"Beauty - in projection and perceiving - is 99.9% attitude."
A few days ago, while doing research for my blog, I ran across a Cosmo article called "9 Ways to Look Even Hotter Naked" I know, I know, Cosmo isn't the most enlightening place to read about sexual issues, but the title intrigued me. I settled in to read the article...er, slideshow. I have to say, I was not impressed. Self-tanner? Cellulite cream? Lay only on your side in bed? Mouthing words in the mirror? Some of the tips were okay. Others seemed, in my humble opinion, to be downright silly. So, here are my personal ways to feel sexy when you don't already look like you fell off the runway.
Get some exercise. As long as you are healthy enough that exercise isn't a problem, you can use the calorie-burning to your advantage. Exercising relaxes you, helps depression, relieves stress, boosts self-esteem and releases endorphins. For an extra sexy boost, do an exercise you love that you are good at, or, try something where you can shake your sexiness, like Zumba or belly dancing.
Make your bed. I know, it sounds crazy, but for me, a made bed and lack of clutter in the play space, aka, the bedroom, relaxes me and puts me in the mood. Tripping over a kid's toy truck or cleaning blocks out from between the sheets is not particularly sexy. But having a big open space? It's so full of possibilities.
Drink your water. Staying hydrated fights fatigue and is thought to make your skin glow, although the water you drink won't necessarily go straight to your skin.
Get a new outfit. Of course, you can't run out and buy something new every time you need a boost, but a new outfit or accessory that you feel good about every now and then is a great pick-me-up.
Try some mineral make-up. Mineral make-up has a lighter, more natural feel to it than conventional make up and lets your natural beauty shine through. It's quick to put on, feels good on the skin, not particularly expensive, and widely available through many different companies. Best of all, you can use it to highlight your best points without making you look like you stepped out of an oil painting.
Pamper yourself. Take a few minutes to do something good just for you that makes you feel beautiful. Try a DIY foot soak or sugar scrub recipe. Play with a new hair style. Paint your toenails a crazy color.
Decide to try a new toy, position, or sex activity. Adding a little variety can help make you feel excited and sexy. If you're stuck for ideas, there are several books out there for the purpose of giving couples new ideas in the bedroom, living room, or wherever you enjoy playing. Spend a day (or two) looking forward to the novelty...can we say hot?
Wear something sexy underneath. Want to feel sexy while out and about? Try wearing some new, pretty lingerie under your jeans.
Learn some massage basics. There are tons of books, websites, films, and couple's classes that teach the basics of massage for the average person. Using it to be in touch with each other's bodies, what they like, what they don't, and what they need is a highly sensual experience.
Understand that you are you. Stop comparing yourself to magazines and movies. To look like that, you must have a very specific structure, which you probably don't have! There's nothing wrong with striving to be healthy, but the sooner you stop striving to be perfect, the happier (and sexier!) you'll feel. Be who you are, where you are.