Do you ever have one of those days where you’re feeling gloomy and unattractive? We can help! Fong Wai Ling lists some useful tips to help turn days like those around.

1. Get a manicure and a pedicure

A little pampering goes a long way, and who doesn’t enjoy a good manicure and pedicure session?

Pretty hands and feet are not just something Hollywood socialites can enjoy because they don’t need to do any household chores. You too, can have pretty nails with very little effort.

First of all, if you are a nail biter, it’s time to cut this disgusting habit. Bitten down nails are a turn off on anyone – male or female. If you can’t seem to shake the habit on your own, then pay a visit to your local doctor – he or she may have some good advice on how you can attempt to break this compulsion.

If you like your nails long, make sure you file them. File your nails into an oval shape, which is an elongating and flattering shape for most hands. Add some polish, which is a fun way to add to your grooming or simply give you reason enough to go out and flash those fingers!

Don’t be afraid to go bold. If you've never worn red nail polish before, try it. Shiny (and short) red nails look glamorous and pulled together on everyone.

As important as finger nails, our toenails too, should never be neglected. A pampering pedicure session can be relaxing and fun – the end result is soft, supple and sensuously pretty feet.

2. Make yourself up!

Makeup can not only dramatically alter the way you look, but it can also affect how others look at you. Never underestimate the power of makeup – with the right style, you can go from feeling like a frump to feeling like a fox.

There are all kinds of makeup products available in the market these days, and the looks you can create fall into a very long list. Here are some tips on how you can make a minor tweak to your usual style and feel pretty in an instant:

Lips: If you’ve always worn the same lip colour, try a different shade for a change. Even something as simple as this can make you feel like a whole new person. Try a deeper lip colour. If you've always worn pink, go for a rose, purple, lilac, burgundy, or cool red instead. If you tend to wear shades of brown, then try brick red, orange, or warm beige.

Eyes: Even if you have no time to apply eye makeup, the least you can do is to "Curl and Coat". Wearing mascara is an instant perk up trick as it opens up your eyes and draws attention to those peepers.

First, curl your lashes with an eyelash curler to set a nice curl. Something as simple as this can do wonders to your whole look. Then, coat your lashes with mascara. This helps open your eyes and creates the illusion of longer and thicker lashes. Experts say the best way to apply mascara is to hold the mascara wand vertically and apply onto lashes by moving the wand from side to side (like a windshield wiper). If you’re bold enough, go for fake eyelashes – you can choose from faux fur, to glitter, and even other embellishments like small crystals!

3. Chop those locks!

A hairstyle can make a big difference to a person’s appearance. If you’ve been wearing the same old style for a while now, it may be time for a change. Getting regular haircuts will help keep you in check with the latest styles (even if it’s just a trim) and also keep you looking groomed.

If you’re bold enough for a change, go for a whole new makeover with a new or different style altogether. However, if that is a little too drastic for you, then maybe try getting layers in your hair or opting for bangs instead (at least this way you can still keep your length!). Something subtle like this can still make you feel like a whole new person, and a new hairstyle is also reason enough to get dolled up for a night about town!

Speak to your hairstylist to come up with a new style that suits your face shape, be it a whole new look or just a slight trim with the addition of bangs instead.

4. Buy something pretty to wear

They don’t call it retail therapy for nothing. A girl has limitless choices when it comes to dressing up. There are many ways to mix and match a wardrobe to create several different looks.

So, the next time you feel the blues kicking in, get your girlfriends, grab some cash (or a credit card!) and go buy yourself something pretty.

It is crucial to remain sensible though (which girl has not been known to lose her mind during a shopping spree?) – if you cannot afford something, do not buy it. Set a reasonable budget and shop within these means. Even if one outfit is all you may be able to afford, that is still definitely enough to make you feel better about yourself. And besides, at least you have one thing new to wear this Saturday night!

5. Get a hair wash

On a bad day, you may think that all you want to do is stay at home and feel sorry for yourself. However, all this can change with a simple effort – go have a hair wash at the salon!

This too, is like a pamper session – your hair is thoroughly washed, and a head, neck and shoulder massage is thrown in. After which, the stylist blows your hair to your desired style and you walk out of there looking like a million dollars.

You don’t need a big gala event to enjoy this treat. In fact, you’ll be surprised what a pick me up this is. Take this opportunity to try something different as well. If you have straight hair, ask the stylist to put in some waves, or vice versa. Who knows, you might just discover a whole new look that you prefer!

6. Get a massage

Some say this is the ultimate indulgence. You lie on the massage table while aromatherapy oils burn and soft relaxing music plays in the background. The skilful hands of the masseuse will knead and stroke all your knots and troubles away. Once the experience is over, not only are you more relaxed, but your skin will also be soft all over from the moisturising oils and lotions. Who does not feel pretty after a relaxing experience like this?

Although spa treatments can be quite costly, it doesn’t mean that all hope is lost for those who can’t afford it. There are cheaper alternatives to consider, and massage and beauty parlours are all over the place and so easy to find. Walk into any and check out their list of services. Many of these less expensive outlets are just as good as the expensive ones, but offer services under a different setting. You may not get the steam room, swimming pool and shower facilities, but if a massage is all you need to feel pretty, then these cheaper options are just as good.