Better You

Get off to a beautiful start with these
easy-to-keep resolutions for looking your best. By Julia Chance

1 Try something new
—Break out of your beauty rut by incorporating something different into your look or routine. It can be 
a major move—a new haircut, a makeup upgrade—or as subtle 
as a new fragrance. 
Just remember: Change is good, and when it comes to beauty, a little goes a long way

2 Stay 
hydrated—
Skin thrives on 
moisture. Drinking plenty of water is a 
good start. Support 
that by eating foods 
rich in antioxidants 
and skin-friendly 
omega-3 oils. Select 
skin care products, 
suited to your skin 
type, that draw 
moisture in and 
combat dryness.

3 Get more sleep—There’s a reason they call it beauty sleep. Experts say getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night improves your appearance 
because it gives your cells an opportunity to regenerate. 
2 he results:
more radiant skin and a decreased chance of dark under eye 
circles and puffiness. We’ll sleep to that!

4 cut the clutter—If you possess more 
cosmetics than you use, it’s time to clean up your act. Start by throwing away things that have exceeded their shelf life: mascara (4 months); 
foundation, concealer, cream and gel cleansers, and nail polish (1 year); lipstick (1 to 2) years; powder (2 years); eye shadow and pencils (3 years). Invest in containers to help you keep cosmetics neat and ready for use.

5 commit to what works—Granted, there is a degree 
of trial and error that comes with finding the right makeup, shampoo or skin care regimen. But that doesn’t mean you 
have to become a guinea pig 
for every new and different thing. If you’re unsure what items to use, get professional recommendations. Once you 
select a product, give it a 
chance to work. Discard any product that causes irritation, burning or an allergic reaction

6 stop making up on the fly—If your car’s review mirror doubles as your makeup mirror, you’re missing the point. Like bathing and brushing your teeth, 
making up is part of the grooming routine you 
do before presenting 
yourself to the world. 
Give yourself the time you need to apply cosmetics calmly and flawlessly 
before leaving home.

7 Pamper yourself 
regularly—
Whether it’s a facial or massage at a day spa or a weekly mani-pedi you give yourself at home, make a little TLC a regular habit. Doing so helps you de-stress and puts you in touch with you.

8 smile brighter
—A dazzling smile does wonders for your appearance. To 
keep your teeth their brightest Pankaj Singh, D.D.S., founder of Arch Dental Associates in New York City, recommends avoiding beverages that stain your teeth—coffee, tea, 
carbonated drinks, red wine. “If you consume any of these, using a straw will limit their contact with your teeth and 
help preserve enamel.” In addition, he says, “practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice daily, 
and use a whitening toothpaste once a week to remove 
surface stains and to prevent yellowing.”

9 see a skin doctor
—Get an annual dermatological exam to avoid skin problems. Have moles, rashes and other disorders examined, and get recommendations for the most effective items for 
your skin type.

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