FOR women, the first rule for snagging Mr Right is to look your best.

Otherwise, he may not even notice you or will treat you as a friend, not a romantic prospect. Men are more likely to respond to women based on their looks than women are to respond to men based on looks.

Girls, you may find this unfair.

But don't blame the guys. Men are evolutionarily hard-wired this way.

Instead, use it to your advantage. After all, it is generally easier to change your physical appearance than it is to change your personality or character, which is what men often have to do.

To ladies who think that what counts is only on the inside and not on the outside, well, get real!

Look your best. The better you look, the better you feel, and the more radiant and desirable you will be to men.

Study after study in neuroscience and psychology have shown that emotions are contagious. If you feel good about yourself and exude self-confidence, other people will feel good about you.

Apply these three pointers to get a good start.

Diet and exercise

Eating a properly balanced diet makes you feel good. Often, foods that aren't good for you enervate rather than energize. So make sure you get enough fruits and vegetables, protein and fibre. And drink lots of water.

Exercise releases endorphins, which help you feel happier and more energetic. So, join a gym, buy a yoga video and mat and use them, or go jogging in the park. Get a portable music player to keep yourself entertained while you work out.

Feel free to smile at the buff men you will no doubt encounter.

Diet and exercise require that you sacrifice short-term gratification to reach your long-term goals. Tape pictures of your ideal body type on your closet to remind you of your fitness and diet goals. Enlist your female friends to help you reach your goals together.

Upgrade your fashion

If you don't know a lot about fashion, study the fashion magazines. Consult a fashionable friend, or get a consultation with an image consultant. Don't, however, become a fashion slave.

Don't buy items just because they are the 'in' thing. Make sure they flatter your body type and skin tone. Invest in classic, high-quality pieces and mix them with more affordable items.

I see long lines at the designer stores on Orchard Road every weekend. Don't ever feel that you have to wear designer clothes to attract men.

Most men don't care what label you are wearing. Indeed, too many high-end items can mark you as a bothersome, high-maintenance girl. And it's better to get a no-name brand outfit that fits perfectly than a designer outfit that doesn't.

Get expert advice on grooming

Splurge on a one-time consultation with a top hair stylist or make-up artist. And then copy the look at more affordable rates. Of course, if you can afford the best every time, go for it.

Most make-up makeovers are free with a minimal purchase.

Many people don't realise their beauty potential until they get a professional makeover. It's amazing how much of a difference good hair and grooming can make.

If you want to take your look to the next level, consider enrolling in a grooming and deportment course. A number of modelling agencies offer such courses, including Mannequin Studio.

They will teach you how to walk, sit, stand, look, apply make-up, do your nails, do your hair, and choose and wear fashionable clothes.

The great advantage for women in attracting Mr Right is that improving your physical appearance can be done in a day. Yes, diet and exercise require long-term discipline. But overall, this little bit of investment pays off in a huge way.

Learn more about dating expert Dr Date at his website: www.powerofbeingasian.com

This article was first published in The New Paper.