HAVE you ever seen someone who is not good-looking, but has that certain something that captures you?

Christian Ralo, an image consultant, says that is sex appeal.

He says sex appeal is a woman's attraction that makes men interested in her.

"It's not just a pretty face and fine physique, but a lot of factors can determine that a woman has sex appeal. It's that special something," Ralo says.

He says sex appeal is more than the shape of legs and size of breasts. One's social and biologic ability to be stimulating and fascinating are equally important.

Ralo says 20% of lasting sex appeal is about physical appearance, 20% about intelligence and the remaining 60% is all about having genuine confidence.

"People who have great sexual appeal are confident in their masculinity and femininity. They have apparent effortlessness, eyes twinkling with good humour, an infectious smile, a greater appetite for life and greater confidence. They find it easier to get what they desire in life because they are naturally magnetic and people like to be around them," Ralo says.

A recent study found that the presence of an attractive woman elevates testosterone levels and fosters physical risk-taking in young men.

How to have sex appeal:

• Understand what makes people truly attractive. Don't assume that looks are everything. Presentation matters, but looks are only a small part of it and even then, the value of commonly agreed-on standards of beauty can be deceptive.
• Dress with style. It doesn't matter that you might be big boned, small waisted, tall, short or have a nose you wish you could trade for another. Good grooming, stylish dressing, and careful deportment will do more for you than a supposedly perfect body shape. When buying clothes, focus on camouflaging what doesn't look great while accentuating your best features. Know what looks good on you. Fashion is about wearing only what flatters you, since you will feel comfortable and act more naturally.
• Keep your hair in excellent shape and well-cared for. Women should not overdo make-up. Too much is unflattering. In the workplace, there are subtle, but important rules about what you should wear. Having sex appeal at work should be personality driven; clothing should only be hinted at. Dress professionally, according to your workplace standards.
• Love your body. Don't obsess over your body shape. Worrying about what isn't right can lead to neglecting your real assets, such as your glorious mane of hair, fabulous smile, sense of humour or your strengths. Obsessing and worrying are the antithesis of sex appeal because they cause you to focus inwardly and to allow other people's judgment of you to have too much power over you.
• Be comfortable about your sexual nature. Being comfortable with your own sexuality is important because feeling confused, disgusted, ill-at-ease or prudish about your sexuality and the sexuality of others will not give you sex appeal. If you're experiencing confusion or dissatisfaction with your sexual side, seek help and advice from the professionals.

Body love and sexual identity are very closely entwined; if you're going to ask your lover to turn off the light every time you make love just because you're worried about your body shape, you're going to feel inhibited. Spend your love life with someone who loves you for who you are and doesn't want to change you. - Additional info www.howto.com