 Body
A shower is a basic must. Bathe properly using body wash. Shampoo and condition your hair, moisturise your body with an unscented lotion and deodorise your underarms and feet.
Hands, Feet & Nails Make sure your hands and nails are clean and the nails trimmed back. For a special occasion, get a professional manicure.
Facial Hair Cut any nostril and ear hair. If you have a moustache, goatee or beard, make sure it's trimmed and neat and tidy. Check your sideburns, if any, to see if they are even on both sides (don't go for the mutton chops look!) If your eyebrows run wild or run together (monobrow), consider getting them plucked or waxed professionally.
Hair A visit to your hairdresser is a good idea to get your hair professionally washed and cut, but do the cut at least a day to a week before your meeting. This is not the time to try out a wacky new style or colour! If you have thinning or grey hair, and want to do something about it, talk to your hairdresser for professional advice.
 Facial Skin
Make sure you have cleansed, exfoliated and moisturised (see our Skin Care Guide). All of this will bring out your skin's clarity and inner radiance. If you have pimples, treat them as soon as you can with dedicated blemish creams. Never squeeze pimples.
Eyes Use dedicated eye cream for any puffiness or dark circles under the eyes. If you wear glasses don't decide to do without them and then stumble over everything. Don't immediately switch to contacts. If you do, make sure you are used to wearing them and carry spares. If you wear glasses, make sure the frames are stylish, up to date and suit your facial features. Your optometrist will help.
 Shave
Use a new blade to shave before your meeting. A clean, well-shaved and smooth face is a fantastic asset. Make shaving an experience, not a chore (see our Shaving Guide).
Teeth Make sure you have brushed and flossed your teeth and use a mouth wash. If you have time, visit a dentist before hand for a professional clean. If you're eating out with the people you meet, take a quick trip to the washroom after the meal to check your teeth and facial hair for any food remnants. Carry a packet of breath fresheners and a couple of toothpicks with you.
 Fragrance
Use a quality fragrance and use it sparingly. You don't want your scent to make the first impression even before you walk in a room or leave a lasting impression that overstays its welcome (see our Fragrance Guide).
Clothing If it's a job interview, do some research on the culture of the work place. If it's very corporate, wear a traditional suit. If it's a creative work place, wear a more relaxed suit, or sports jacket, matching pants, shirt and tie. On a first date or dinner, go for a simple, classic style, such as buttoned or polo shirts, with chinos, good jeans or dress pants and a sweater or sports jacket. Make sure whatever shoes you wear are clean and make sure they are polished when wearing a formal suit. Most importantly, be comfortable and let your own natural personality make the first impression.
Accessories Restrict this to your wristwatch. More than two rings, including a wedding band, and more than one wrist or neck chains, are over accessorising. If you have any piercings be comfortable about the fact that people may react in different ways to them.
Manners At interviews and meetings, shake hands firmly with everyone you meet and make eye contact. Do the same when you leave. When answering questions at an interview, ensure you make eye contact with the person who asks you the question. If unsure about something repeat the question to make sure you understand it correctly. On a date, give your partner your undivided attention. On a first date, it's perfectly acceptable to split the bill. On a later date, offer to pay. When visiting your partner's home or family for a meal, take a gift, and offer to assist in the kitchen, or tidying up, and always say thank you. In all situations, switch off mobile phones and pagers (including vibrating alerts and message signals). Hopefully, your partner or colleagues will do the same. And lastly, be punctual!
Whether you like it or not, you will be judged by your cover. If you look good, you feel good and if you feel good you show confidence. If you could like a copy of this Guide, please email us guides@artofman.com.au. | 
