Got RBF? Here’s How To Look More Approachable

Or RBF, as it’s commonly referred to. It’s that look of annoyance that hijacks your expression during the most mundane moments: when you’re standing in line at the coffee shop while mentally going over your grocery list, or sitting in a work meeting considering your next assignment – or even when you’re having a pleasant conversation with a close friend. The fact is, sometimes our faces betray us, causing our resting expressions to look more ticked off than pleasant. The problem with having a perpetual scowl, of course, is that can make you appear– at best – closed off, or – for lack of a better term – like a total bitch. 

The sources of RBF vary. But whether we have genetics, lifestyle choices, or our pessimistic inner monologues to thank for our perturbed appearance, have no fear: With a few tweaks and a little intention, anyone can overcome RBF.

Here are 6 easy ways to combat a chronic scowl so you can appear more approachable. 

Intentionally Relax Your Face

A relaxed face is a welcoming face. So take a moment to soften your jaw. Unfurrow your brow, and release any tension in your forehead. Notice any spots where it’s difficult to let go of tightness? Gently massage those areas for 15-30 seconds and do some gentle head circles to break up any fascial adhesions that may be preventing you from fully releasing. 

Commit to checking in with your facial tension several times throughout the day. In doing so, you’ll not only soften your expression in the moment, but you’ll prevent future wrinkles from forming. Before you know it, the practice will become a habit – and you’ll be left with a warm, welcoming face for years to come. 

Learn to Smize Appropriately 

As in smile with your eyes. Fans of America’s Next Top Model know smizing as an industry trick to appear more alluring – which may give off a more “welcoming” vibe than you’d like during your day-to-day tasks. But stay with me: With one small tweak, it’s possible to tone down your smize to make it more friendly neighbor and less come hither. 

The trick to a friendly smize expression (as opposed to a classic sultry smize) is to actually lift the corners of your mouth instead of slightly sucking in the backs of your cheeks. In effect, you actually are smiling with your lips instead of just your eyes, but it’s ever-so slight that it’s less of a smile and more of a friendly, playful expression. Think of it as a classic Mona Lisa smile. And just like the iconic painting, your warm and curious look will draw people in from all around. 

Pay Attention to your Posture

Try this: Take a moment to sit up straight, roll your shoulders back, and lengthen your spine through the crown of your head. Did the expression on your face change too? I’m betting it did. 

There are two reasons for this: First, when we pull our bodies into proper alignment, we’re also aligning our skulls. That in turn draws our facial muscles into a more relaxed state, giving our expression a more approachable demeanor. Additionally, when we’re more intentional about our chronic holding patterns and how we position our bodies, that conscientiousness magically pours over into how we’re holding our facial muscles. Awareness is key! 

Makeup Matters 

With a neutral expression, check yourself out in the mirror. Do the edges of your lips and eyes naturally point downward? That pseudo frown could be contributing to your discontented appearance. But it’s nothing a little makeup can’t fix. With a steady hand and a few well-placed dabs of concealer, your resting expression can instantly go from blah to blessed. 

Practice Gratitude 

Turn that frown upside down by focusing on the positive. When our minds start spiraling into ugly thought patterns, our faces tend to follow suit. And just like that, the RBF scowl creeps in yet again. The next time negative thoughts bubble up, take a deep breath and find the silver linings of your current situation. More often than not, you’ll wear your newfound optimism on your face – or at least you’ll appear more content than annoyed. And bonus: not only will having a more grateful perspective make you appear more approachable, your mental and physical health will benefit as well. 

Add Face Tape or Frownies to Your Routine 

There’s no doubt that Botox could help relieve RBF symptoms when done intentionally. That is, by targeting the specific areas in the forehead and around the mouth that contribute to a displeased expression. 

But for the girlies who want a more natural solution, Frownies are your new anti-RBF BFF. Designed to be worn while you sleep, the face patches create a cast for areas that are prone to wrinkles, including the forehead and around the mouth. By preventing movement in those areas for several hours at a time, the affected muscles become accustomed to staying still even when you're not wearing them. In doing so, your face looks more serene and less bothered. 

Don’t let RBF sabotage your welcoming, feminine demeanor and prevent you from forming meaningful connections with new people. Try these tips and you’ll be well on your way to looking more hot and less bothered. With your new easy-breezy appearance, don’t be surprised when people start asking the secret to your newfound happiness, instead of what’s got you so ticked off.