Small changes can make a big difference to your beauty regime. Out with the old and in with the new, writes Phyl Clarke
I've never been one for turning over a new leaf on the first day of January - too much of a shock to the system, and too many half-eaten boxes of chocolates waiting to be finished. Now, with February in sight, it's time to plan for 2008.
LOOK AFTER YOURSELF
Beauty comes from within and the buck stops with you. Promise yourself time to exercise, so don't ignore that pleading look in your dog's eye and the lead she is holding in her mouth. Walking is a bit like washing your hair - you're always glad you've done it. You also are what you eat, so rather than going on a diet, just cut down on portion size.
WEAR SUN PROTECTION EVERY DAY
Spend as much as you like on anti-ageing creams, but it's money down the drain if you are not wearing a moisturiser or foundation with a minimum SPF15. They are freely available across the brands and price ranges, so no excuses, and that goes for your hand cream, too.
REMOVE YOUR MAKE-UP EVERY NIGHT
At worst, have a packet of wipes at your bedside for those nights when all you can do is grab one and push it around your face to minimise the damage. For nights when you are being more thorough, find a formula that you like - or try something new like the very unusual Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel (€23), which is a combination of soothing gel which melts into oil on contact with the skin and then to a milky emulsion on contact with water.
REVIEW YOUR MAKE-UP
Lay out every scrap of make-up that you own. Yes, even that stumpy eye pencil in that discontinued shade you haven't been able to replicate. Be strong. If it's more than two years old, have no mercy. Less than that, if it hasn't seen the light of day for one year - that's all of the four seasons - out it goes. Ditto anything broken/no lid/strange smell. Afterwards, go treat yourself to a new make-up bag as a reward, and make sure it contains Touch Éclat by YSL (€25) and a great lipstick.
BE MORE ADVENTUROUS
What are you waiting for? This could be the year of a new-look you. Have a makeover at the counter of a brand you admire. It's very easy to get stuck in a make-up rut. I constantly see women wearing a face that probably suited them when they were young, but that was a long time ago. Formulas have become so sophisticated nowadays, like a good haircut, a good makeover can take years off.
TRY A NEW FRAGRANCE
A new scent can give you a new sense of yourself. Also, it's fun to spend an afternoon exploring different fragrance types. You may be surprised at the strong positive/negative reaction you have to certain blends. I recently went into a romantic haze after spritzing on Sisley Soir de Lune at a fragrance counter. It coloured the rest of my day as I repeatedly found my wrist under my nose to take in its elegant aroma.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR TOOLS
Don't spend 2008 happily dabbing away, applying eye shadow, blush and bronzer without a thought for what bacteria may be lurking within your brush hairs. Keep them in good working order by washing them out with a special brush cleaner, or in a mild shampoo. If you want to treat yourself to a set of brushes (a great investment) Chanel, Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown and MAC are all recommended. If you're watching the pennies, The Body Shop has a great range of brushes that are excellent for the price.