First impressions are made in a matter of half a second. With our animal instincts in use, we immediately judge a book by its cover. It is important we avoid doing this ourselves, but prepare for the worst when it comes to others projecting their ideas onto us. We have to give zero sign of weakness by being our best selves with no excuses to give individuals on the prowl for prey. Setting a new standard for what people can reference to expect from us in the future also holds us accountable to being our best selves at all times.

Empower yourself by applying these fabulous tips on how to leave a positively memorable first impression!

First and foremost: smell good. 

Someone might not see you. You can pass behind a certain somebody (Who knows? They could be important), yet they do a double take wondering, “Wow. Who was that? They smell lovely.” And then your life changes forever. 

Yes, smelling good is that important, because people can sometimes smell you before they see you. It is important to always stay on top of grooming habits first thing in the morning and to take care of planning situations right after the gym, or on your way running errands. You never know whom you will bump into. 

It is imperative to smell like nothing if you can, or keep it simple with the smell of fresh laundry on your skin professionally speaking. In social situations, feel free to use perfume or a light fragrance that does not linger in an elevator after using it. Others might have an aversion to it, or even an allergy to the chemicals, so it important to not ruin someone’s day or health. 

Look good.

“Gia, this list is too easy.” Yes, it is! All of these things are really simple, yet people do not do them. I see these mistakes being made all the time, because not a lot of people live up to what would seem like an average standard. And one person’s idea of what looks good might not be similar to another’s, so I am here to break it down today! 

Looking good is everything from the health of your hair, to how white your eye whites are (thanks eyedrops!), to if you exfoliated, to if your clothes are creased, to how shiny your shoes are. Elegance is in the details.

If there is a small thing that is bothering you, fix it. It could be that there is a smudge on your sunnies, or a thread hanging from your jacket, or even your eyeliner is not the way you exactly want it to be. You do not want to have to make time creating excuses for why you are not showing up as your best or most confident. You want to be present and pay attention to the person you are with, and do all the things you need to do without holding back in fear that you did not put your best effort.

Be positive.

Everyone has problems. Nobody wants to hear about more, and empathize about yours. I noticed here, in Los Angeles, it is quite a common theme for people to attend a party and talk about the issues they are currently going through. People are paid top dollar to listen to your problems, so do not go cheating out someone’s time whose expertise it is not by turning everything into a therapy session.

Individuals have the weight of the world on their shoulders as it is, and you are strong enough to handle them on your own. Bearing this burden can be helped with a journal (find a fabulous one here), and be the light people are drawn to. When socializing, haven’t you noticed folks have a tendency to want to be around those who make them feel fantastic? 

It should be a no-brainer, but keep the complaints, issues, and negativity out of your mind altogether! Getting used to positive thinking is so good for your skin. It makes you look younger, fresher, and have more friends.

These things may seem be simple, but they are not always easy. Getting into the habit and practicing these things everyday at home by yourself is key. Once you get into the habit, you build a full lifestyle of naturally doing these things before stepping out of the house. Negativity? Can’t relate. Make these positive standards your new love languages and the excellent first impressions with intrinsically follow.

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