It’s no surprise that researchers have found that other people will think you’re more attractive if you smile. But did you know that grinning can also boost your mood, ease pain, and help you feel less stressed—even if you fake the smile? Plus, it can make other people around you smile, and it may even earn you a promotion. (People who smile seem more confident and positive, making them more likely to be successful at work.) Here are some easy and inexpensive ways to summon your beautiful smile.
A Smile Makeover
Researchers found that people with more tooth and gum problems showed less of their smile when watching a comedy show. Even if you’re a very busy mom, taking time to care for your teeth—brushing and flossing daily, getting twice-yearly checkups, and trying whitening treatments and toothpastes—can help you feel more confident about flashing a smile.
A Girl’s Night of Pampering
Call a few friends, and break out the nail polish, cucumber masks, and a bottle of wine. We all need time for catching up and treating ourselves like royalty once in a while. For the perfect manicure, treat your hands to a slathering of shea butter, hand balm, or thick face cream. Then file your nails in one direction (not back and forth) with a soft emery board. The best shape to keep them strong: square with slightly rounded edges.
A Bouquet of Flowers
Buy yourself a bouquet and set them by your bedside. In one study, women who did this got a mood boost that lasted all day long. In general, the long-lasting cut flowers are alstroemerias, carnations, chrysanthemums, and lilies.
A Funny Greeting Card
Visit your favorite supermarket or discount chain store. Go to the coffee bar and get yourself a steaming mug of something, then steer your cart toward the cards. Stick to the humorous section, stocking up on birthday cards, thank-yous, and other funny messages.
An Old Photo Album
Toddlers with birthday cake in their hair. Old wedding photos with “dated” bridesmaids’ dresses that were so perfect back then. Grandpa’s old childhood photos with him in a bow tie. It’s all good for lots of smiles, whether you view them alone or with your whole family. To share albums across the miles, try kincafe.com—a site all about sharing with family, from photos and recipes to blogs and calendars.
A Silly Sitcom
There’s a reason that Cheers lasted over a decade. It made us smile. If today’s TV lineup doesn’t have you laughing like the good old shows, buy or rent something from the “TV on DVD” aisle at your local video rental store or discount chain. Or surf for reruns. They’re bound to be on somewhere.
A New Shade of Lipstick
Makeup expert Bobbi Brown says that dark, dramatic shades are fine for women in their 20s, but if your lips have started thinning out (which naturally happens as we age), a soft, vibrant tone such as rose, apricot, or berry will help your pout look fuller and more youthful. A bit of clear gloss in the center of your lower lip will also reflect light, adding to the age-erasing effect.
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Nicole Bailes
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