Real princesses always try to look their best -- but, um, my best is probably totally different from yours. There are lots of different kinds of beauty. Like those models we see on magazine covers? A lot of people might hold them up as, like, the epitome of perfection and all of that, but just remember, in France it's considered beautiful not to shave under your arms.

So you see, beauty is really relative.

Princesses, like people, come in all different shapes and sizes. There is no one look that is right for everyone. Having a healthy body is way more important than having a body that looks good in low-rise jeans. And of course being a nice person is the most important thing of all. Throughout history, princesses have been remembered not for the waist size of their 501s, but for the good deeds they performed while they were on the throne.

There's one thing that looks good on everyone, though: confidence. Have confidence in yourself and your looks, and others will see your outer beauty as well as the inner.

That's what everybody keeps telling me, anyway.

I, Paolo, am the one who turned the Principessa Amelia from Ugly Duckling into Swan. You, too, can look like a princess, if you follow Paolo's simple rules.

Beauty is molto importante, but so often overdone! A princess's look is bella, healthy, and well groomed. Fresh is the goal, and mascara, blush, and gloss are the tools that will get you there.

Everyone -- especially I, Paolo -- loves to play with makeup. But remember, a mask works only at Halloween! Do not slather on foundation or eyeshadow unless you want to scare your populace (also, your parents won't like it so much, no?). Natural and bella is the way Paolo urges all you little principessas to go. If you want the dramatic look of black kohl and scarlet lipstick, join your school drama club (I spit on kohl). And do not come crying to Paolo if all the little princes, they run from you in horror. Only if you follow Paolo's way can you be assured molto perfetto!

Princess Essentials

What every principessa should have in her handbag (besides cab fare, breath mints, emergency tiara, and hairbrush):

Lipstick or gloss

Pressed powder compact (to get rid of shiny nose)

Concealer (for dark circles under eyes due to that late-night romantic tryst, no? Also for blemishes)

Eye pencil

What every principessa should have in her bathroom (besides a phone and small television so she can keep abreast of world events even while bathing the royal body):

Facial cleanser, exfoliator (or use a washcloth, but gently!), and moisturizer

Astringent, toner, acne medication, beauty masks

Foundation, concealer (for dark circles/blemishes)

Eye shadow, liner (no kohl -- Paolo spits on kohl!)

Blush (natural color -- unless you want to look like a clown principessa)

Mascara

Manicure set (nail polish, nail file, nail cutter)

Hair products (shampoo, conditioner, styling products, etc.)

Paolo's Princess Beauty Regimen

The look for royals? Fresh and clean! To get it, follow the beauty routine I designed for the Principessa Amelia:

1. Wash face morning and night with gentle cleanser. Follow with exfoliant, if needed (even royals get blackheads! No joke!), and blemish product or moisturizer.
2. Wash hair with gentle shampoo once a day, or every other day. Follow with conditioner. Use a wide-toothed comb to get out tangles. No one wants to see a bald principessa!

Meg Cabot is the author of the best-selling, critically acclaimed Princess Diaries books, the first of which was made into the wildly popular Disney movie of the same name. Her other books for teens include All-American Girl, Haunted, Nicola and the Viscount, and Victoria and the Rogue. When not writing novels, Meg keeps busy brushing up on her etiquette, so that when her real parents, the king and queen, come along and restore her to her rightful throne, she won’t make any social gaffes. She lives in New York City with her royal consort and a one-eyed cat named Henrietta.