5 Beauty Resolutions to Make for the New Year

2012 will be upon us before we know it, and what better way to ring in the New Year than with a list of beauty resolutions to help you look and feel your absolute best all year long? You may have been lax about your beauty routine in 2011, but make a commitment to stick to these 5 beauty resolutions for the new year and you’ll likely have your best year ever!

1. Wear SPF Daily

UV rays can damage your skin even on the cloudiest day, so it’s important to wear SPF year-round to protect your skin from the harsh sun. I’ll admit I’m guilty of forgetting to do this, but it’s important to keep a healthy and youthful complexion. Look for a moisturizer that contains at least SPF 15, and make sure to put it on before you do anything else in the morning. One to try: L’Oreal Youth Code Day Lotion SPF 30 Moisturizer, $19.99, Drugstore.com.

2. Maintain your Makeup Brushes

Cleaning and regularly maintaining your makeup brushes keeps them nice and soft, and also rids them of nasty bacteria that can contaminate your beauty products and your skin. If you’ve been lax about cleaning your brushes, start the New Year off right by cleaning your brushes with a gentle shampoo or brush soap once a week. One to try: SEPHORA COLLECTION Purifying Brush Shampoo To Go, $6, Sephora.

3. Get Rid of Expired Makeup

I have a bad habit of holding onto beauty products well after their accepted expiration date, but I  just can’t bear to part with tubes still half full of lipstick or eyeshadow quads that are almost completely full. However, I realize that hanging onto expired beauty products is a definite no-no, and I’ve resolved to clean out my makeup drawers. Plus, this will make room for new products you’re dying to try!

4. Change up your ‘Do

The New Year is the perfect time to try out a new hairstyle, so be bold and experiment with a daring new cut, add a few layers or get bangs to completely change up your look. If you can’t remember the last time you tried something new with your hair, make an effort to do so in 2012!

5. Love What You’ve Got!

Above all, make an effort to love yourself this year. Embrace the assets that please you, and work to change whatever you don’t like if it will make you happier. Once you  learn to embrace what your mama gave you, you’ll be a happier and more beautiful person on the inside and out!

What beauty resolutions are you going to follow this year?