Never Take a Bad Picture Again

A wide grin radiates warmth—but if it's not your sexiest look, take a lesson from Kate Bosworth and go for something smaller and more mysterious. Once you've found your most alluring option, practice getting it just right. Take a deep breath and smile as you exhale, keeping your jaw open and unclenched so your face is relaxed.

"The camera tends to shrink hair in photos," says photographer Patrick McMullan. To compensate, make like Zoe Saldana and dig your fingers into your crown to scrunch hair right before the shot. This little move—a classic model trick—makes hair look thicker and less static (goodbye, helmet head).

This will help avoid the dreaded double-chin effect. And make sure the camera lens is at eye level or above. If someone shoots you from below, you'll look so bloated, everyone will think you just chugged soy sauce.

When confronted with deer-in-the-headlights subjects, photographers often ask people to do something silly ("Jump around! Whip your hair!") to loosen them up. If you don’t feel comfortable channeling Willow Smith, look away for a moment. Think of something funny, then come back smiling just before the picture is taken.

Regular varieties often smudge under eyes. Say goodbye to black under eye smears with a formula that stands up to the water and weather.

Rimmel London Sexy Curves Waterproof Mascara, $8; ulta.com.

A shiny T-zone doesn't do anybody any favors.

MAC Cosmetics Blot Film, $14/30 sheets; maccosmetics.com.

Makeup artists swear that a pop of pink on the cheeks makes everyone look better.

Sonia Kashuk Crème Blush, $10; target.com.

Apply under eyes and on the outer corners of the nose and lips for a fresh, clean looking complexion.

Giorgio Armani High Precision Retouch Concealer, $36; nordstrom.com.

Infused with blue undertones, this balm produces the illusion of fuller lips and whiter teeth.

Benefit Cosmetics California Kissin' Lip Gloss, $20; ulta.com.