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Once you hit the preteen years, it's normal to start caring a little more about your appearance. Luckily, you probably already have a natural, pretty glow—but it's perfectly okay if you want to start experimenting with your clothes, hair, skincare, and makeup. Just remember at this stage, less is usually more. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you look your very best!

2

Experiment with natural-looking makeup.

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  1. When you first start wearing makeup, it's tempting to try to recreate some of the dramatic looks you see on Insta or your favorite stars. As a pre-teen, though, you'll probably look your very best when you keep your makeup subtle—if you wear it at all. [1] Here are a few basics you can try:
    • Use concealer to cover acne spots, or dark spots under your eyes. [2]
    • Opt for tinted moisturizer or BB cream if you need to even out your skin tone.
    • Try a cream or powder blush to add a little color to the roundest part of your cheeks.
    • Use an eyelash curler to make your lashes stand out.
    • Finish your look with clear or tinted lip gloss or balm—save lipstick for special occasions.
3

Style your hair every day.

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  1. It's up to you how much effort you want to put in—you might feel perfectly confident just running a comb through your hair before you head out the door, and that's fine! But if you want to add a little extra to your look, try out a fun style like a low ponytail, messy bun, pulled-back braids, or wearing your hair half up and half down.
    • If your hair is shorter, try using a little mousse to keep it in place throughout the day. You could also use barrettes or headbands for a more feminine look.
    • Try to embrace your hair's texture—if it's curly or thick, for instance, look for styles that look best with a lot of volume, like an updo or puffs.
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5

Wear clothes that help you feel comfortable and confident.

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  1. Typically your clothes are going to be the most flattering if they skim neatly over your body, rather than being overly baggy or super-tight. [3] And remember—if a certain fit doesn't work for you, it does not mean there's anything wrong with your body! Just keep trying on different styles until you find what looks best on you. [4]
    • Feel free to play with different looks—if you feel like wearing a T-shirt and jeans one day and a dress the next, that's totally fine. It's all part of figuring out who you are! [5]
    • Don't give in to the pressure to dress provocatively. It might get you a lot of attention in the short term, but it's better to be well-known for being awesome at math, incredible at kickball, or someone your friends can always count on. [6]
    • Wear supportive, comfortable undergarments that don't show under your clothes. If your chest starts developing, you may prefer the support that comes from wearing a bra.
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6

Accessorize to show off your personality.

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  1. Even a plain white T-shirt and a pair of jeans can become a one-of-a-kind look with the right accessories. [7] When you're shopping, look for cool pieces like necklaces, earrings, bracelets and wristbands, belts, scarves, and sunglasses so you can really express yourself. [8]
    • For a more classic look, go with timeless jewelry like a nice watch, a simple pendant necklace, or stud earrings.
    • If you like a funkier style, look for chunky cuff bracelets, unique hats, and cool rings.
    • Don't forget the shoes—save up your extra money or ask your parents to buy you a couple of pairs that you think are really cool. Just make sure they're comfortable!
8

Wash your face twice a day.

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  1. Things like dirt, oil, and makeup can clog your pores, so it's really important to get in the habit of washing your face every day. It's best to wash in the morning and at night, but if you can only manage to remember it once a day, try to do it at night. That will help prevent acne, so you'll always feel your best. [9]
    • Regular soap can dry out your face, so use a gentle, unscented face wash instead.
    • As you're washing, work your fingers in small circles to really help clean out your pores. [10]
    • Stash some face wipes in your bag to keep your face clean after gym class or soccer practice
9

Apply a moisturizer after washing your face.

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  1. Go with something light and oil-free, and skip anything with a strong fragrance—those can irritate your skin. Just pat on a light layer of the product you choose, then let it soak into your skin on its own. Your skin should feel refreshed and smooth afterward! [11]
    • It can be tempting to skip the moisturizer if your skin gets oily, but don't! When your skin is dry, it can actually overproduce oil—so a lightweight moisturizer will help keep your skin balanced and clear.
    • Face masks—like sheet masks or a homemade avocado mask —can be a great way to add extra moisture to your skin. [12]
    • Use body lotion to keep your skin soft and smooth.
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10

Spot-treat acne.

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  1. Acne treatments can be kind of harsh on your skin, leaving it irritated and dry. Instead of applying it all over, try just dabbing the treatment onto the bump or blemish. [13] Then, leave it alone—trying to squeeze or pop it will just make it worse, and you could even end up with an infection.
    • For occasional breakouts, use an over-the-counter acne product made with benzoyl peroxide. [14]
    • For really stubborn acne, see a dermatologist—they may prescribe you a stronger product, like topical retinol.
11

Put on deodorant every day.

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  1. As your body starts to develop, you'll likely notice some changes you aren't so thrilled about—like armpit odors. Luckily, a swipe of a combination antiperspirant and deodorant every morning will help keep that under control. It can help keep you from getting damp or yellow stains under the arms of your clothes, too—so in addition to smelling great, you may look better, too.
    • Just wearing deodorant won't prevent odors from building up on other parts of your body, so be sure to shower or bathe every single day, too!
    • Wear clean clothes every day, since sweat and oils can build up and make them smell funky.
    • If you want, you can add a light spritz of body spray or perfume, but don't go overboard—strong fragrances can be really overwhelming to the people around you.
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14

Tweeze or shave if you want to remove body hair.

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  1. As the hair on your body starts growing in—or the hair that's already there gets thicker and darker—you might decide that you'd be more comfortable removing it. If the hair is growing over a large area, like your legs or your chin, you're probably better off using a shaving cream or gel and a sharp razor. You could also experiment with waxing, but ask an adult you trust for help so you don't burn yourself with the hot wax.
    • If you only want to remove a few hairs, like around your upper lip or your eyebrows, try plucking them with a tweezer.
15

Eat healthy and exercise.

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  1. To keep your body healthy, be sure to eat a diet with lots of fruits and veggies, whole grains like brown rice, and lean proteins like chicken and turkey. Try to avoid processed foods that are high in fat or sugar, like chips, ice cream, and cake. Also, try to get at least 30-60 minutes of physical activity every day. [17]
    • Exercise doesn't have to be boring, though—jumping on a trampoline and playing ball with your friends are great ways to get your body moving!
    • Be sure to drink plenty of water, too. Your skin will look its best when you're well hydrated.
    • If you eat well overall and stay pretty active, it won't hurt you to have a cupcake or some french fries once in a while, so don't worry about depriving yourself. Just try not to make them part of every meal.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I update my wardrobe so it's more in?
    Sarah McDonald
    Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
    Sarah McDonald is a Certified Stylist and Image Consultant and the Owner of Pivotal Style. She helps both men and women feel confident through clothing by guiding them on how to dress based on body type, color tone, lifestyle, and personal and professional goals. Sarah received her Image and Style Professional Certification from The Fashion Stylist Institute.
    Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
    Expert Answer
    Honestly, I would recommend going into any trendy boutique or youth clothing store and just look around. Anything that those stores are carrying is going to be trendy.
  • Question
    How can I look more mature?
    Sarah McDonald
    Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
    Sarah McDonald is a Certified Stylist and Image Consultant and the Owner of Pivotal Style. She helps both men and women feel confident through clothing by guiding them on how to dress based on body type, color tone, lifestyle, and personal and professional goals. Sarah received her Image and Style Professional Certification from The Fashion Stylist Institute.
    Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
    Expert Answer
    It's all about crafting a look that's mature and elegant. Don't overdo it and don't overdress. Stick with sleeker, crisper outfits and choose a handful of elegant accessories to make things pop.
  • Question
    How can I look pretty with no makeup?
    Community Answer
    Consult Look Your Best Without Makeup at School.
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