Beauty Hint

There is a simple beauty hint in this poem by Patience Strong that is worth remembering. We may take care with our clothes, our hair, and our appearance, wanting to look our best. There is certainly nothing wrong with that, but the poet reminds us that something much simpler can make an even greater difference.

Like many famous poems, Beauty Hint shares its wisdom in an easy and memorable way. With a touch of humor, Patience Strong reminds us that looking our best is about more than what we wear or how much time we spend on our appearance.

And perhaps the best beauty hint of all is also the simplest. A smile costs us nothing, yet it can brighten our face and bring a little happiness to someone else. It is a small thing, but sometimes the small things can make the biggest difference.

But none of it is any use, unless we wear a smile! Patience Strong

Updated August 15, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

Beauty Hint

Poet: Patience Strong

We keep our shoes all spick and span (it's nice to see smart feet) -
We always see that clothes are brushed -
We must look trim and neat!
We wash our gloves religiously (that's if they're cream or white) -
There mustn't be a spot on them if we should look just right...

We have our shampoo once a week and keep the waves in place -
We buy the latest creams and perfumed powder for the face -
We do our exercises just to keep ourselves in trim,
And cut out the cakes and chocolates in the hope of getting slim! -
We spend our time and money keeping up that certain style -

But none of it is any use,
Unless we wear a smile!
It's more important than the most expensive sort of hat -
And strange to say it doesn't cost a bean -
Imagine that!

Key Reflections From This Poem

  • A Smile Is True Beauty

    We may spend time making sure our clothes, hair, and appearance look their best, but Patience Strong reminds us that a smile can make the greatest difference. A warm smile reflects something within us that no beauty product can replace.

  • Beauty Is More Than Appearance

    Looking neat and taking care of ourselves is worthwhile, but outward appearance is only part of what others see. Kindness, warmth, and a cheerful spirit can make a person truly beautiful.

  • Simple Things Can Have Great Value

    Some of the best things in life do not cost us anything, and a smile is a perfect example. It can brighten our own day while also bringing a little happiness to someone else.

  • Do Not Forget To Enjoy Life

    It is easy to become concerned with how we look or what others may think of us. This poem gently reminds us to relax, smile, and remember that a cheerful attitude can be more attractive than trying to look perfect.


Conclusion

Beauty Hint leaves us with a simple thought that is easy to remember. We may take care with our clothes, our hair, and our appearance, but a smile can make a greater impression than any of these things. Patience Strong reminds us with a touch of humor that one of the best beauty hints costs nothing at all. A warm smile can brighten our face, lift our own spirits, and perhaps make someone else's day a little brighter too.