How to Give Yourself a Makeover

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Do you have a big date coming up, or do you just want to look and feel beautiful? Makeovers are a great way to cheer up, to steer away boredom, and to feel better about yourself. Making small changes can help you with a quick makeover, while changing some of your habits, like exercising regularly and eating well, can help achieve a more dramatic makeover. And remember- you're beautiful!

Method 1
Method 1 of 6:

Finding Your New Look

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  1. Take a look at yourself and decide what you want to change. What do you like about your look? What do you want to change?
  2. Look online (Pinterest is a good site) or in magazines to find pictures of people that you like. Compile a folder of pictures. Look for certain elements that you like. Maybe you like the shoes in one picture and skirt in another picture. Cut them both out or save them to your computer.
    • Websites like Pinterest and Who What Wear are great places to get inspiration for outfits. You can also pay attention to Fashion Week to see what trends will be big in the upcoming Fall or Spring/Summer season. [1]
    • Organize your pictures into different batches. Have a “makeup” batch, a “hairstyle” batch, a “clothes” batch and an “accessories” batch.
    • Look for recurring themes in the pictures you gather. As you assemble pictures, you’ll find that you keep centering around certain aspects or looks.
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  3. Have a heart-to-heart with your best friend and ask for honest feedback about your look. Don’t make it seem like you’re fishing around for compliments, but that you honestly want to dress more smartly or wear your hair more stylishly.
    • If you ask for honest feedback, then expect honest feedback. Don’t take it personally or get offended if your friend tells you something you don’t like to hear.
  4. A new look might be quite a bit different than what people expect you to look like. Be brave about trying out a new look. It might suit you really well and you might feel more comfortable in your new look.
    • If you are concerned about trying out a wild look, try dressing up in that style for Halloween. Then, after the holiday, keep dressing like that, saying that you loved it so much you wanted to keep wearing that style.
  5. Get a photo of yourself in your “before” state, so that you can compare yourself to how you look after your makeover.
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Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: What Makeup Should I Wear?

Makeup can help you get creative, feel confident, and spice up your style. As long as you feel amazing, your makeup is doing its job. But still, everyone has a makeup look that’s just made for them. So how can you find a makeup look that matches your style and essence? We’ve created a quiz that can help you do just that. Plus, we’ve even included advice on how to find the best products for your signature style.
1 of 12

How long does your morning makeup ritual take?

Method 2
Method 2 of 6:

Makeup

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  1. Get some new eye shadow, a new lipstick or new mascara. Try a different color combination, but make sure you choose colors that still complement your skin tones. Go for an entire new look, such as punk, pin-up or glamorous, or natural. Be adventurous!
    • Even opting for a new lip color can make a huge difference, amping up your whole look.
    • Search online for makeup tutorials if you’re unsure how to achieve a certain look.
  2. Invite a few friends over and ask everyone to bring their makeup. Give each other facials or mud masks and then do each other’s makeup. Experiment with different looks, using eyeshadows and lipsticks that your friends brought.
    • Try wild styles and looks, such as styles from “The Hunger Games” or other movies.
    • Be sure to have clean, unused makeup brushes, cotton balls and cotton swabs so that you don’t swap bacteria among makeup.
  3. Professional makeup artists at department stores like Macy’s will do your makeup for you at the makeup counter. This is a great way to test a new look without buying a whole bunch of new makeup. It’s technically free to get a makeover here, although you should think about buying something. Usually, lip color is a good product to buy, since you’ll probably want to reapply it throughout the day. [2]
  4. Remove any old nail polish. Carefully trim, buff and file your fingernails. Gently push back your cuticle on your nails with a cuticle pushing tool. Moisturize your hands and paint your nails. [3] Choose a color that complements your outfit or choose something really wild.
  5. Find the best eyebrow shape for your face and shape your eyebrows to match. For example, square faces look good with soft, rounded eyebrows, while rounded faces look good with high angled eyebrows. [4] Only pluck eyebrow hairs from underneath your brow, and avoid plucking too much. Fill in your eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil.
  6. If you are looking to give yourself a makeover that you can use on a daily basis, go for a more natural look. Limit the amount of foundation you use. Opt instead for a light powder to tame oily skin. Try more subtle shades of eye shadow that are appropriate for your everyday life.
    • A night on the town might call for more dramatic makeup, especially if your outfit is dramatic.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 6:

Hairstyles

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  1. Search online or in magazines for pictures of hairstyles you like. Don’t worry about whether you can pull off the hairstyle or not. Just save the picture. When you have a collection of pictures, look at all of them to see what they have in common. What styles do you keep coming back to?
  2. Bring your ideas to your hairstylist and ask her what she thinks. She has a good idea about how your hair will respond to different cuts.
    • It might take time to achieve the look you want, especially if your hair is short and you want to grow it out. Your hairdresser can give you a cut that looks good while you grow out your hair.
  3. Try a new color of hair. If you have dark hair, try going lighter. If you have light hair, try going darker. If you feel really adventurous, you can get a wild color like purple or blue.
    • Even highlights can change your look. Subtle changes can be really uplifting, especially if you’re feeling less than impressed with your current look.
    • You can either get your hair colored professionally or you can do it at home. Ask a friend to help you.
  4. Add instant length to your hair by adding hair extensions. Temporary extensions are available online, and these clip easily into your hair. Try out how you like the look of longer hair before springing for professional hair extensions.
  5. Changing your look doesn’t mean you need to get a cut or color. You can change your look by simply changing your hairstyle at home. Use a curling iron to add curls, or use a flat iron to straighten your hair. These techniques will take time, however, so if you are planning to integrate them into your morning routine, make sure you leave time for them.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 6:

Wardrobe Updates

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  1. Bring all your clothes out into the open so you can take stock of what you own. Mix and match pieces together in combinations that you don’t normally do. Take pictures of combinations that you like so that you can recreate them later.
  2. A clothing swap is a party where everyone brings a few items of clothing and accessories to give away. Invite several friends to bring clothes that they’d like to get rid of. This is a good way to freshen up your wardrobe and to mix-and-match your friends’ different styles. [7]
  3. If you are finding yourself buying the same types of clothes all the time, think about where you’re getting your clothes. If you always frequent the same store, then your style won’t necessarily change. Visit a few new shops to check out other styles.
  4. Most people wear jeans at least some of the time. They’re comfortable and easy and they match just about everything. But they can also get you into a slump with your overall look. Try going a week without wearing jeans. Try skirts, sundresses, or slacks instead to dress up your look.
  5. Many people wear the wrong size of bra, and consequently, clothes don’t always fit or look the way they should. Go to a department store or lingerie store and ask the sales clerk to measure you for a bra. You might find that you are more comfortable and confident when you wear the correct size.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 6:

Accessories

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  1. If you wear glasses, try a different style of frame. If you don’t wear glasses, you can buy cheap reading glasses at the drugstore with the lowest level of prescription. Then you can still get the look but without the glasses affecting your vision much.
    • Alternately, you can switch to contact lenses if you typically wear glasses. People might not even recognize you.
  2. Go to a clothing store and select several scarves of different colors, textures and lengths. Try them on to see which ones you like. Try different ways of wearing a scarf, such as making it looser or tighter around your neck.
  3. Try new earrings or a bracelet to match your outfit. If you are feeling bold, try some large, chunky jewelry as a statement piece.
    • It helps to know what jewelry you have. Organize it in a way that makes it easy to find. Use a jewelry box or stand to store your jewelry. Then it will be ready to wear at a moment’s notice.
  4. Hats can instantly change your look and add an element of class. If it’s winter, opt for a cute beret or beanie. In the summertime, try a sunhat or a light-weight beret. You could also try a vintage or retro looking hat to match your look.
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Method 6
Method 6 of 6:

Changing Your Habits

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  1. If you’d like to makeover your body, start with treating your body well. Start an exercise program and aim to work out about 4 times a week. Take a Pilates class or get a personal trainer to help you along.
    • Go jogging or hit the gym with a friend. You can encourage each other to keep working out and to improve your health.
  2. Giving your body the nutrition it deserves will go a long way to making yourself feel better, which will, in turn, make you look better. Eat plenty of nutrient-rich foods, like vegetables and fruits. Cut down on refined carbohydrates and refined sugars.
  3. Getting plenty of sleep will reduce your stress levels, which can in turn make you look and feel better. Aim to get about 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
  4. Keep your skin looking fresh and your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. You will get the added benefit of having more energy. Get about 6-8 eight-ounce glasses of water every day. [8]
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Join the Discussion...

How do I give myself a luxurious makeover at home?
WikiLorisSeeker711
49
WikiLorisSeeker711
When I look in the mirror, I just feel kinda blah about how I look recently. For the past few years, I've dressed the same, done my makeup the sa... Read More
WikiGiraffeLeaper849
WikiGiraffeLeaper849
Hey! I totally went through this feeling a couple months ago and there are definitely a few things that really helped me feel confident about how... Read More
WikiCloudCatcher919
WikiCloudCatcher919
There are totally low-budget ways to give yourself a makeover at home! I love accessorizing to breathe new life into my old outfits. I experiment... Read More
See all 7 Replies and
Read Discussion

Have a Transformational Glow Up with this Expert Series

Are you ready for the biggest glow up of your life? It's time to care of yourself, build your confidence, and become the best version of yourself that you can be! Read these expert articles to supercharge your glow up.
1
Have a Glow Up
2
Make Yourself More Attractive
3
Get Glowing Skin in Just One Week
4
Do a Full Body Makeover
5
Look Naturally Beautiful
6
Be Confident in Your Looks

Expert Q&A

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Add New Question
  • Question
    Where can I get inspiration for new looks?
    Ashley Kahn
    Wardrobe Stylist
    Ashley Kahn is a Wardrobe Stylist based in Houston, Texas. With over 10 years of experience, Ashley styles women both in-person and virtually and is passionate about empowering women through the art of personal style. She believes every woman deserves to feel comfortable, classy, and confident every single day. Ashley holds a business degree from Sam Houston State University. She has been featured on KPRC's Channel 2 Houston Life and ABC 13's Check This Out Houston and in the Houstonia magazine. Ashley has also hosted Macy’s “The Wardrobe Edit” and the “It List” fashion shows.
    Ashley Kahn
    Wardrobe Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Check out sites like Who What Wear, Pinterest, and Instagram for ideas on how to style clothes you already have. For instance, if you're trying to make an outfit with a white shirt, you might search "white button down" on one of the sites, then see if there's anything you can recreate with what you have.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 7
  • Question
    How do I get a goody-two-shoes look? What would I wear for makeup as well? I would like to give off a kind and pure type of look.
    Community Answer
    Wear pastel colors and modest clothing. Try to always look neat and smart when you go out, take care of your hygiene and go easy on the makeup. Try to look as natural as possible. Don't do dramatic makeup like smokey eyes or bold lipsticks. Instead, use minimal eye liner to enhance your eyes and use nude or natural lipstick or lip gloss. Attitude wise, try not to swear too much or your innocent, goody image will be destroyed.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 80
  • Question
    Do you change your hobbies too?
    Community Answer
    If your hobbies are important to you, then you shouldn't change them. The idea is to makeover yourself, your mind and your well being, so if it makes you happy, then don't cut it out of your life. Expanding your likes and interests can also expand your knowledge and personality, so consider adding to rather than detracting from your current hobbies.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Warnings

      • Don’t get too wrapped up in how you look. While a makeover can help you feel better, it’s also important to feel good on the inside and to be content with how you look.
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      References

      1. ↑ Ashley Kahn. Wardrobe Stylist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXjtzEvImY
      3. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/your-nails.html
      4. ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267742996_Aesthetic_analysis_of_the_ideal_eyebrow_shape_and_position
      5. ↑ Ashley Kahn. Wardrobe Stylist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.
      6. ↑ Ashley Kahn. Wardrobe Stylist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.
      7. ↑ https://usm.maine.edu/career-employment-hub/wp-content/uploads/sites/241/2022/09/DressForSuccess.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.eatright.org/health/essential-nutrients/water/how-much-water-do-you-need

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to give yourself a makeover, start by changing one thing about yourself, like parting your hair on the opposite side from your normal part, or putting on red lipstick. Sometimes a small change can make a big difference! To change your style, try finding a friend who wears the same size as you, and offer to swap clothes with them so you’ll have something new to wear. You could also add inexpensive accessories, like a stack of bangle bracelets or a colorful belt, to give new life to an outfit you already have. For tips on trying out a new haircut or color, read on!

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