A friend of mine plans to see a major ex for the first time in 2 years. A few days ago we scavenged the mall for a perfectly casual ‘I’m not trying too hard, I just look this hot every day now’ outfit.

You don’t really want him or her back. Well maybe you’d consider it, but that’s not really the point. The point is to inspire that twinge of regret. The thought that maybe if they’d just invited you to the family reunion, or let you tie them up for once, everything could have been different….  And it totally works. People love to romanticize an old relationship.

There is nothing quite like a wistful look in the eye as they attempt at some casual affection, or a pause before parting like they want to say something more. Here are a few makeup tips sure to stir that self-esteem boosting regret revenge:

-First, don’t get any radical ideas like crazy big false eyelashes or silver liquid eyeliner. You don’t get extra points for creativity.

-Radiance and happiness are key factors. That means you don’t want your skin super matte. Try a tinted moisturizer and/or bronzers and blushes that have a tiny touch of shimmer. Tiny!

-Bring out the eyes because that’s where intimacy starts. Use contrasting colors. For tips look at previous posts Eye Makeup For Brown Eyes or  Eye Shadow For Gray Eyes . I don’t think I’ve done a post on green, so I’ll just tell you that you want reddish brown.

-Choose a more natural lip that’s not super dramatic or goopy and dripping with gloss. You want them to remember you for you, not for their secret fantasy of doing it with a hooker.  Although now that I think of it, there could be the potential there for a two-in-one result if that’s what you’re going for.

-If you have a few days lead, throw on some teeth whitening strips. A little refresher will add some spark to your smile. And you should smile a lot. Remember, confidence and happiness are amazing regret makers.