I recently acquired an interesting new accessory: a Band-Aid. On my face.

Sexy, huh?

An unfortunate incident culminating in stitches on my chin will require me to wear a Band-Aid for five long days. Sometimes life deals you some unfortunate accessories. Here’s how to deal with them.

Band-Aids

Despite all of Nelly’s efforts, the Band-Aid on the face look never really caught on in mainstream culture. Sometimes you just don’t want people coming up to you all day and yelling, “Hey, what happened to your face?” So after much searching I recommend Band-Aid’s Perfect Blend Clear Adhesives for when you take a hit to the face. They’re barely noticeable.

Now for a wound anywhere other than the face I would recommend the opposite approach. Go nuts! Buy those Finding Nemo Band-Aids and wear them with pride. Urban Outfitters sells some really creative Band-Aids that come in styles such as “Skull and Crossbones” or “Bacon.” OK, so maybe skip the Band-Aid that looks like bacon, but it could be a good conversation piece.

Bad Hair Days

You know those days where you wake up, look in the mirror, and just think to yourself: How the HELL did that happen? Whether it’s a cowlick, you slept on your head funny, or its been a few too many days since your last shower, there are solutions.

A cute headband can cover up a lot while still making you look pulled together. Just stay away from anything too third-grade looking. Hats are also an excellent option. Whether you say you are a hat person or not, I firmly believe that everyone can find some style of hat that looks good on them. A hat covers your entire head and can even shield your face if you’re having a REALLY bad week.

Or you could always pull a Britney Spears (no, no keep your panties on please) and shave your head.

A Really Big Zit

I once tried to make my mom let me stay home from school because I had a seriously horrendous blemish. Sadly, she said no, but I suppose it was a character-building experience. Everyone knows its an awful when you’re talking to someone and their eyes wander down to your chin so often it makes you wonder if your pimple has gone and sprouted three heads.

Nobody should have to suffer this. Many times a lot of damage control can be done with makeup. There is also the approach of transforming your zit into a mole with a little brown eyeliner. I always read this in magazines and it just doesn’t seem like a good idea to me but if you want to give it a try, best of luck. I think I’d rather people know I have a zit than to have them mistake my ever moving “mole” for some kind of skin disease.

Fat Days

You may not have gained an ounce but there are days when every girl feels like a beached whale. To avoid tugging at your jeans and shirt all day to make sure they are covering your imaginary bulge, just cave in and wear something loose-fitting and comfortable. Pull out a tunic and some leggings, and you’ll be stylish without having to worry about sucking in constantly.

But here’s the most important thing to remember when you feel like you aren’t looking your best: Nobody notices! Most people are far too absorbed in themselves to scrutinize everyone else’s flaws.

So if you have a Band-Aid on your face or a huge zit or a bad hair day or a fat day (or God forbid all four at the same time), don’t worry, it’s definitely not as bad as you think.