it was tough and extremely sweaty, I felt better than I ever had. The feeling of accomplishment that I finished those four miles made me feel proud of myself, and has since motivated me to continue. By setting and reaching realistic goals, you will appreciate your potential.

Goals Over Greed

Along with being proactive is to work hard for what you want. In college, I had a roommate who would buy everything her little heart desired on Daddy's credit card. Her two hundred dollar pairs of jeans would be wadded up in a corner, as she would continue to swipe the plastic to get what she thought she wanted. My other roommate, on the other hand, worked as a waitress while saving money to buy a great new pair of shoes. When she finally bought those gorgeous black stilettos, she really felt like she earned, and most importantly, deserved those shoes. She wore those shoes better than my other roommate wore her thousands of dollars of designer denims. From them, I learned it is important to derive your self esteem from your accomplishments, not your possessions.

Being pleased with yourself is the most difficult, but most rewarding aspect to a healthy self esteem. While it is certainly not beneficial to go to the extreme and believe you can do no wrong, acknowledging your accomplishments and hard work is a great way to feel good about yourself. Even though it might be a difficult journey to self-love, it is the best investment you will ever make.

Basics of Beauty

There are few things that turn a man off more than too much makeup. All men want to believe that their perfect women will wake up looking like Adriana Lima every morning, but women know better. Even a classic supermodel said, "even I don't wake up looking like Cindy Crawford." Sadly, it is difficult to live up to the airbrushed ideals stamped on the glossies. However, that does not mean there is no hope. A few tricks here and there will bring out the best of your natural beauty, while not forcing you to leave the house au natural.

Healthy Skin

Nothing is more beautiful than a healthy woman. One of the most apparent places your health shows is in your skin. A simple and overall healthy way to get radiant skin is through a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and water. Exercise is also a great way to sweat away any toxins as well as increase circulation. So instead of completely hiding your face with foundation, choose a tinted moisturizer that lets your skin shine through. And, if you need to, dab a little concealer under your eyes or on any blemishes.

Next, add a little blush on the apples of your cheeks. No contouring, no bright pinks. Just choose a color similar to your complexion after you go for a light jog. Then smile, and place the blush about an inch below the bottom of the center of your eyes. This will make you look younger and fresher.

Intriguing Eyes

Curl you eyelashes and add two coats of mascara. If you feel bare faced, add some eyeliner to the top lash line. This will draw attention to your eyes and make your man melt. To really add some curl to your peepers, try blow-drying your eyelash curler for fifteen seconds before curling your lashes. For some serious sex appeal, line the bottom rim of your eyes with a navy eyeliner. The navy makes the whites of your eyes more vibrant, thus making your eyes even more dramatic. Then, add a pop of white eyeshadow to the inner corners of your eyes.

Lusty Lips

Notice how there is nothing about the lips? While this is not true for all men, some fear getting dark lipstick or lipgloss on their faces. Simply, exfoliate your lips with a toothbrush and add a light coat of balm. This will make them glisten and look extra kissable. However, if you are going for a dramatic evening out, red lips certainly attract eyes. Be sure to choose a lip color that will not rub off on his clothes...or his lips.

Above anything else - SMILE! A beautiful, healthy smiles is the most attractive asset a woman can possess. Fortunately for you, you already have a gorgeous smile, so show it off!

Granted, some men prefer the vamped up vixens, while others drool over the sporty bare faced babes. However, the best make-up advice is to be the best version of you.