No matter how brightly the sun may shine through your bedroom window, sometimes we wake up on the wrong side of the bed. For a little primping pick-me-up that will make you feel pretty enough to tackle the day, try adding one (or all) of these five tricks to your beauty routine.

1. Get sweet-smelling tresses.

Swap out an every-day scent for a spritz of something new. The essential oils in hair perfume leave your mane amazingly soft and incredibly shiny, plus the floral scent tops even the best-smelling shampoo. With every toss of your silky, bouncy hair, you’ll get a whiff of fragrance, which will keep you smelling lovely all day long.

One we love: Viktor & Rolf Flower Bombalicious Hair Mist, $40, available at SaksFifth Avenue.com

2. Perk up your polish.

Chipped and flaking polish might evoke a certain rock-and-roll look, but a fresh coat of colorful, shiny lacquer can put some pep in your step. Keep your hands and feet polished to perfection with regular mani and pedi sessions at your neighborhood salon. Being able to look down at your sparkling fingers will no doubt inspire happy thoughts and make your feet look that much daintier in your favorite peep-toe slingbacks.

One we love: Essie Summer Collection, $18, available at Essieshop.com

3. Let your skin glisten.

Beautiful skin provides the perfect backdrop for a summery sundress and other hot-weather wear. And since skin looks healthier when it’s shiny (i.e., not dull and lifeless), slather on a luxe body oil to get gleaming fast. While you rub it in, the oil warms up to your skin, leaving it smooth and smelling sweet. Try to find one that contains light-reflecting flecks of gold for an intense, glittering sheen.

One we love: Molton Brown Heavenly Gingerlily Shimmer Oil, $52, available at Moltonbrown.com

4. Find the perfect beauty basics.

The holy trinity of makeup: lip gloss, mascara, and blush. If applied the right way, these three simple products can brighten up your face in a matter of minutes. Dust a petal pink blush on the apples of cheeks for a rosy flush. Pick a thickening mascara for a sweep of dark lashes that frame the eyes. And finish the look with a light swipe of vibrant-hued lip gloss.

Ones we love: Laura Mercier Thickening and Building Mascara, $20; Clinique Soft-Pressed Blusher in Pink Blush, $18.50; Michael Kors Island Capri Lip Gloss, $12; all available at Sephora.com



5. Brighten up that smile.

Pearly whites freshen up any face and make a girl feel as glamorous as a Hollywood starlet. Invest in a glowing smile by seeking out professional services, like those at BriteSmile. You’ll notice the effects quicker than at-home whitening strips, and you won’t have to spend countless hours using trays and strips. Follow up your appointment with daily usage of whitening toothpaste, and you’ll have something to smile about for a long time to come.

One we love: BriteSmile Spas, find locations at BriteSmile.com



~Jennifer Jackson

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