Simple tweaks to your primping routine can add up to big beauty payoff. These five resolutions reap lots of beauty benefits”inside and out:
1. Get more sleep
You can splash out on expensive creams or indulge in pricey facials to look youthful. But truth is, you only need one (free!) remedy to look fresh-faced: eight hours of shut-eye every night. Your body needs those 8 hours to repair tissue “ without it, your skin will pay the price with puffy, bloodshot eyes, dark under-eye circles, and a washed-out complexion. To ensure you get the best quality snooze possible, stay away from caffeine and booze (since they can interrupt quality sleep) and don’t exercise at least three hours before bedtime.
2. Get a new haircut
A swingy new hair cut is a guaranteed ego boost “ it’ll turn heads and fetch compliments. Even a simple trim to snip away dried out split ends and refresh layers will make you look years younger, make your hair look bouncier and give it more volume. Want to get a cut on a budget? Head to a Hairdressing school in your area”it’s a chance to get a cheap (or free!) cut by students who are under the watchful eye of qualified instructors.
3. Eat good-for-your skin foods
You are what you eat, so don’t be surprised when a diet of high fat, high sugar treats like chocolate cakes and potato chips result in breakouts or dull-looking skin. Research shows that treats like these lead to inflammation in the body, which can result in breakouts or other skin irritations.
Incorporate more antioxidants like strawberries, blueberries and blackberries to keep your skin youthful. Enhance radiance with foods that are rich in Omega 3s (like salmon, walnuts, avocado and olive oil). A simple switch? Try drinking anti-oxidant packed green tea instead of coffee to look your very best.
4. Buy a new blush
Even if you don’t ski, you can have that fresh-from-the-slopes flush with a new blush. The right shade will brighten your complexion and nix the winter blahs. Try a cheery cream blusher in an apricot or rosy tone–apply three dots of blush to the apples of your cheek (the fleshy part when you smile) and blend in a circular motion with your fingertips.
Try: Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick or Benefit Benetint.
5. Drink more water
When skin is hydrated, it has a healthy colour and is plumped and youthful. Water helps to flush toxins from the body, replenish skin tissues and moisturize skin. Aim to sip approximately two liters of water every day”even more if you exercise regularly. A diet trick? Drink a full glass of water before every meal–this will promote healthy digestion and it can also act as a hunger-inhibitor since you’ll feel fuller and satisfied sooner so you don’t overeat.
