New Years Beauty Resolutions!

Happy New Year!!!

With the start of every new year comes the start of the resolution making. The top 10 resolutions for 2013 were to lose weight, get organised, spend less/save more, enjoy life, get fit, learn something new, quit smoking, help others, fall in love and spend time with family. We are all guilty of making these promises to ourselves and not following through because we forget, or just don't have enough will power. So, why not do something different this year and make resolutions that will benefit your beauty? Try these little resolutions that are just a matter of fitting into your busy schedule rather than other massive life changing tasks you set for yourself and always end up failing at. I have compiled a list of what I think your Beauty resolutions should be…

1-I will remove my makeup every night!

This is something that is as important as brushing your teeth. It's not good to go to bed with your makeup still on, and I know so many people who do this! Your body temperature rises when you sleep, opening your pores, which will become clogged and create a nasty breakout on your skin. It shouldn't take longer than 2 minutes to remove makeup thoroughly. A cream wipe off cleanser or face wash would work fine and a toner then, to remove any excess cleanser and/or dirt on the skin.

Heres a great little cleanser and toner in one making it even easier than ever. “Philosophy. Purity Made Simple - One Step Facial Cleanser”. 

This award winning one step daily cleanser thoroughly cleanses, and dissolves dirt, oil and makeup, it also tones and gently hydrates the skin. It doesn't leave your skin feeling tight. Its suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive and wait for it…it can be used on the eyes too!! Sure why wouldn't you use this product? Its available from Debenhams.ie and priced at the very affordable €22.50

2-I will not over colour or over heat my hair!

It goes without saying really with this one but over colouring your hair will lead to it being left dry and it will eventually damage your hair from the tips right up to the roots, especially when you're using peroxide. Try not to use your hair straighter every day and just use it once a week or even just when you've washed your hair. Always use a heat protectant and serum to keep your locks looking luscious.

Heres some products that I would recommend to help you maintain your mane. The “TRESemmé Heat Defence Styling Spray” and the “Schwarzkopf Tame and Shine Styling Oil” are my absolute favourites when drying and styling my hair. Even when only blow drying you still need a heat protector and the serum tames those little fly aways and keeps your hair looking glossy.

3-I will moisturise daily and also use an eye cream.

Not only is it important to remove your makeup thoroughly but also make sure you use a moisturiser for afterwards that is suitable for your skin type, not just the cheapest one available. The first signs of ageing show around the eyes so a good eye cream to soften and hydrate will help combat those little rascals!

A great eye cream and daily moisturiser to help combat dryness and dehydration in your skin are the “La Roche Posay” “Gentle Hydra Phase Intense Eyes 15ml” and “Hydraphase Intense Riche Cream 50ml”.

These products absorb very easily into the skin and even though the consistency is quite light they do a very good job of keeping the skin hydrated throughout the day as they infuse the skin with water. I use these when my skin is feeling particularly dry. They can be used night and day and i love how inexpensive they are. The eye cream is more of a serum in texture. Its soothing and refreshing on the eye area. Great for dehydration lines, bags and puffy eyelids. Priced at €17.50 and the moisturiser is priced at €21.50 and are both available from Sam McCauleys and Mulligans.

4-I will use a serum before I moisturise

The difference between a serum and a moisturiser is a serum is designed to penetrate deeper into the skin layers and applying a moisturiser on top of that locks in the serum and protects and moisturises the outer layer of the skin.

Elizabeth Arden’s “Visible Difference Optimising Skin Serum”  is a fantastic serum for both night and day and is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin. It gives the skin a naturally healthy glow. It renews skins clarity and texture. Prepares the skin for, and enhances the benefits of your moisturiser.

Available from any Elizabeth Arden counter nationwide. Price: €52

5-I will be more adventurous with colours.

The latest fashion trend for spring/summer this year is going to be neon. If you are feeling reluctant to spend your hard earned cash on a whole new outfit to match this trend, you could invest in a few beauty products to give you that hint of neon like this electric pink eye shadow from Urban Decay called “Woodstock” or these fab nail polishes from Art Deco. 

These colourful beauty products mean that you can funk it up a little without going crazy.

The eyeshadow is priced at €18 at any Urban Decay counter nationwide and the Art Deco nail polishes are priced at €11.20.

6-I will drink more water and get more sleep!

No matter what creams you use you have to combat whats going on internally too. So plenty of hydration with loads of water throughout the day and the full 6-8 hour sleep per night that your body needs. Water will flush out all those toxins and keep skin looking and feeling healthy. Creams do help you look rested and beautiful but in the long term you need your “beauty sleep”.

7-I will treat myself!

This is something most of us forget to do. We have busy schedules (especially if you have kids and jobs) so I think a little treat out of our wage pack every week or month isn't going to break the bank and its something to look forward to. Decide how much it is you can afford and whether its to buy that magazine you used to love reading or the latest NOW 345 CD, or maybe you’re lucky enough that you can afford luxury products like the latest Michael Kors watch? 

Just don't forget to treat yourself! :)

Hope this helps you look and feel beautiful this year!

Sam x