(Associated Press)
How to be sexy is a precarious question, especially since there’s no real formula, and sex appeal — like beauty — is highly subjective.
Sure, studies have been done about how to become more appealing to the opposite sex, but actual real-deal sexiness is a relative attribute, and it’s almost always in the eye of the beholder. (Case in point: some men think gazelle-like Karlie Kloss is the sexiest woman alive, while others favor a curvy bombshell like Kim Kardashian, and others still go for a woman with edge like Alexa Chung.)
But, if you’re curious about how to start to increase your appeal, we’ve compiled 50 tips — some science-backed, others simple actions that’ll give you a noticeable sexy boost — to be sexier right now:
#1. Always make eye contact.
And not just with your partner. Looking everyone you’re interacting with squarely in the eye will not only will boost your own confidence, but it’ll get people to see you as confident and in control, which usually translates to sexy.
#2. Focus on Dynamic Attractiveness.
Sure, physical beauty is a key component in innate sex appeal, but dynamic attractiveness involves the expression of our emotions and our underlying personality — and can critically boost your personal charisma. According to Psychology Today, expressing a positive affect — smiling, employing an upbeat attitude, having expressive eyes — are all associated with sex appeal.
#3. You’ve got a brain — use it!
A sharp, healthy mind can be akin to healthy body when it comes to being sexy. This means occasionally challenging yourself by having challenging conversations, expressing interest in new things, reading books on new topics, or even just watching a documentary about something you never knew. The more you know, the more things you can talk about in an informed way, which is a defining factor in real sex appeal.
#4. Humor counts.
Yeah, we know that razor-sharp wit isn’t something that can be learned, and we’re not all able to be truly funny all the time, but not taking yourself or the world around you too seriously is a key component in being sexy. (How many magazine stories have we read in which both sexes claim “a sense of humor” is number one on their potential mate checklist?)
#5. Get your hair blown out.
As most women can certainly attest, when our hair looks bad, we often feel bad. Turns out, that’s not all in our heads: Studies have shown women spend around 20 years of their lives suffering from a bad hair day, and that it can greatly affect mood and confidence.
#6. Expose your wrists.
No, not because they’re attractive, but because the glands in your wrists emit pheromones which can trigger feelings of attraction in others.
#7. Eat black licorice … and donuts.
Screw the oysters — some studies suggest the scent of black licorice turns men on. The Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago conducted a study that looked at how various smells played into sexual arousal. The findings? The smell of black licorice increased blood flow to the penis by 13 percent. When combined with the smell of donuts, that number jumped to 32 percent.
#8. Test out some sexy lingerie.
Along the way, lingerie became synonymous with tawdry pieces that look as if they belong on women eagerly awaiting the arrival of hot young pizza delivery guys, rather than modern fashion-loving girls. And while that’s true in some respects, there are also quite a lot of very elegantly sexy underpinnings out there that are sexy without being tacky.
#9. Don’t assume showing more is sexier.
Ladies, you’ve heard it before: Showing tons of skin does not always translate to sexy. Booty shorts, skin-tight clothes and insanely low-cut tops can make you look less sexy, or like you’re trying too hard. Love your body and want to show it off? Great! Do it in ways that are truly sexy as opposed to flashy — a fitted skirt, tight jeans and a silky top, or a long-sleeve mini-dress with ankle boots.
#10. Unfollow people who make you insecure.
Whether it’s the one fashion blogger who only posts bikini shots, a specific celebrity, or Victoria’s Secret model’s Instagram, stop following people whose social media photos make you feel less-than, even for a second. Social media is supposed to be fun, not make you feel less sexy.
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