How to Smile for the Camera

Want to make sure you look great in party pictures? Follow these simple tips and you'll be all smiles when you see the tagged photos on Facebook.

Here I am with the fabulous Kimora Lee Simmons at a book party she hosted to celebrate Feed Your Face. We took about a hundred photos, and this is one of the few in which I’m not squinting or making a funny face. Kimora, meanwhile, looked amazing in all of them. Of course, she’s had lots of practice being in front of a camera. For those of us who haven’t, here’s how to smile pretty for the camera at your next event:

• Practice! It might seem silly to smile at yourself in the mirror, but it's one way to figure out which expression you like the most. Or look at photos of yourself to see which ones are the most flattering; then pay attention to the way you’re smiling in them: Teeth or no teeth? Straight on, or turned to the side?
• Smile with your eyes. Nothing looks stiffer or more fake than smiling with your mouth but not your eyes, so let the eyes crinkle a little, but not so much that you’re squinting.
• If you have a big smile like Julia Roberts's and you show a lot of teeth, make sure your pearly whites are clean and suitable for public viewing. Tuck a small mirror in your bag so if spinach or celery is on the menu before the photo op, you can take a quick peek to make sure nothing's lodged between your front teeth.
• If you've been drinking red wine or coffee, discreetly swish plain water in your mouth before the photo so you don't look like a vampire.
• If your style is subtle and you smile with closed lips, like Victoria Beckham, make sure your lips are in good shape. It's easier to smile when your lips are soft and moisturized, so carry a tinted lip balm or gloss.

Beauty Bonus from Dr. Jessica Wu

Sexy & Stylish I just picked up a bottle of Essie nail polish in Sure Shot and can't wait to put it on my toes. It's a deep magenta-purple that will be perfect peeking out of spring sandals. And for those of you who try to avoid certain chemicals, it doesn't contain phthalates, toluene, or formaldehyde.