10 Tricks Every Girl Should Know

All of us have occasionally fallen victim to the scourge known as the unflattering photo—and in our current social media-obsessed world, not knowing how to pose for pictures simply isn't an option. Even if we're completely satisfied with the way we look in the mirror, a truly bad picture can harness a power so strong that we often find ourselves miserable for days. Figuring out all of our best poses and angles can be a lifesaver.

That said—in the interest of never taking a shitty photo again—here's a quick tutorial on how to pose for pictures, with 10 tricks every girl should know.

1. Use your tongue 

This is one of best tricks out there—and the weirdest. It might feel strange, but by pressing your tongue on the roof of your mouth while smiling is an effective way to help avoid the dreaded double chin, as it elongates your neck and your jawline. We've tried it, and it works! It also works for Heidi Klum and Renee Zellweger, who are fans of this trick.

2. Angle your face

Unless you're being snapped by a professional portrait photographer, it's key to avoid direct head-on shots. Why? Because there'll be an absence of shadows, which could make your face look wider, larger, or slightly discolored. Instead, stand slightly sideways and tilt your chin a little bit upward or a tad downward. From there, be sure to look at something just above your natural line of sight.

3. Twist your body and position your arms

Ah, the old red carpet trick: Position your body 45 degrees and put the arm closest to the camera on your hip. Then plant one foot slightly in front of the other, point your toe to the camera and place your weight on your back leg.

Ever wonder why every celebrity poses with her camera-facing arm on her hip? It's because that particular move ensures that her upper arm isn't smooshed against her body making it look flattened (read: larger). If you find the hand-on-hip pose to be a bit forced, try holding your arms out from your sides ever so slightly.

4. Cross your ankles

If you're being shot head-on (maybe for a street style snap?) cross your legs, starting at the calf. This stance will make your hips look narrower and your legs look longer, plus it looks a bit more casual. It's worth noting that the pose also works when you're sitting. Although it's always preferable to stand in pictures, if you happen to be on a chair or a couch when someone comes at you with a camera, sit up straight and cross your legs at the ankles. It'll be more flattering than not doing anything with those stems.

5. Don't follow the group

The key to a stellar group shot? Not all doing the same pose. Not only is that hokey (hello, standing in height order on prom night) but everyone is shaped differently, so the viewer's eye will naturally gravitate to who looks best in the pose, not the picture. Instead, be sure to stand comfortably without mimicking the people directly next to you.

6. Learn to smile for the camera

Smiling is a tricky thing when it comes to photos. Too big, and you look silly, but none at all can make you look broody or angry. The solution? The 'natural' smile you so often do when the camera's not on you.

Smiling too wide on purpose will cause your face to tense up, your eyes to squint, and your cheeks to puff out, which aren't the benchmarks of an attractive photo. Instead, take a beat to relax your face and open your mouth  slightly, so that your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth. This is universally flattering, and allows you to decide how much teeth you want to show. Not a fan of smiling with teeth? Learn to smize (smile with your eyes, for the non-Tyra followers).

One thing to note: When you smile naturally, the area around your eyes tends to crease a bit, which reads as much more sincere than stiffly smiling just with your mouth.

Gwynnie Bee Partners with Nicole Miller Artelier on a Holiday Perfect Collection

Just in time for the holiday season, Gwynnie Bee and Nicole Miller Artelier have teamed up to bring us a beautifully executed 5-piece capsule collection for curvy women.

Gwynnie Bee, a popular clothes rental site for curvy women, has curated some incredible past collections with designers such as Jay Godfrey and Tracy Reese, so we can expect nothing short of stellar on the latest collaboration with Miller. And the timing couldn't be better, as calenders are beginning to fill with numerous holiday functions like the office holiday party. These dresses are the perfect items to dazzle in yet still have classic shapes for work.

1. V-Neck Hadley Dress

You can never go wrong with a LBD. This streamlined version looks amazing on all shapes and can transform with statement jewelry and strappy sandals.

2. V-Neck Asymmetrical Dress

A bit of sparkle is holiday perfect! This is a subtle version of a glitter dress, if you're not big on beading.

What does the length of your fingers say about you?

Take a look at your fingers. Would you believe me if I told you that the length of your fingers in relation to one another can predict your personality? I know that it sounds like one of those hokey tests you see on Facebook, but I have to admit that it was spot-on for me. Here's how it works:

Look at your three middle fingers of your left hand. Is your index finger longer than your ring finger? Is your ring finger long than your index finger? Or are the two the same height? Find the scenario that best matches your handand see if what follows is an accurate description of your personality.

Longer ring finger: The Sweet Talker

If your ring finger is longer than your index finger, researchers shows that you're likely a charming type, and you can probably talk yourself out of any situation. Others often find this personality type irresistible and will go to great lengths to help you. You're more likely to take risks, and you're good at problem-solving. People in this category make great engineers, soldiers and crossword-puzzle solvers.

Three fingers set togetherLonger index finger: The (Over) Confident One

If your index finger is longer than your ring finger, chances are you are full of confidence — possibly even to the point of being over-confident and arrogant. You are not necessarily introverted, but you do enjoy time to yourself, especially when you're trying to complete a project. You are a goal-oriented go-getter who can make things happen, but you may be shy when it comes to taking the first step in a relationship. You are also probably happy with what you have, but you're always wishing for more.

Index and ring finger are the same length: The Peacemaker

If your index finger and ring fingers are roughly the same length, you are likely to avoid conflict at all costs and seek to keep the peace in your relationships. You are well-organized, faithful and compassionate. But deep down under all of that caring and peace-loving, you also have a fiery core that can lash out unexpectedly when you're pushed too far. You will try your hardest to avoid a fight, but heaven help the person who pushes you into one!

How well did these descriptions match your personality? I was surprised at the accuracy in my case (but I'm not going to spill which one it was!).