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You know it’s not good for you, but you can’t look away. I’m talking about the never ending posts of other people’s picture perfect lives. How do they manage to look so great all the time? And their adorable kids, pets, and spouses, too- who are always clean and cooperating! I hope you all know that what you see is not always real! People sometimes take hundreds of shots to get the perfect image, and even then, they only show you what they want you to see. They don’t have to post on fat days, days when the house is a total mess, or when anything at all is less than perfect.

As long as you know that most of what you see is staged, and don’t beat up on yourself for not being able to meet those impossible standards, there’s no reason you can’t take pics that show you off at your best, too! Especially since it seems we’re all constantly snapping and posting away. Here are some smart tips that will help you look great in pictures:

1. Avoid closed eyes:

Don’t you hate when you’re snapped mid-blink? To avoid that, close your eyes before the picture is taken and open them slowly right before the click.

2. Make your face look thinner:

To make your face look thinner put your face slightly forward and tip your chin down just a bit. You might feel a little awkward, but you’ll look really great in the photo!

3. Wear the right makeup:

Have some makeup basics down: Concealer that’s too light will make you look ghostly, so make sure that you wear the right shade. Bright lipsticks photograph better than darker shades, and never forget mascara! It will open up your eyes and make them twinkle.

4. Get rid of shine:

Eliminate shine from your face. In a pinch, you can always blot with a tissue.

5. Give a natural smile:

Do not say “cheese!” Smile with your tongue on the roof of your mouth behind your teeth for a more natural, less goofy look. Holding your tongue this way will also do flattering things to your face.

6. Stand at an angle:

Did you ever notice that everyone seems to stand the same way on those red carpet shots? Standing the right way can make you look slim and confident. Try it yourself! Face the camera at a 3/4 angle and slightly twist your torso (shoulders forward). Put one foot in front of the other with your weight on your back foot and your front toe pointed towards the camera. Try putting your hand on your hip for a slenderizing and flattering pose.

7. Avoid low angles:

It’s way more flattering to be shot from above than from below, so get your photographer a chair to stand on if you’re taller.

8. Have a prop:

Props add personality and help you look relaxed. Hold something, or lean against a wall or chair.

9. Check the lighting:

Avoid harsh direct lighting.

10. Learn from experience:

Look at pics of yourself that you like and see what’s good about them. Do you have a more flattering side? A pose that makes you look good? A color that brings out your best look? Keep doing those things in all your pics.

11. Edit:

Definitely take advantage of filters! Why not manipulate things so that you appear in your best light?

Do you any tricks for looking great in pics? Share with us on Facebook and Twitter!