New Year, Beautiful You

Happy New Year everyone and welcome to my blog! This first full week of the new year is a great time for new beginings. And a fresh perspective often involves a new look. Sometimes subtle changes in your personal style can be a great jump start into the new year. Here are some ideas:

1. Change your hair. It doesn't have to be anything drastic. A shade darker or lighter, or adding subtle highlites can make a big difference. If it's curly, try wearing it straight or vice versa. Cut some wispy bangs or layers. If you're really feeling adventurous, visit the salon for a brand new 'do. Pick something that suits your personality to acknowledge the potential in the coming year.

2. If you don't have a beauty routine...get one. No more excuses. Let's face it, we're not getting any younger and don't we always want to look fabulous? Great skin is always in! There are oodles of products out there for every skin type and in various price ranges. Exfoliate and hydrate is my mantra. For you newbies, start with a cleanser or moisturizer and then add to it gradually. If you're not sure of your skin type check out my article for help. Here are some of my favorite products:

Lancome Crème Radiance Clarifying Crème-to-Foam Cleanser ($24)

Cleans skin and removes makeup in one step. Used with water it lathers nicely. But be careful, a tiny bit goes a long way.

Comodynes Makeup Wipes (about $8)

Never sleep in your makeup again! Keep these on your nightstand and you won’t even have to get out of bed. Choose the best formula for your skin type. Even works on eye makeup.

Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub ($6)

A great skin polisher you can use every day. Helps your skin look radiant and smooth under makeup. Be sure to avoid your eyes.

3. Exercise regularly, eat healthy, drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep...yeah, right! Well, at least try to do the right thing. If you can accomplish it at least 80% of the time then you're ahead of the game.

4. Change Up Your Makeup. New year, new you right? If you normally wear lipstick try a gloss on top of it, or all alone if you chose. Play up your eyes with a colored eyeliner or a new mascara. If you don’t wear makeup…start. That “just rolled out of bed” look is soooo last year. Here are a few great products to try.

MAC Lipglass in Frozen Dream ($14)

A sheer pearly-pink shade. Lip Tip: Paired with a warm liner or lipstick it works on all skin tones (no fooling). Gloss first, then outline for a natural looking pout.


Lancome Le Crayon Khol Eye Pencil in Le Bleu de Jim ($23.50)

One of my favs! Goes on easily and has great staying power. Well worth the price. It won’t run out till next year sometime (well not really, but almost.) Eye Expert: Always begin lining at the outer corner of the eye, where lashes are naturally thickest. Get as close to your lash line as possible. If you don’t line corner-to-corner then smudge it toward the ends of the eye or you’ll look unfinished.


Dior Iconic Mascara ($27)

Really defines and curves lashes. The special brush fully coats with no clumps. Making Eyes: Try closing each eye while you apply your mascara. You’ll get coverage from base to the tips with no need for wiggling.

Work smarter, not harder to achieve that chic look this year! More tips to come that will help make it easier for you to get your glam on!

Karol