New Year New You

 

shutterstock_109974707The new year is underway, and you’ve probably got big plans for the months ahead. If your look hasn’t kept pace with your life, it’s time to make a few changes. You don’t need a major makeover to experience a brand new you — it only takes a few easy tweaks to bring your looks up to date with your lifestyle.

  • 1. Schedule a massage. A full-body massage boosts your circulation, refreshes your skin and works out those kinks in your posture. After some good bodywork, you’ll stand taller and your face will glow. You don’t have to invest in an expensive spa massage to reap the benefits; if there’s a massage school in your area, ask about free or low-cost student clinics.
  • 2. Buy a new bra. That old bra that you’ve had since college may be one of the most comfortable items in your lingerie drawer, but it could also make you look saggy and frumpy. Perk up your silhouette with an enticing new bra that lifts your breasts, supports your posture and truly enhances your figure.
  • 3. Do something dramatic with your hair color. Whether you lighten it, brighten it, darken it or deepen it, changing your hair color is one of the fastest ways to transform your looks. As an added bonus, giving your hair color a lift can also brighten your complexion and bring out the color of your eyes.
  • 4. Try facial rejuvenation products. Botox and Juvederm were once considered to be indulgences for the wealthy, but the growing popularity of injectable aesthetic products has made these goodies more affordable than ever. Set up an appointment with an aesthetic consultant or cosmetic surgeon to talk about how facial rejuvenation can make you look younger and more energetic.
  • 5. Take a yoga class. Yoga can be deeply relaxing or invigorating, depending on the style you practice. Whether you’re in the mood for a gentle restorative class or an energizing vinyasa workout, yoga can leave you looking taller, more graceful and more refreshed.
  • 6. Deck yourself with new accessories. When’s the last time you spent a Saturday afternoon shopping for the perfect silk scarf or browsing through funky bangle boutiques for a unique pair of earrings? Eye-catching accessories can wake up your wardrobe and call attention to that fresh new hair color.
  • 7. Get a temporary tattoo. Tattoos can be sexy, exotic and alluring, but if you’re reluctant to take the plunge into ink, why not experiment with some temporary skin art? Today’s designer tats are more elegant and sophisticated than ever.
  • 8. Minimize your makeup. Now that your skin’s beautifully flushed from yoga, massage and shopping, you won’t need as much makeup to look gorgeous. Thick foundation, dark lipstick and heavy eye shadow can make you look older; try lightening up on your cosmetics for a wide-eyed, youthful look.
  • 9. Revamp your shoe collection. Even if you don’t have a full-fledged shoe fetish, chances are you’ve got at least one or two extra pairs that need to be retired. Donate the duds in your closet to your favorite thrift store and replace them with at least one pair of sexy, stylish shoes and a solid pair for walking and workouts.
  • 10. Fall in love. Nothing makes your skin glow and your eyes sparkle like love — not just for a romantic partner, but for a favorite pastime, a new adventure or for life itself. If you’re feeling low on enthusiasm, try taking a day or two off work to pursue a neglected hobby, take a road trip or meet a new friend for coffee. You never know – it might turn into a lifelong passion!