Think of professional beauties as aesthetic marvels (and genetic accidents). Don’t compare yourself with them. Besides, those whose looks you covet are busy rating themselves against someone even more gorgeous.

“I never thought of myself as beautiful,” insists Carol Alt, the 1980s supermodel. “There were these girls who would walk into the room and just take over. Nicolette Sheridan in the 1980s—oh my God, forget it.”

How to Feel More Attractive