Pretty girl syndrome: how to deal

We’ve all got that friend. You know, the one with the perfectly behaved hair who always looks ravishing – even in 30-degree heat or after a vigorous jog. I have plenty of friends I consider beautiful and I even get a case of the green eyed monster when I see them pull off a miraculous make-up look or wear their hair so sweetly I could just be sick in my cereal.

These feelings I’m describing, they’re what I like to called Pretty Girl Syndrome, or PGS. It’s important to understand that every girl goes through this at one time or another. It’s perfectly natural, as we girls can be jealous creatures and we’re simply always on a mission to improve ourselves.

On my recent trip to Barcelona I can definitely disclose that I was suffering from PGS on a whole new level. Everywhere I looked there were beautiful, bronzed babes as far as the eye could see. As I stared down at my own pale pins I was momentarily miffed – until I decided to take a new approach to this global girl issue, and instead of feeling inadequate when a beautiful girl walked past, I’d steal style cues from her and use them as inspiration in developing a few killer looks of my own.

Here, I’ve even got a few examples of how I do this…

Spotted: bronzed beach babe ahead.
Okay, so she’s gorgeous. But what inspiration can I take from this girl? A-ha! Her neon bikini – a surefire way to look more tanned than you actually are!
Note to self: pick up neon bikini and a body moisturiser with gradual tan (because it’s way safer then getting a real tan!) Try: Garnier Ambre Solaire Bronz Up Moisturising Milk.

Spotted: pretty girl sitting at cafe.
So this girl could be Miranda Kerr’s twin, but what is it about her exactly that has me suffering from PGS? Yes! Her eye make-up!
Note to self: try a shimmery apricot shadow paired with jet-black curled lashes to look just as sugary sweet. For this look I’ll need: Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Soft Shimmer in Desert Sun and Benefit They’re Real Mascara.

Spotted: seriously sassy girl on a push bike.
Picture denim cut-off shorts with a floral singlet top and the shiniest brunette hair you ever did see.
Note to self: switch to a shampoo and conditioner designed to improve shine and invest in a treatment masque that will improve my hair’s health. We love: Andrew Collinge Healthy Shine Shampoo and Conditioner and Schwarzkopf Extra Care Ultimate Repair Anti-Damage Mask.