I can easily indulge myself in both female and male fashion.

So not only do I buy make-up, heels, and dresses, but I also purchase guys’ basic tees, bow ties, and kicks.
(This is exaggerating the gender split in apparel trends; there isn’t really one when you get to a certain point in fashion.)

But you get what I mean.  Bottom line is now I’m spending twice the amount of money because I have twice the amount of wants ;_;

DISCLAIMER: I am not a professional.  Everything stated here is merely my opinion.

So this is the first part of a little blog serial I’d like to call “Simple Steps to Style.”  It’s mainly a compilation of what I’ve found to be essentials to fashion and style fit for you.  Meaning keeping your identity while discovering ways to bring out your potential, highlighting your better points, and, if necessary, hiding your flaws.

In my opinion, there is no such thing as an ugly person.  I believe everyone has potential.  Throughout life, I’ve seen time and time again that “unattractive” people are just those who haven’t put effort into bettering the appearance, whether it be because they don’t care or they don’t know how.

I went through a number of phases trying to figure out my personal fashion style so I didn’t come out of the womb freshly dressed (although I may be a little more inclined to having a natural sense for aesthetics since I’m right-brained).  So I hope that if you’re reading this for help, you’ll know that I was in your shoes just a short while ago.

This first part is about hygiene.  It might not be what you’re looking for in terms of fashion/style, but it’s definitely a base I hope you’ll keep in mind.

1. Skin (clarity). I personally find that people with clear skin are already 50% attractive (if not more).  It just looks clean.  I understand a lot of people have more than what can be fixed by simple drugstore cleansers, so I really hope you guys the best in this journey!  If you don’t have clear skin, you’re not “ugly.”  Even the effort is beautiful.  (I sound so cheesy right now, I know.)
   
   Personally, drugstore cleansers work fine (e.g. Neutrogena).  Proactiv worked well when I went through my first and worst acne experience, but I think they’ve since changed their formula because my second set did diddly-squat for me so I switched to Neutrogena.
2. Skin (hydration).  I wasn’t sure how to title this… but this is about moisturizing your skin.  This topic also includes your lips. (Nobody likes to kiss chapped lips d;) Aside from just slathering moisturizers onto your body and face, we mustn’t forget to drink an ample amount of water!
   
   In regards to products, I have used only one facial lotion throughout my entire life and always will, and that is the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion.  For my body, I’m currently using one from Victoria’s Secret, but I use the ones from Bath and Body Works, too.
   
   And as a self-proclaimed lip moisturizing product junkie, I’d have to say the best one I’ve ever had the pleasure of using is the Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm.  It’s a line that’s actually aimed for men, so boys, you can use this, too!  Though I think you may feel a little emasculated since it is a squeeze-tube lip balm, not the solid stick formula.
3. Dental hygiene. I think we all know that white teeth are preferred here.  But even that aside, brushing daily gets rid of bacteria that causes bad breath.  So brush at least twice a day!
   
   In addition to doing so, I also use ACT fluoride rinse every night, and Listerine every morning. 
4. Scent. This is pretty important because think about it: say you’re walking in a crowded place with your friends, not really looking around for anyone.  Someone who walks by and smells amazing would cause you to stop for a second when you wouldn’t have even noticed otherwise.
   
   I feel it’s not enough to just not smell bad; you want to smell good.  Maybe that’s just my vanity, but I know a number of guys who are greatly affected by the scent of a woman.  (A lot of men say they like vanilla scents, but I personally like floral/fresh scents, and so does my brother haha!)
   
   So first, you’ve got to make sure you’re using deodorant (if you perspire; weird to say, but some people actually don’t that much).  Then you can layer on a scent whether it be via perfume or lotion.  Some shampoos stay in your hair all day and that works amazingly, too.  Same with body soaps.  You could even go all the way with those body sets with a matching body lotion, soap, mist, and shampoo scents to make sure the fragrance really lasts.
   
   Pointers to increase staying power of perfumes: 1) moisturize with lotion the area you’re about to apply perfume, and 2) don’t rub where you’ve just applied perfume.
   
   
5. Hair. Wash your hair as often as it takes for it to continue looking fresh.  Greasy hair shows other people that you don’t have clean hygienic habits.
   
   Also, I learned that having a good haircut does WONDERS for a person.  When I see someone whom others would deem “unattractive,” more often than not, all that person needs is a new haircut and wardrobe to look really good.
   
   You have to find out what suits your face shape.  If you have a large forehead, cover it up with bangs.  Vice versa; if you have a short forehead, I don’t recommend any bangs that come down the front of your face (e.g. straight bangs, side-swept bangs).  If you really want bangs, try the kind that are longer than traditional bangs, but not as long as your full-hair length.  That is also a trick for those with wider faces; having bangs that frame your face will slim it down. 
   
   This also goes for hair partings and length.  Try to look at celebrities or people with similar face shapes and features, and see what suits them.

I think that last point is encroaching on the next installment of this blog serial, so I’ll leave that until then.

I hope you guys found this helpful.  The next entry should be more helpful in the fashion/style department (: 

satoori:

(Source: yunjae5)