THE heavily browsed men's lifestyle Internet magazine AskMen.com, which boasts seven million readers per month, recently published their list of the 'Top 99 Most Desirable Women'; an annual list compiled by readers and staff, which ranks women around the world whom they deem alluring and desirable.

Model: M'Kealah (Photo:Naphtali Junior)

The criteria not only looks at sex appeal and beauty, but at qualities including being a potential companion, intelligence, humour, charisma, and ambition. The website says the results "act as the definitive gauge for identifying what modern men desire most in their female companions".

Who's desirable? Grey's Anatomy actress Katherine Heigl topped the list for 2008, followed by model Alessandra Ambrosio and actresses Kate Beckinsale and Eva Mendes. Others in the top 10 included actress Jessica Biel, singer Rihanna, and models Marisa Miller and Adriana Lima. Singer Beyoncé was the most desirable in 2007.
Being desirable.

It's understood that the women who employ this quality aren't only beautiful or sexually attractive - they are educated, intelligent, have girlfriend potential, and that extra oomph that make men melt.

This week we point you to some ways to make that little vixen shine through, so that you can be a star and retain that diva quality, and be desirable everywhere and everytime, despite what life throws at you.

...Any day, any time

LOOKING desirable should be a natural part of being a woman every day of the week, to the point where it becomes effortless. Women who use this theory will find that not only do they gain the respect of others but will end up feeling confident and in charge.

Being desirable every day of the week means:
* Wearing your favourite outfits seven days of the week - clothes you truly love and look good in each day.

* Ensuring that each morning your hair is neatly groomed.
* If you are a handbag and shoes lover, make your favourite colour and style a part of your everyday attire
* Confidence is a part of the desirable package, so not only should you aspire to be appealing, but also should carry yourself with total confidence.

* Ensuring that your clothes co-ordinate.

* Wearing your favourite scent, subtle but seductive.

* Revealing enough of your body to cause temptation but not too much to be a total turn-off. Show enough cleavage to draw attention (if you are blessed in this area) or a glimpse of the thigh to cause the imagination to run wild. If you are into pant suits or long trousers or jeans, ensure that they are the perfect fit and highlight your figure.

* Accentuating with custom or other jewellery where necessary.

* Investing in facial products and make-up to conceal or remove any pimples or spots.

...Before baby, after baby, after six babies

MANY women - and men - believe that once you have given birth, that is the end of your 'nice body'. With baby fat and stretch marks, they believe there is just no way to continue making the desirable list. Right?

Wrong! You can look and feel desirable despite having a baby, here's how:

* If you are pregnant, discuss your stretch mark concerns with your doctor at the beginning of your pregnancy before they develop, so that preventive treatment can be started.
* If you are now pregnant, rub your growing stomach daily with olive oil or cocoa butter creams available in any pharmacy.

* If you already gave birth and now have the marks to show, ask your doctor to recommend removal methods.
* Drink plenty of water. Adequate hydration keeps your skin soft and less likely to develop stretch marks.

* Be sure to eat foods that promote skin health - foods rich in zinc like nuts or fish; high in vitamins A and C, like carrots and citrus fruits and milk as well as protein-rich foods like eggs.

After baby... Or six

* Dress to kill. Put aside the large, shapeless outfits you wore during pregnancy and invest in sexy attire.

* Visit your hairdresser as often as necessary to remain expertly coiffed.

Some women after tying the knot feel it is cause to stop putting out the effort in being desirable while still expecting their spouses to come running home to them! News flash! It doesn't work that way!

Ensure that the same things that attracted him to you in the first place are there to keep him with you. After all, it is never too late for him to find someone else who makes the effort in looking good!

To avoid the pitfall of looking drab, tired, unattractive and seedy after a number of children or years of marriage, ensure that you:

* Stay in the latest fashion! Dress to impress your mate and give him reason to run home at the end of each day.
* Exercise and stay both physically and mentally fit to keep up with the kids and to keep your body toned.
* Get plenty of rest.

* If you feel you are becoming or have become overweight watch your diet.

*Remember that late night snacking can add extra pounds that you may not want

* Cut, braid or comb your hair in the latest fashion.

* Never (ever!) wear shapeless or old clothes on a daily basis. Whether you are leaving home or not, always be casually elegant.

* Be confident and self-assured. Others will perceive you the way you see yourself.

- DHW

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