We have to admit we're not the best at keeping to our New Year Resolutions, but 2017 will be different. Come the 1st of January we will stick to these 10 beauty rules, and it will all be worth it.
1. I will always cleanse (double cleanse ) tone and moisturise.
This is the staple skin care routine that we have always been told to follow, clearly we don’t always do as we are told. But trust us on this, this is worth doing, it only takes a few minutes and it is really effective to keep your skin clear and healthy.
What the expert says: “This new year, establish a twice daily cleansing, toning and moisturising ritual. This should become as normal as brushing your teeth morning and evening. The cleanser will get rid of the day’s grime, makeup and pollution as well as any other products applied to the skin earlier that day.The cleanser you choose should really depend on your skin type.
Toner can help skin restore and repair its surface and a number of new toner products also contain active ingredients such as retinoids, antioxidants and exfoliants, which can be a nice addition to your regime, depending on your skin concerns. Moisturiser should also suit your skin type – for example, those with darker skin should use a lighter oil-free moisturiser or one with ingredients designed to control oil production. In winter, it’s good to swap to an oil-based moisturiser rather than a water-based one as oil products create a protective barrier which will lock in moisture. Oils can also penetrate deeper into the skin so are ideal for giving skin added hydration (often needed when the central heating gets cranked up!)."
Izzy Jaffer, Salon Owner, Institut de beauté
2. I will make up for the bad that I do to my hair.
Dyeing our own hair, using too many products, cutting our own hair (I know better, yet I still do this). Turning up the heat on our straighteners, just because it goes up to 200 degrees, doesn’t mean we have to test it out. So in 2017, lets be kinder to our hair, give it a deep condition, don’t use heated tools for a little while, maybe even visit the salon and give our hair a well deserved treat.
What the expert says: “One of the most common problems amongst ladies is dry and damaged hair due to colouring, tonging, straightening and over styling. Your poor locks are getting battered! So to make it up to your hair in 2017 you can use my Breaking Hair Leave in Treatment.This will work wonders in restoring your hair and making up for the damage that has been done.
When you do end up tonging your hair use my ARGANOIL from Morocco Glossing Blow Dry Gel. This little multi-tasker will not only add light volume, but will also protect your hair from heat up to 250°C whilst adding a film to the cuticles of your hair to protect it and make tresses look shinier and glossier! Remember girls - prevention is better than cure!"
Lee Stafford, Celebrity Hairdresser.
3. I will go green.
Now I am not suggesting you go trying out green eye shadow, that would be silly. I am talking about trying out eco friendly products. Natural, organic beauty products have become very popular in recent years, and it might be time to jump on the bandwagon.
What the expert says: “Going green is often easier said than done.To the untrained eye, ingredients on beauty products can look like a foreign language, even organic products have ingredients with quite frightening names. For example Vitamin E is known as Tocopheryl Acetate.
There are way too many dubious ingredients to list, so to make sure you get the purest products every time, try buying from a trusted retailer like Planet Organic, Wholefoods and mypure.co.uk. Independent health food stores are also great places to shop but always ask about their ingredient policy.”
Simon Golding, Founder of organic specialists Australis Distribution and online retailer mypure.co.uk.
4. I will do a make-up audit and detox.
When was the last time you cleaned out your make-up bad, or even washed your brushes? Ooo one more question how long have you had that mascara? I hope I am proving my point here. Its time to give your make-up bag a good clear out, get yourself some new products, and detox your brushes. Just imagine the amount of dirt on that thing.
What the expert says: “Give your make up and brushes the clean they deserve, dirty brushes are unhygenic and under perform every time. Use a brush cleanser or hair shampoo and enjoy the joy of fresh clean brushes. Throw old make up away, old mascaras and nearly empty products just need to go, give the remainder make up a quick wipe over before you put it away.”
Beth Margetts, Make-up Expert, London MakeUp School
5. I will take care of my teeth.
We all want a healthier, brighter, whiter smile right? Well I know I do. So improving dental health care is a must on the beauty resolution list. Brushing alone is not enough, and we know this, so lets start doing something about it.
What the expert says:“According to research, Dentalhealthsite.com, brushing without flossing is comparable to cleaning only 65% of your body leaving the remaining 35% dirty, which simply means you are not completely clean.
Gum disease commonly occurs between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach, especially between the back teeth which are wider and harder to reach. Research has also identified gum disease as a risk factor for heart and lung disease, diabetes, premature & low birth weight babies and a number of other conditions. By flossing,with DenTek Floss, twice a day it helps reduce the formation of tartar, which can only be removed by your dentist, and helps improve your overall health."
Kelly Knight Price , DenTek's Brand Manager
6. I will actually attempt a new make-up look.
It is time to transform your tired look. Get out of the make-up rut you are in. Try a new lip shade, rock those lashes you never dared to wear. What’s the worst that can happen, a face wipe will get it off if you don’t like it.
What the expert says: "Learn some new techniques by watching a make up tutorial on line. Try some different eye shadow. A palette is an easy way to do this and try colours that you wouldn't normally wear. This will help update your look, plus the purples suit all. Do the same with lips and try a new interesting colour and texture."
Abby Ireland, Make-Up Artist for BD Trade Secrets
7. I will eat water
Yes, you read it right you will eat your water in 2017. We all know the importance of drinking water , and lots of it. So for 2017, why not eat food which contains plenty of water too?
What the expert says: “Healthy, hydrated cells are the key to ageless skin and a healthy body.Replace at least one glass of water a day with one serving of raw fruits or vegetables. This way you’ll be able to stay hydrated significantly longer. Eating foods that are rich in structured water, especially raw fruits and vegetables, will not only help your body hold onto water longer, you’ll get the added boost of important antioxidants, fibre and other nutrients.”
Dr Howard Murad, FAAD board-certified dermatologist, trained pharmacist, and Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA.
8. I will never sleep with my make-up on.
No matter how tired or how drunk, never sleep with make-up on. And for times when the bathroom feels like miles away, and it is really the last thing you want to do, still do it, or at least use cleansing wipes.
What the expert says: “It is so important to take make-up off before you go to sleep. If you don’t pores can become blocked leading to a build-up of sebum which can lead to acne and blemishes, breakouts are normally worse on the side you sleep on. If eye make-up isn’t removed this can also block hair follicles around the delicate eye area causing an eye infection. Your skin also naturally repairs itself during sleep, wearing make-up doesn’t give your skin a chance to recover which can lead to premature ageing.”
Bernadette Harte, The Harley Medical Group skincare expert.
9. I will always wear SPF.
Come rain or shine, wear SPF. Not only does it prevent premature ageing, discolouration and uneven skin tone, it also protects against skin cancer.
What the expert says: "The most important factor in ageing skin is the influence of UV light. For this reason, to protect all skin types from accelerated ageing secondary to sun exposure the daily use of SPF is highly recommended. Even when we are outside on a grey winter's day, there is UV light getting to our skin.
The easiest approach is the use of sunscreens which also act as moisturisers without being too oily. Such creams can replace day creams or can be used after applying a day cream and make-up can be applied as well."
Dr Maria Gonzalez, Consultant Dermatologist, Specialist Skin clinic
10. I will look after my hands.
Your hands will give away your age more than any other part of your body. The hands are always exposed to the elements, so a little TLC wouldn’t go amiss. Moisturise them regularly, paint your nails, use cuticle oil.
What the expert says: "Looking after the hands is very important, add hand care to your routine by gently pushing back cuticles after a bath or shower, make sure your hands are always moisturised. And use cuticle oil daily to help keep cuticles moisturised and encourage healthy nail growth."
Elise Scholes-Pilkington, Morgan Taylor Educator
11. I will be FIERCE!
And one more for luck.
What the expert says: “A true diva is graceful, talented, strong, fearless and brave and someone with humility.”
- Beyonce
Will you be adding these resolutions to your list? Tweet us @sofeminineUK
This article was written by Tolani Shoneye. Follow her on twitter @tolly_t
You might also like
How To Have Healthy Hair: The Golden Rules Every Girl Needs To Master
Adult acne: Blemish control advice for all spots
The Hottest Makeup Trends For Spring/Summer 2015