How to Look Pretty (Preteens)

Co-authored by Sarah McDonald and Amy Bobinger

Last Updated: January 17, 2022 References

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!

1

Smile.

You'll look your best with a positive attitude. It's fine if you don't feel like smiling all the time! But, when you really want to make a good impression, put on a smile so you can come across as friendly and open.
- If you're having a hard time smiling because you feel overwhelmed or stressed, try to find an activity that helps you relax—like playing a sport, hanging out with friends, or taking a long bath. If those things don't help, try talking about your feelings to your parents or another adult you trust.

2

Experiment with natural-looking makeup.

Let your youthful glow shine. 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]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Here are a few basics you can try:
- Use concealer to cover acne spots, or dark spots under your eyes.^{[2]
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- 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.

Even just a few minutes can help you look put-together. 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.

4

Wash your hair when it's oily.

Most people should shampoo every other day. That will help keep your hair looking clean and healthy. If your hair is really oily, though, you might need to wash it every day—and you might only need to wash it once or twice a week if it's really dry.^{[3]
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- Keeping your hair clean will also help keep your skin clear. If your hair is dirty, oils can get onto your skin, which can lead to acne on your hairline, forehead, and cheeks.

5

Wear clothes that help you feel comfortable and confident.

Experiment to find what styles work for you. 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.^{[4]
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Sarah McDonald
Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.} 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.^{[5]
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- 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!^{[6]
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  Sarah McDonald
  Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
  Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.}
- 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.^{[7]
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  Child Mind Institute
  Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families
  Go to source}
- 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.

6

Accessorize to show off your personality.

Turn a basic outfit into something special. Even a plain white T-shirt and a pair of jeans can become a one-of-a-kind look with the right accessories.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Sarah McDonald
Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.} When you're shopping, look for cool pieces like necklaces, earrings, bracelets and wristbands, belts, scarves, and sunglasses so you can really express yourself.^{[9]
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- 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!

7

Keep your hands away from your face.

Don't lean your face against objects, either. Resting your face against your hands or your phone can spread bacteria across your skin—which could lead to an acne breakout. It can be tough to remember, but try to get in the habit of keeping those hands away from your pretty face!^{[10]
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- If you wear anything on your face—like glasses or a face mask—make sure to clean them regularly so they don't spread dirt and bacteria.

8

Wash your face twice a day.

This will help keep your skin clear. 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.^{[11]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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- 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.^{[12]
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- 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.

Moisturizer will keep your skin from getting dried out. 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!^{[13]
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- 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.^{[14]
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  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- Use body lotion to keep your skin soft and smooth.

10

Spot-treat acne.

Apply it only where you're breaking out. 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.^{[15]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Then, leave it alone—trying to squeeze or pop it will just make it worse, and you could even end up with an infection.^{[16]
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- For occasional breakouts, use an over-the-counter acne product made with benzoyl peroxide.^{[17]
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- For really stubborn acne, see a dermatologist—they may prescribe you a stronger product, like topical retinol.

11

Put on deodorant every day.

You'll feel more confident when you smell fresh. 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.^{[18]
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- 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.

12

Brush and floss your teeth.

That way, you can show off that beautiful smile. Brushing your teeth might not seem like a big deal, but you'll look your best if you feel confident about flashing those pearly whites. Make sure to brush and floss your teeth every morning and night, then follow with mouthwash to keep your breath fresh.^{[19]
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- If you feel insecure about having an uneven bite, ask your parents to talk to your dentist or orthodontist about options for straightening your teeth.

13

Trim your nails once a week.

Add a pretty polish, if you'd like. Having nice hands can go a long way toward helping you look pretty every day! Cut your nails straight across—that's the best way to keep from getting ingrown nails. Avoid biting your nails, too—that can make your nails look rough and can even lead to a painful skin infection!^{[20]
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14

Tweeze or shave if you want to remove body hair.

It's totally fine to leave it if you want to, though. 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.^{[21]
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- 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.

You'll look your best if you treat your body well. 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.^{[22]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- 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.

16

Get 9-11 hours of sleep every night.

When you're tired, it shows on your face. Until you're about 13, you need to get at least 9 hours of sleep every night. That might seem like a lot, but it's a really important part of being healthy—sleep is when your body recharges and heals itself. It's important for managing stress and doing your best in school, too.^{[23]
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- To make it easier to fall asleep, do your best to go to bed at the same time every night, and wake up at the same time each morning—even on weekends.

Expert Q&A

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.

Sarah McDonald

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.

Sarah McDonald

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.