If a woman ever tells you “looks don’t matter”, they’re lying… sorta. You don’t need to look like a Hollywood star, but it’s important to at least take care of yourself physically. Men can reach their full potential by dressing well and cleaning up before they go out in public. Follow these tips if you want to be successful on your next date.

1. Get a Touch-Up

If it has been a week or more since your last haircut, it’s wise to clean up your neckline and space around your ears. Be sure your sideburns are the proper length also. If you don’t want to pay for a touch-up, grab a friend and ask them to give you a quick trim. With enough practice you can also learn to do this yourself.

2. Trim Your Beard or Shave

Those with beards should trim them evenly. Those without should shave completely or make sure their stubble is covering their face proportionally.

3. Clean Up Small Areas (Eyebrows, Ears, Nose)

It’s no longer considered girly for men to maintain their eyebrows. You want to display a natural look that’s not too unwieldy. If your eyebrows are extra bushy, give them a slight trim with clippers. For stray hairs, use tweezers to pluck them out.

Your grandma doesn’t care about the weeds coming out of your grandpa’s nose, but your date won’t be so forgiving. There are trimmers specifically designed to eliminate nose hair. For hard to reach hairs, use scissors or tweezers.

4. Cut Your Nails

Unfortunately, it’s a well-known fact that females judge the condition of men’s hands. Most men don’t give a damn about taking care of their paws, but they should before a date. You don’t need a manicure, but at the very least cut your fingernails cleanly. Removing dirt and debris from nails is also a must.

Clipping your toenails is only important if the woman is going to see your feet, but you should keep your toenails short anyway. Having long toenails in addition to your already hairy toes is gross.

5. Manscape

“Be Prepared” is the Boy Scouts’ motto. You’re a man now, so hopefully you’ve learned to be prepared for any situation. It may be a first date or long-shot that you’ll get laid, but it doesn’t hurt to be well-groomed just in case. You likely know the drill. If not, we’ll give further instruction in another article.

6. Dry Off Thoroughly After Showering

Showering should be obvious. What’s not always obvious is that you need to thoroughly dry off when you’re done. Moisture causes odor. If your body is still wet when you get dressed, there’s a greater chance those areas will not smell like your body wash a few hours later.

7. Moisturize Your Skin

Not in contradiction to the previous tip, it’s important to moisturize your skin. Using lotion will keep your skin looking fresh throughout the night. After you’ve dried off, apply face and body lotion to lock in moisture.

8. Brush, Floss, and Use Mouthwash

You’re going to be talking a lot throughout the date. Hopefully, you’ll be kissing a lot at the end of the date. In order for that to happen, you need to have fresh breath. In addition to brushing, you need to floss. Food particles that are stuck in between teeth cause odor. Take an extra minute to remove any food particles that may be lodged deep in between teeth. Complete the removal by gurgling mouthwash for 15 seconds. Don’t let that beautiful smile go to waste!

9. Check Your Hair From All Angles

Use an extra mirror to view your hair from the back and sides. You want to make sure your hair is in place and doesn’t have excess gel stuck in one area.

10. Smell Your Best

Your first layer of defense is deodorant. Whether you feel it or not, your body sweats throughout the night. Using an anti-perspirant will prevent sweat and B.O. To go on the offensive, give your neck and wrists a spray of cologne. Your scent will serve as a powerful aphrodisiac to your date.

If you follow these 10 grooming tips before a date, chances are good that you’ll be going on another date with the same woman soon. Remember, “Success Favors the Well Groomed.”