Little Miss Confidence
By Mayra, age 17, California
Sweet Designs Featured Writer
Girls like you and me have all types of insecurities, whether it comes down to your weight, face, hair, or even your last name! (My last name means "black mouth" in English ... weird, right?)
I don't know exactly how to address this epidemic we all face, but I have some tips that I use to boost my own confidence to make me feel fabulous. <3
Face
My ultimate favorite tip: The "lip-gloss, don't-mess-with-me-or-I'll-crush-you-down" tip.
Yeah she's pretty and definitely gorgeous. I'm talking about the girl you see walking down the hallway, always looking super glam, and constantly grabbing the eye of every cutie in school. But baby, don't worry about her. Inwardly she's probably facing the same insecurities as you and me!
So go on, grab that Victoria Secret lip gloss (or whatever you have) and own it. Confidence isn't a beauty thing, but a little shimmer on the lips will add a touch of magic to your cool chika attitude.
All you have to do is embrace the person you are, because at the end of the day, no one in this world can do it like you :D
Weight
Have you all heard the saying "Every size is beautiful"? Okay, maybe you haven't, but really beauty these days is defined as skinny, almost anorexic. I think beauty is defined as healthy, or as whatever makes you feel comfortable. Size 3, size 7, or size 11 does not label your beauty. You are who you are, and as I said before, embrace it! We all come in different sizes, whether you were gifted with curves or a small bust like me. Imagine if all the women in the world were the same size. Wouldn't that be kind of boring?Exactly! So I say define your look, own it, flaunt it, and love it!
Mayra's Tip: Pick out your outfit the way you want. Be the trend setter, and avoid following the crowd. Who knows, you might just be the fashionista in your own school! Trust me, I have seen the most fashionable girls in school come in all sizes. Everyone has a Little Miss Confidence inside of them - it's just a matter of time before you find the little devil!
Hair
Omg ... the hair part ....uhhhhh! Where do I start? I mean the curly haired girl wants the straight hair, and the straight haired girl wants the curly hair! How ironic. Yes, I admit, I'm the curly haired girl desperately wanting the straight hair. There are days when I just feel soooo ugly because I don't have the smooth, sleek, silky hair like the girl next to me. But then I wonder if she is dying to have my voluminous curly hair. So that's when the magic comes around! If I don't feel beautiful enough to wear my curly hair, what possibly makes me think that I will feel beautiful with straight hair? It's like that saying: "You cannot love someone else unless you love yourself". Am I getting anywhere with this? Let's hope I am.
Mayra's Tip: Wear your hair its natural way. For example, I have curly hair, so what I do is just put it down, grab a little gel to avoid having all those tiny hairs standing up, and I wear a stylish hair accessory. I prefer the little colorful, girly ones like the one in the picture below, but you can buy many different styles. I recommend going to www.goody.com. They have all kinds of stylish pieces that will definitely let you stand out in a crowd of plain people!
Remember, it doesn't matter what kind of hair you have, as long as you look stylish with it. Confidence, baby!
Shoes
Shoes ... yes, I have a fetish for them! What really makes me feel confident is the sound of my small heels clicking their way down the hallway as everyone turns their faces to look at me. You don't have to go all out. Small heels work perfectly, especially if you walk the catwalk! But the hallway is good practice for those aspiring future models!Try it and get ready to feel spontaneous, sassy and - hey - now you're Little Miss Confidence ... or should I say Ms. Confidence?
Last, but not least ...
Your attitude. Confidence isn't only an outside thing. You can be wearing Prada or Gucci, for all I care, but if you don't have the attitude and confidence to go with it, it's nothing! Boost your attitude by giving yourself that first look in the mirror, and saying the following words: "People are always afraid of different." I don't know if it will work for you, but it sure does for me. I even have that quote written down in my binder. It always keeps me motivated to be who I am and to love and respect those around me.
I hope I've made your life a little easier by sharing some of my tips with you. I can only wish you will take some of them and use them to the best of your ability. May you succeed in finding that "Little Miss Confidence" like I have. It's the best thing you can do for yourself.
Owning confidence is what being a girl is all about. <3
With much love <3
Mayra B.
