There are so many people who want to give us advice around this time of year, convinced of impending doom.  How to avoid “holiday behavior problems” (who wants to?); etiquette rules for bringing home that special someone for the first time (don’t mention Grandma’s teeth); travel tips for safe, pleasurable journeys  (leave the kids behind); diet disasters (bring ‘em on); what gifts to bring the perfect hostess (another martini).  So, we’re going to share a few words to the wise that we picked up in our research.

Here’s something you don’t read every day.  From Harold Katz, DDS, “The Bad Breath Guru”.  Advice on avoiding holiday halitosis.   Who knew?

Top 5 foods to avoid or reduce to keep your breath fresh:

5 – Macaroni and cheese
4 – Cranberry sauce
3 – Candied Yams
2 – Mashed Potatoes (if they have butter and sour cream!)
1 – Egg Nog!   (THE WORST HOLIDAY FOOD FOR YOUR BREATH)

5 Tips to Prevent Holiday Halitosis.

1. Keep Your Tongue Clean
2. Drink More Water
3. Avoid Breath Mints and Gum with Sugar
4. Use Oral Products with Oxygenating Compounds [Gum, rinsing products - stuff for bad breath. Check the label.]
5. Don’t Use Mouthwash Containing Alcohol or Toothpaste Containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (Soap)

An email alert from Glamour Magazine (where I get all my advice) says we should fake our way to good looks during the holidays by using a few recommended products from the fake man of Hollywood, Ted Gibson.  There are Ted Gibson Clip-In Extensions for a little extra hair to go with your chiffon dress, or Ted Gibson Build It Blowdrying Spray for some poof, or Ted Gibson Fix It gel and Ted Gibson Beautiful Hold hairspray if the damned ‘do ain’t doin’ what it is suppose to DO!

Here are the Makeup Gourmet’s Top Five Hot Tips for Unbelievable New Year’s Eve Makeup, along with a few helpful tips on what to avoid:

• Go for the Glow … try to make the look of the skin a ‘glowy’ one.
• If possible wear waterproof mascara or false lashes.
• Toss the Gloss.  By all means do wear a high-sheen permanent lip color.
• Damn the Glitter. Avoid loose glittery products above the eyes, but wear it on your body.

Seems to me I tried all those things – glowy skin, body glitter, false eyelashes – during my last holiday party.  Halloween.

And lastly, it IS dating season.  Worried gals can go to the salon for last minute touch-ups, but where’s the advice for the guys?  Right here:  From “Americas #1 Singles Expert”, Don Diebel.

“Poor hygiene will really turn a single woman off or any person for that matter. Keep your hair and teeth clean and your breath fresh. Be sure and bathe, wear good cologne, and wear a good deodorant. Don’t forget to shave either. Be aware that facial hair will make you look older. Also, most single women are not attracted to beards. If you insist on wearing a beard, keep it neatly trimmed.

If you are going bald or have a receding hairline, don’t try to disguise it by combing it a certain way. This makes you look silly. Women are not going to judge you because of your lack of hair. If you’re getting thin on top, just cut your hair short all over. This will give you the appearance of having more hair.

Another word about hair. If you have a chest or back like a hairy gorilla, trim it. Too much hair turns off the majority of women. A word about gray or graying hair. This can attract single women like a magnet, provided that you have a slender body to match it. If you’re overweight, she will see you as just a fat old man, which will be a turn off and don’t die your hair either because this is not good for your image either.

If you are an older man, wear your hair short. It will make you look younger. Study the models in the magazines for some nice hairstyle ideas. Finally, it won’t hurt to have a nice tan either. Women love the beach, so it will certainly help for you to have that tanned beach-hunk look.”

This guy has to live in South Palm Beach, right? Or he has the same PR agent as George Hamilton.

LookinGood has only one piece of advice for the holidays:  Smile.  Of all the things you wear during the holidays, your expression is the most important.