The 6 Secrets of Seductive Beauty

You know a few things about seduction. But you may be unsure about which beauty tricks enhance your game. There's actually some serious science behind the art of seduction…and experts have discovered that allure starts with projecting a healthy vibe. If you have a healthful glow and send the right subliminal messages to men, these will signify that your hormones and other chemicals are in balance, which means you're good mate material, explains anthropologist Helen Fisher, PhD, author of Why We Love. To turn yourself into a bona fide seductress, we're unveiling these six sure-shot secrets.

Seductive Secret 1: ROCK A WIDE-EYED LOOK

From an evolutionary standpoint, big, bright eyes have been one of a woman's most reliably potent seduction tools. "Historically, when a woman had large, glistening eyes, it was almost like she was wearing a sign that said, 'I'm fertile-I'd make a great mate,'" says Fisher. Fast-forward to the present: While guys may not be looking for a mate to start a family with ASAP, they're subconsciously drawn to seek out a woman who gives off a healthy and fertile aura.

Work-it trick: To widen your eyes, play up the outer corners, says celebrity makeup artist Troy Surrat. With a black or brown liner pencil (try Ever Bilena Color Pencil), trace along the top and bottom lash lines from the middle of the lid to just past the outer corner of the eye, he says. Then, use a cotton swab to blend and diffuse the line. Close your eyes, and sweep a shimmery shadow like MAC Light Frost Eyeshadow in Amber over your entire lid, he says. Next, dot the inner corner of the eyes (near your tear duct) with a champagne-colored pencil like Paul & Joe Eye Crayon 02 or Careline Glamour Eyes. Use an eyelash curler on your lashes, then layer on two coats of jet-black mascara. Finish with an additional coat applied only to the outermost lashes, says Surrat. For a full and lengthy fringe, try the Shiseido Eyelash Curler and the L'Oréal Double Extension Mascara.

Seductive Secret 2: WALK WITH KILLER CONFIDENCE

Would Gisele and Heidi look as amazingly hot if they swapped their signature sashays for slouchy, kuba waddles down the runway? Not so much. "The way you carry yourself helps a man determine how attractive you are," says Fisher. "Men can tell if you're secure with your body…and if you are, it's a tremendous turn-on." While you may not want to lay down that catwalk strut all the time, injecting a little confidence into your walk will definitely turn some heads. "Men find confidence attractive because it shows that you're independent and proud of your body," says communication psychologist and body-language expert Lillian Glass, PhD.

Work-it trick: The first step toward walking with confidence is to slip into a pair of heels, she says. "High heels help to elongate your legs, thus helping you feel more powerful. Plus, they make your legs and butt look so good," says Glass. (Note: Your heels don't have to be six inches high to look sexy. Even an inch or two will give the lift you need.)

Now, imagine a string pulling the crown of your head upward. Focusing on this image will help improve your posture, explains Glass. Next, throw your shoulders back, push your chest forward, and suck your tummy in. Tighten your buttocks and take deliberate steps, putting one foot directly in front of the other. Remember: The more confident you feel, the more confident you'll look. To give yourself an ego boost while walking, envision yourself as a man-eating top model.

Seductive Secret 3: SPRITZ A COMEHITHER SCENT

Perfume is an important turn-him-on tool, but are you wearing one designed to sync up with his subconscious cravings? Guys tend to gravitate toward something that enhances your already alluring natural scent. Says Fisher, "Men are most attracted to your own special fragrance-they find that combination of sweet and musky incredibly sexy." For an easy way to seduce him, pinpoint a perfume that mimics a woman's natural scent (i.e., a sweet and musky combo).

Work-it trick: "Go for fragrances that mix sweet notes like vanilla or rose with deeper, musky ones like sandalwood," says perfumer Virginia Bonofiglio, adjunct professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Don't overwhelm him with a cloud of perfume. Instead, apply a subtle spritz to your pulse points-the insides of the wrists, insides of the elbows, the backs of the knees, and the neck. Try Bvlgari Pour Femme and Salvatore Ferragamo Incanto Shine.

Seductive Secret 4: MAX OUT YOUR CLEAVAGE

Ever wonder why guys love breasts? According to Fisher, "Male primates know when females are ready to mate because the tissue around their genitals becomes large and engorged. And because primates walk on all fours, their backsides are visible from the front. Since men can't see women's buttocks from the front, some scientists believe that fleshy breasts evolved to mimic them." This may explain why large breasts can elicit such a big reaction from guys. But small breasts hold plenty of appeal. Fisher reports that as long as your rack is high, pert, and symmetrical, it will cast its seductive spell.

Work-it trick: First, gently exfoliate the delicate breast skin. Next, apply a shimmery, light-reflecting lotion like Red Earth Secret Potion in Magician. When the lotion dries, brush bronzer in a Y shape between your breasts to contour the area. Two to try: The Body Shop Brilliance Powder or Nichido Bronzing Powder. "This will create the illusion of a fuller chest and enhance its round shape," says Surrat. Then, slip into a bra that combines padding and underwire with a demi cup. Here's why: Padding smooths and rounds out the shape. Underwire provides unbeatable support, and a demi cup holds and supports the bottom half of your breasts while allowing the top to spill over.

Seductive Secret 5: ANGLE YOUR ASSETS

If you haven't put much thought into your public posing style (trying to "Vogue" like Madonna in front of your bedroom mirror doesn't count), here's some interesting info from Fisher: "When female monkeys are trying to attract mates, they strike various poses. They stick out their rear ends and arch their backs. It's all a part of the mating game, and it's hardwired into us humans too," she says.

Work-it trick: While part of looking hot is (admittedly) sporting a slim waist and well-defined curves, it's just as important to know how to show them off, says Glass. Here's a red-carpet trick stars use: "Angle your hips away from the guy you're targeting so your body is slightly twisted. This will help enhance your curves," she says. Next, tilt your chin up. If it feels awkward at first, practice a few times at home in front of the mirror. Over time, this stance will feel as natural as that super confident walk mentioned in Seductive Secret 2. But to avoid looking too posed, don't just stand there. You'll look much more natural if you use this move while engaging in conversation or when sipping a drink.

Seductive Secret 6: ENHANCE YOUR SMILE

Among primates, symmetrical teeth can actually signal good health, and this marks you as ideal-mate material. "And in humans, when they flash full lips, they're broadcasting the fact that they have high levels of estrogen," says Fisher. In a nutshell, the combo indicates to men that you're fertile.

Work-it trick: To create the illusion of a fuller smile, trace along the outer edges of your lips and the V of your top lip with a neutral liner, says Surrat. We like Make Up For Ever Lip Liner and Concealer or Fashion 21 Perfect Lips Color Rich Lipstick/Liner in Melon. Then apply a coat of shimmery peach or rosy pink lipstick like Revlon Glossy Licious in Lychee Sorbet and The Face Shop Sparkling Lip in Tropic Orange. "Shimmer reflects light and enhances the fullness of your lips," he says. So make sure to avoid too-dark colors like deep plums and too-light nudes. You can also try fluffing up your pout with Clinique's Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine in Play-full Plump or Artdeco Hot Chili Lip Booster. For a finishing touch, use a shimmery, champagne-colored pencil like Ever Bilena Stargazer Eye Shimmer in Crystal Brown to trace the V of the upper lip and under the center of your bottom lip, says Surrat