Women spend more than £13,000 in a lifetime on beauty products to feel better about themselves, according to researchers.

But the same study found that the best confidence boosters are the ones without such a hefty price tag.

A compliment from a friend or partner topped the list of things with a feel-good factor. This was closely followed by having perfect hair and looking good in a photograph.

A cuddle is one of the things guaranteed to make a woman feel attractive and sure of herself, according to the study

A smile from a stranger, a cuddle and being told 'I love you' were also guaranteed to make a woman feel attractive and sure of herself, according to the study.

Researchers found four in ten girls immediately feel better about themselves if they look good in a photograph. And a further 40 per cent feel great after an uninterrupted night's sleep.

The study showed 42 per cent of girls have more self-confidence if they step out with smooth legs, while 33 per cent are thrilled if they are told they look young.

While six in ten women have a strict beauty regime in place to ensure they leave the house feeling self-assured, simply receiving a cuddle from a child, partner, family member or friend is all it takes for 38 per cent of girls to feel lovely.

TOP 20 FEEL-GOOD FACTORS

- A compliment from a friend or partner

- Having perfectly styled hair or a new cut or colour

- Looking good in a photograph

- Having silky smooth legs

- A good night’s sleep

- Having a cuddle

- Being told ‘I love you’

- Returning from a holiday with a tan

- A smile from a stranger

- New underwear 

- Being told you look young

- Being asked where you bought something 

- Being immaculately dressed

- A child says you are pretty 

- Waking up spot-free 

- Wearing an outfit that shows off your favourite part of your body 

- Getting your eyebrows plucked 

- Being asked out on a date 

- A fresh manicure 

- A full face of make-up

Many of the 2,000 women surveyed for the Ready To Glow campaign, said a perfect hairdo makes the world of difference to their confidence – whether it's getting up in the morning with great hair, or having a new cut or colour.

And a third of women love the feeling of returning from a holiday with a great tan. Being asked where they bought something, or asked out on a date also give women confidence.

A fresh manicure, having their eyebrows plucked or wearing an outfit that shows off their best feature also makes ladies feel amazing.

When it comes to the things that damage a woman's confidence, a bad night's sleep is the worst offender.

Waking up with bad hair and skin makes four in ten women feel terrible, while 38 per cent are depressed if someone estimates their age at five or ten years too old.

Missing out on a social gathering, being referred to as 'Mum' in the office and getting home to find food stuck between her teeth can also knock a woman's confidence.

Carole-Ann Rice, spokesman for Ready To Glow, said: 'The smallest things can make the world of difference to a woman's confidence.'