[edit] Steps

[edit]For your hair

First of all you'll need to give yourself a good hair wash. Use a good shampoo and conditioner, don't settle for the cheapest one. Quality salon products cost more, but are more likely to give you significant results.
Smooth in the shampoo, for at least three minutes, then rinse out. Repeat.
Smooth in conditioner at the ends of hair, and leave in for four minutes. Carefully rinse until you're sure most of the conditioner is out.
Use a paddle brush (available in most pharmacies) to brush out ALL knots.
Dry your hair straight by getting a barrel brush (big round brush) and hairdryer. Place the brush underneath and top of hair, and pull down with the hair dryer following.
When completely dry, underneath and on top, spritz a heat-protecting spray all over hair.
Gather hair into a straightener, and pull down. Continue until all hair has been straightened.
Then either use a flat iron, curling iron, or do a natural style. Whichever one fits your style best.

Use an exfoliate scrub and thoroughly clean your face.
Try out a "spa type" facial treatment. These will help firm and tone the skin on your face.

Mud treatment: Use a salon created or commercially prepare mud treatment.
- Apply to clean, dry skin, being careful to avoid your eyes and mouth.
- Allow to work as directed on package, but generally for a minimum of 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
- Rinse face thoroughly to remove all of the mud, pat dry with a clean towel.
Botanical treatment: Use a salon or commercial product as above, or create your own, using succulent plants like cucumbers, melon, and aloe plant, in equal parts, processed in a blender and strained through a wire mesh colander to remove any seeds, plant peels, or other solids.
- Apply an even coat of your botanical mixture, and allow to dry.
- Leave in place 30 minutes. You should feel your skin "tightening up" as the drying occurs, but as the oils are absorbed from your face, it is also moisturized from the plant fluids.
- Microdermabrasion: Buy a do it yourself kit from a reputable retailer, and follow instructions.

Go to a retailer with a professionally staffed makeup counter, and have the salesperson show you samples of different products they recommend. Because every person has variations of skin color and tone, there is no one size fits all solution. The salesperson at a large retailer is usually trained to help customers select the best types and colors of products for the individual.
Visit a manufacturer's sponsored clinic. Many make up manufacturers have trained specialists demonstrating their product with special offers from time to time. Revlon, Clinique, and others will provide a free skin analysis and application demonstration during one of these clinics.
Feel free to experiment with colors on your own. Buy a few tubes of lipstick, some eyeliner, eye shadow, and other products, sit down in front of a mirror in the privacy of your room, and try them all out.
Don't forget foundation, blush, concealers, and other products specific for your own skin.

Look at artificial eyelashes, extensions, and other products to accentuate your eyes.
Consider colored contact lenses if you want a dramatic change.
Thin your eyebrows to soften their appearance, but do so gradually, since once they are removed, only time will replace them.

Look at friends who have skin and makeup combinations you admire, and ask them to share their "secrets".
Be aware of the effects your environment and nutrition have on your skin, hair, and overall health and appearance. That natural "glow" you may sometimes admire in someone can often be attributed to the fact they "take care of their self", eating well, getting lots of fresh air, and being prudent when it comes to sunbathing.
Read fashion magazines to see the latest products on the market. The local or school library may have these available.

Facial skin is very sensitive, so if there is a possibility of a reaction to any product you are going to try, test a small dab in a discrete place. Allow it to stay at least 20 minutes, wash it off, and look for redness or irritation.