The Radiate
Confidence
No matter where they are, attention-grabbing girl never doubt that people love being around them. Their self-assured, almost cocky flair is irresistible. “Being totally comfortable on the inside makes you compelling on the outside,” says Cappello. “That extra spark of confidence separates an It Girl from everyone else.”
Work-it trick: Convey assertiveness by lighting up your features to get a golden glow à la Deepika Padukone. Apply a dab of highlighter to the tops of your cheeks, outer corners of your eyes, and brow bones. Voilà – your look will instantly become more brilliant. Then slick on a luminescent gloss for ultra volume. Top off the whole look with a sassy smirk that has plenty of attitude. Anyway, It Girls aren’t too eager and sunshiney.
The have a natural beauty
You know faking it doesn’t do you any good, and that’s true with beauty too. “It Girls never look like they’ve spent hours in their chambre de makeup,” says stylist Robert Verdi, co-host of Fashion Police. “They honour their inherent beauty.”
Work-it trick: If you have a healthy complexion, you don’t need to pile on products to radiate like Katrina Kaif. Use a gentle cleanser and lotion plus a nourishing mask weekly. Go for a sheer foundation that lets your skin tone come through, says makeup artist Paul Starr, author of Paul Starr on Beauty. You’ll look like you, only prettier.
They've mastered a signature style
“It Girls don’t constantly switch up their looks to follow trends,” says Cappello. “While they’ll try out different makeup shades and hairstyles from time to time, they keep certain elements constant.” (Selma Blair’s saucy bob is a great example.) You’ll leave a lasting impression because people will instantly associate that characteristic with you.
Work-it trick: To find the style that’s really you, listen to your intuition. Flip through magazines, and rip out the page whenever you’re drawn to a model’s or celeb’s look’ suggests Starr. Find patterns in the pictures you chose - say, you gravitate towards a bold lip or honey-hued highlights - and use that as a springboard to experiment with similar shades. Or just go with what wins you raves. If friends love when you let your mane curl or if you get a slew of compliments after wearing a sage green eyeliner, hello - that works for you!
They are approachable
“Even the most stunning It Girls have a somewhat vulnerable, doe-eyed vibe that makes them relatable,” says Starr. Take Preity Zinta, for instance: Despite her superstar status, she seems very real and grounded. She’s hot but not alien hot - so staggeringly sexy that people feel uncomfortable in her presence.
Work-it trick: Score bright eyes by sweeping on a pale bronze shadow and lush mascara. Finish with rosy cheeks for a fresh flush. A ponytail is girlish but also sexy, adds celeb hairstylist Sally Hershberger. Or go for a simple updo that opens your face.
They're subtly mysterious
“I can always tell the second I’ve spotted an It Girl,” says Luiz Mattos, agent for Ford Models. “Her type of allure is apparent but not over-the-top, which leaves you wanting more.”
Work-it trick: Up the enigmatic factor by leaving things a little undone. “There’s a slightly imperfect quality about an It Girl that’s provocative,” notes Verdi. “Maybe her shirt’s not perfect or her hair is mussed.” (Think of Sienna Miller’s carefree locks.) “Just throw your hair up in a twist, letting a few strands fall out like it was a last-minute thought,” says Bumble and Bumble celeb stylist Jimmy Paul. Or slip on an embellished headband, and channel Keira Knightley’s wavy, windblown style. You look waaay more intriguing when every strand isn’t ironed into place. Can’t-take-your-eyes-off-'em girls also understand the power of soft seduction. For a hint of mischievousness, stroke on a grey eyeliner (it’s more inviting than black), and smudge it out.
