Try these self-care tips to help you feel and look great while you’re on the dating scene.

We all know that appearances aren’t everything, especially when it comes to the dating game. But at the end of the day, attraction is still essential in sustaining an intimate, long-term relationship. That doesn’t mean perfection. It just means that taking care of yourself and putting your best face forward, can make a difference when you’re dating.

Instead of thinking of caring about the way you look to a potential date as vanity, think of it as another way of showing your true, radiant, and beautiful self! To get there, pamper yourself and create great self-care routines that help you feel healthy and fresh-faced in the face of, well, awkward first and even more awkward second dates. Check out our guide to being healthy from the inside out.

If you want to feel your best and get that glowing, radiant skin everyone seeks, don’t shop the cosmetic aisle. Instead, head to the supermarket! Glowing skin comes from eating a well-balanced diet full of nutrients and vitamins. It’s the kind of glow that comes from the inside out when you feel great about your healthy decisions.

Healthy fats, such as those found in fish, avocados, nuts, and seeds, are excellent for skin health as well as overall physical wellness. Choose snacks like a healthy trail mix for those afternoon slumps, and when eating out, swap that burger for a nice piece of fish and get a bonus of heathy omega-3 fatty acid supplements. Fresh vegetables and fruits are another great option as well as green tea and, thank goodness, dark chocolate. Ditch the processed foods, and you’ll find yourself glowing in no time!

If you’re on the dating circuit, good lips are a great asset. Plus, soft and healthy lips feel so nice, especially when the winter winds are bent on drying and cracking your skin. Here are some great tips for keeping your pucker pristine.

Eating healthy doesn’t just help your skin and lips; it can also mean healthier nails and hair. Another way to glow from head to toe? Hydrate! Even during cold winter months, it’s important to drink plenty of water. If you crave something different, spice things up with a hot herbal tea or a squeeze of lemon or orange mixed into your daily allotment of H₂O. Other tips for healthy hair and nails include getting regular trims, protecting yourself from sun damage, quitting smoking, stopping any nail-biting habits, and taking plenty of time to relax and de-stress.

If you take the time to care for yourself by eating well, hydrating, and practicing good hygiene, you’ll not only be glowing on the outside, but you’ll also feel better on the inside. When it comes to dating, partners know when their significant other is feeling good on a physical, mental, and emotional level. Practice self-care regularly and see the difference in how you feel about yourself and how you feel about the you that’s heading out into the world!