Happy 2015 Everyone!! As you know, the beginning of a New Year is the perfect time for you to set fresh intentions, build better habits, set positive goals, and bring in all that is new and wonderful! For many it’s cutting those extra holiday pounds, hitting the gym more often, or reaching new heights career-wise — these are all great but how about some beauty resolutions to help kick-off the New Year? Here are some essential tips and tools to put your best face forward for 2015!
Detox your Makeup Bag
One must not only detox their body, but also everything else in life every once and awhile – and this most certainly includes your makeup bag! As a general rule get rid of any product that is over a year old (mascaras should only be kept for 4 months) as they start to become a breeding ground for bacteria. This is also a great time to remind you to cleanse your makeup brushes which should actually be done on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Simply wash with soap and water (or I like to use my favorite all-natural shampoo and conditioner by Weleda since I’ve found its much less harsh on the delicate brushes I like to purchase and even more amazing on my own scalp). Let the brushes sit and dry on a towel overnight and they’re ready for the next day as good as new.
Cleanse, Tone, and Moisturize
Now’s a great time to commit to ALWAYS washing your makeup off before going to bed and remembering at least these three important steps — cleanse, tone, and moisturize. Basically, it’s removing all of the environmental gunk that has found a place on your skin throughout the day, then toning to balance your skin’s pH so that it can operate optimally, and moisturizing to well restore moisture and prevent aging. Now if you’re like me and enjoy taking the extra few steps to ensure forever healthy skin you’ll also want to add a nice oil to infuse additional vitamins and antioxidants into your pores, Ferulic acid for advanced environmental protection against photo-aging and neutralizing free radicals, retinol to help stimulate cell regeneration while building collagen to diminish any fine lines, age spots, and correct uneven tone, and a DAILY SPF to prevent skin damage, aging, and wrinkles!
Here is my current AM/PM skin routine:
1. Cleanse – Purifying Cream Cleanser by Kosmea Australia $34.99 (can be purchased at AbundanceNaturally.com)
2. Tone – Miracle10 Toner $34
3. CE Ferulic Acid by Skin Ceuticals $159.00
4. Retinol 0.5 by Skin Ceuticals $68.00
5. Face Oil – Certified Organic Rosehip Oil by Kosmea Australia $27.99 – be sure to work this into your facial massage (see below)! (can be purchased at AbundanceNaturally.com)
6. Moisturizer – Replenishing Moisture Cream by Kosmea Australia $49.99 (can be purchased at AbundanceNaturally.com)
7. SPF!!! – Now this is major and is always (even during winter) done in the AM before heading outdoors. I use – ‘The Perfect Sunscreen’ by Consonant Skincare which is not only all-natural, but contains a lovely tint to it as well.
Sport some New Colors
It’s great to know what shades work for you, but also don’t be afraid to experiment with color and try new tones. I’ve recently become obsessed with this super affordable makeup line called Hard Candy (can be found in Walmart stores) which provides a great product for your buck AND gives you the luxury of experimenting with something new more often. For example, this eyeshadow palette below pretty much contains every shade you need for a killer smokey eye and is only $5.98. Even better, the shades go on smoothly and exactly as shown. But since we’re also experimenting with color, you’ll want to check out their entire line of goodies!
Remove Chipped Nail Polish
You owe it to yourself to have freshly painted nails (or at least not chipped)– after-all if you didn’t, it’s a sign you’re not taking enough time for yourself and that should be a resolution in and of itself. Not to mention chipped nails are a sight for sore eyes. If you don’t have the time to paint right away, simply remove chipped polish and add a shiny base coat in between :). This is also a great way to experiment with color and fun trends! (photos via Pinterest)
Make time for a Facial Massage
Many are unaware, but a simple facial massage can do WONDERS for your skin. It improves blood circulation, enhances collagen production, and boosts overall skin vitality. It really is an instant pick-me-up. Simply grab your favorite oil (mine is the Kosmea Rosehip Oil shown in my skin care routine), dab onto the pads of your fingers and beginning from your neck work your fingers in firm, circular movements upwards. Work over your cheekbones, nose, around your eyes and all the way up to your forehead. Do this daily if possible, it’s an incredible beauty secret!
Get a Natural Glow
I love a natural glow year-round (because for me pale is just not sexy). But in order to go the self-tanner route it absolutely must have the following requirements: EVEN (not blotchy), it should have a nice glow (never orange), it can’t smell (if it does, just don’t do it), I’d love it to have organic ingredients (much better for your skin’s health and you don’t want to compromise that), and it should last. Thankfully, I’ve came across Vita Liberata – which is the master when it comes to providing that flawless, natural-looking tan. Not only does it meet all my requirements but it lasts up to 4 times longer than regular tans – which means you can look like a beach goddess pretty much all the time with little effort. No wonder they are consider the experts in luxury tanning…