Every year around this time, we think of all the changes we want to make for the New Year. We make commitments to working out, being better friends, neighbors and employees; we make promises to start our new business and the list goes on. 

Well, 2020 didn’t care about any of that. (Although so many did their thing last year…Kudos, we see you!) We have spent pretty much the entire year in the house being thankful for a roof over our heads and food on the table.

So, this year I decided to make my New Year’s resolution about taking better care of myself. One of the biggest lessons that I learned this year is that I am the only one responsible for me. And something that I need to take control of is my Beauty Routine. I know that sounds vein but taking care of your skin and hair will make you feel better no matter what is going. So, I created a realistic list of New Year’s Beauty Resolutions that anyone can adopt.

Resolution: Drink more water and eat foods that nourish my hair and skin.

We hear it all the time; drink eight glasses of water daily. Or was it one gallon of water daily? or is it half your weight in ounces of water daily? HUH! So many rules to follow and so many choices. But I think we all get the main idea. WE HAVE TO DRINK WATER. When our bodies are dehydrated it affects the health of our skin and hair. When your body is fully hydrated your skin is glowing and plump and your hair will shine and bounce.

But don’t forget to fill up on fruit and veggies. Eating the right foods will provide protein, Vitamin A and C, iron and so much more to your hair. A healthy diet will have your hair nourished, growing and shining naturally.

Resolution: Wear Sunscreen Daily

Yes, I am the guilty party of not wearing sunscreen daily. I mean we are in a pandemic and I wasn’t really leaving the house. But that is no excuse. Sun damage will age your skin. The elasticity will weaken and create wrinkles. And if you have sensitive skin like I do, dark spots will become center stage. There are even sunscreens for your scalp. You know the scalp is skin as well, and it should also be protected. 

Resolution: Mask up

Masks are such an important part of your beauty routine. There are so many to choose from to give your skin and/or hair exactly what it needs. For my skin I usually stick to hydrating sheet mask or deep cleaning clay mask. Most can be done daily or even twice a day. I’m planning to hydrate each morning and deep cleanse each night, all 2021!  

If you are like me, your hair has been through it. Curled, dyed, braided and blow-dried! It’s important to apply a mask to your hair to give it the nourishment that is stripped away from everyday environments. A weekly hair mask is my goal. A nice hydrating mask that will have my natural curls bouncing and my hair shining.

Resolution: Find products that work and stick with them.

This may not be the easiest thing to do and you may spend a few coins until you settle on that perfect face moisturizer or hair oil. But when you do, don’t feel the need to keep looking. Stick to the products that work for you and live honey. We live in a world where we are taught to want the new and next. But if your ‘oldies but goodies’ check all the boxes then there is no need to keep searching.

Resolution: Switch to a silk pillowcase.

I remember as a kid sliding off of my parent’s satin/silk sheets and I thought it was so extra. But now as an adult I understand the cooling and hydrating feeling of not letting cotton suck all the moisture out of my skin. Or at least my hair and face. A silk pillowcase will protect your hair from drying out and breaking from friction. A silk pillowcase will have the same benefits for your skin, so invest and rest.

 Resolution: Rest- No stress.

In 2020 we all experienced stressed in some type of way. Stressors were everywhere, but it’s important to not harbor those hurt or disappointing feelings because stress can literally kill you. Find someone to talk to, take a walk, cry in the shower, dance to your favorite song and get your beauty sleep. Getting proper rest will help your skin look and feel better. Those eight hours of sleep will rejuvenate your skin and energy and also help maintain your overall health.

Resolution: Keep my beauty routine.

So, I have been talking a lot about all these wonderful things that I plan to do in 2021 but none of them will be beneficial if I don’t keep my routine every day. We have all had those extra tired nights when waiting 30 minutes with a mask on is just not realistic. Well here I am publicly announcing… I will stick to my morning and evening beauty routine!! If you don’t have one, now is the perfect time to create one and experience the glow up.