Look Better Naked
There’s every kind of a romantic partner, and their tastes are as varied as our own. And whoever we are, there is sure to be someone out there who is blown away by how we look undressed. Whether you already put on a nightly show or are still looking for a worthy audience, here are a few ways to improve that eyeful.
The first question you must ask yourself is: Do I want to be seen naked? For the sake of this article, let’s assume the answer is Yes. If you have never been naked before, now might be a good time to try it out and see what you think. Find yourself a mirror in a room that has curtains, unless you’re already eager for the next step of blatant exhibitionism for all and sundry. Take off your clothes. If you hear any clapping, cheering, or proposals of marriage, you have forgotten to close said curtains. But you may rest assured that you are doing something right.
The first trick of being naked is this: getting naked. And doing it sensuously, willfully, and with the intent to stun. It is the most tantalizing part of the whole show. If you are short on ideas of how to accomplish your strip tease, consult the experts. Burlesque dancers have elevated the act of clothing removal to a fine art. Watch some videos to see how they do it. For example, check out vintage Bettie Page who does it with a wink and a shimmy. If you prefer not to go the dance route, you can at least get some ideas about grace and tease. If you live in a city, sign up for a class or two to learn about putting your best assets forward and get a boost in confidence.
In terms of being naked, consider two things: what do you like best about how you look? And, what do you like least? Try to limit your answers, and until you come up with at least three answers to the first question, don’t bother with the second! If you can’t come up with any answers to the second question, what are you waiting for?
If you do have a few answers to both, see what you can do to work on them.
Skin: Zap blemishes with benzoyl peroxide 10% (the same active ingredient in Proactiv, but much cheaper at the drug store) and moisturize dry skin with products that don’t contain alcohol.
Hair: Condition your hair regularly to keep it sleek and shiny. Only condition the “ponytail” section of your hair, starting from the earlobes, to avoid a greasy scalp. Also, talk to your stylist about what hair styles look best with your hair—if you have a natural wave, avoid over-stylized cuts that rely on ironing to keep your hair straight and try a loose natural wave (think Taylor Swift or Blake Lively) instead.
Body: Whatever the shape your body is in, there are parts of it you love and parts you’d rather not think about. Try a dual approach of really emphasizing what you like while still working on those less-favored areas. If you have a fantastic butt, don’t take it for granted! Keep working on that envied rear, while adding a few exercises for less-defined upper arms or stomach. If you need or want to lose weight, chose a diet and exercise plan that doesn’t cause you to lose sight of the fact that you are desirable. Having specific, attainable goals, rather than a Heidi Pratt “everything must go!” approach can keep your body in perspective, and help you appreciate what is truly special about you.
Personal grooming: Who doesn’t love to talk about this one? Everywhere you turn, there is someone willing to rip out all your hair, eliminate it forever, style it, or tell you what it should look like. Consider your own tastes first, your lover’s second, and the rest of the world’s at your own discretion. If you have a strong preference, stick with it. If you don’t really care, but your lover does, indulge their wishes as a surprise, but don’t be dictated to unless that appeals to your personality. A general rule of thumb: when you look at yourself in the mirror think “Would I go there?” If the answer is a judicious “No,” maybe it’s time for a little maintenance.
Light: Perhaps the most important, as we all know. If you’ve ever been inside a strip club or merely own a dimmer switch, you’ll know that low light is the magic ingredient that turns the merely “good” naked into the spectacular.
