15 TIPS TO HELP YOU FEEL PRETTY

Beat the winter Blahs with these easy ideas....

Q: Why, on some days, do I wake up feeling like I look like the Bride of Frankenstein?

A. We 've all been there. Some days we wake up wanting to hide our heads in a bag even though we know our looks haven't drastically changed overnight. These type of scenarios make it clear that feeling pretty is a state of mind, not a state of face. These 15 tips will help you cop a whole new beauty 'tude!

1. Remember that your outer beauty is a reflection of your inner beauty, so start feeling prettier by making an effort to like your looks. When you start caring about your appearance, you begin to take care of your whole being.

2. Instead of focusing on your flaws, get stoked about your plus points. Whatever your good features are (and everyone has them!)--your big brown eyes, your cute nose or your full lips--take time to appreciate them. It'll go a long way toward bolstering your beauty confidence.

3. Find your fave photo. Get out your scrapbook and search for that picture that shows you at your best. Take a good look...you'll wonder why you were so down on yourself in the first place.

4. Even though it's winter, soak up some rays. Sunshine's known to be a major mood-booster. In fact, in some Northern European countries where the sun rarely shines during winter, people go for light therapy to fight depression. (But sun damage is even more depressing than sun deprivation--be sure to wear sunscreen.)

5. Give your skin some extra special care. When you pamper yourself, it shows. So commit to better daily skincare and give yourself at-home facial for skin-smoothing results.

6. Treat yourself to the latest beauty products. Trying something new can help you put a stop to your beauty-bashing. Check out all the new goodies that can play up your looks and let 'em go to work for you.

7. Color your mood happy. When you're feeling down about what you see in the mirror, don't grab for that gray coat that seems to match your mood perfectly. Put on a bright color to kick you back into gear. For example, try red, the most energetic color in the spectrum.

8. If it's a bad hair day that's causing you grief, hide your hair scare under a hat and get involved in an energetic activity--anything--that'll get your mind off trashing your tresses.

9. Go for a free makeover. Make your way to the makeup counter of your local department store and ask for some assistance trying new colors. If you always wear shades of plum, tell the sales associate to break out the peach tones for a completely new look. You'll go home with a fab new take on your face.

10. Feel pretty all the way down to your feet with an at-home pedicure. Go as wild as you want! Wear a toe ring or two. Paint each nail a different color, use glitter or sample a shade that you're not quite ready to wear on your hands.

11. Grab a girlfriend and have a glamorfest. You'll be sure to perk up once you see how gorgeous you can really be. Have fun getting dressed (and pull out all the stops with false eyelashes, screen star 'dos and glitzy duds!), then go out somewhere to flaunt your finery. 12. Grab a few winks. There's nothing that puts your looks into a slump like losing out on your zzzzzzs. What's more, sleep deprivation does a number on your entire outlook. Wake up your perky personality--and give yourself a beauty treat--by catching up on some needed sack time. If you can't get in eight to nine hours a night, try fitting in a short nap.

13. Laugh. You really can't help but feel a lift after a good laugh, and a smile is one of your best beauty accessories. Find your funniest friend or rent a comedy video and watch your spirits rise.

14. Get outta your hairstyle rut. Sometimes you feel less than your best simply because you've stuck with one style way too long. Try a change of part, or if y ou've always wanted to see how you would look with highlights, now's the time to go for it.

15. Get toned. You're sure to like your looks better when you feel fit and your muscles are defined. So find a fitness regimen that suits your level and get movin. Visit TeenMag