Skimping on cleansing routines? Slacking on regular hair trims, or back to biting your nails? If you've let bad beauty habits creep back into your life over the festive season then the new year is the ideal time to take action and turn over a revitalizing new leaf.
Our experts and celebrities are in on the act too, mulling over ways to make their life a little more beautiful in 2009. We reveal their beauty mantras and must-haves for the New Year.
Hannah Sandling, stylist and author of The Lazy Goddess
Beauty mantra: "It's all about time-saving. My make-up routine is so well- rehearsed these days that I can now do it in the dark or without even having a mirror to hand. No joke! Being able to look in a mirror is a luxury for me."
2008 beauty blunder: "Not wearing waterproof mascara. I looked scarily like Marilyn Manson back in October when I got caught in a rainstorm while rock climbing. Mascara was running all down my face."
2008 beauty discovery: "How on earth did I think my life was complete without Soap and Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub? It puts a twinkle and sparkle into your skin."
New year beauty resolution: "I recently felt like a million dollars after a facial. This is something I'll definitely be doing every two months to keep my complexion in tip-top condition."
Must-have product: "I won't be going anywhere near 2009 without my Gillette Venus. That magical razor transforms you from dog to diva in an instant." Jemma Kidd, make-up artist (www.jemmakidd.com) Beauty mantra: "People worry about make-up and color too much rather than the surface of the skin. Instead of covering up blemishes, try and get rid of the blemishes. Have that extra glass of water, think earlier about anti-aging regimes, and go for a facial if you need one. Get the basics right - use SPFs and make sure moisturizer is in your daily routine." 2008 beauty blunder: "Sometimes I look in magazines and see all these gorgeous creatures with bright red lips and rock 'n' roll black kohl eyes. I did have a go at that look but it's just not me -- I don't suit strong colors." 2008 beauty discovery: "I found a skincare line that I absolutely love called Elave." (www.elave.co.uk) New year beauty resolution: "Not being on a plane every five minutes. It's basically like a vacuum cleaner sucking any goodness out of my skin!" Must-have product: "The new Jemma Kidd I-Perfector Prep & Brighten Duo. It brightens the eye and makes you look like you've had eight hours' sleep when you haven't." Alesha Dixon, singer Beauty mantra: "My mom always taught me that if you are happy on the inside then you'll look good on the outside. So I say, try to do things which make you happy and you will feel and look beautiful."
2008 beauty discovery: "Veet's In-Shower Hair Removal Cream. It's perfect for a busy girl like me. It takes just a few minutes to work and always leaves my legs smooth and moisturized." New year beauty resolution: "Drinking lots of water. I always take my Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream to help keep my skin hydrated during long flights." Must-have product: "MAC's Plushglass in Ample Pink is my current fave. I live in lip gloss and have about 20 different ones -- they're all different shades of pink though!" Richard Ward, hairdresser and GMTV hair stylist (www.richardward.co.uk). Beauty mantra: "I'd describe the hair mood as grungy glamor for 2009. If we're going on catwalk trends next season it's all about side partings but with a flat top -- the hair is flat and then it starts to wave from about the mid-lengths to the ends. Fringes are also parted on the side, in a peek-a-boo style." 2008 beauty discovery: "Keraskin Esthetics. Kerastase are known for their hair products but they've brought out an amazing new range of skincare (www.keraskin-esthetics.com)." New year beauty resolution: "I'm thinking about having a bit of cosmetic surgery on my eyes. I'm want to try out a new non-invasive laser that removes eye bags and tightens the skin." Must-have product: "Richard Ward Volume Boost & Hold Spritz, because big hair is really in right now."
