New Year Beauty Resolutions

Hi everyone! I'm Rachel and I blog over at Life Unsweetened- a life & style blog without the sugar coating. Amy asked me to guest post while she's away, so I thought I'd share with you some beauty resolutions that both you and I can work to keep this year. 

I know, I know, New Year Resolutions are lame. I'm the first to admit that I don't usually make them solely for the fact that I will disappoint myself (and others) when I ultimately break them. Instead of setting lofty goals like getting super buff or becoming the most popular chick at work, I've realized that making beauty resolutions is more fun. Plus, some of these double as health resolutions, which gives them some more street cred. I'm not forcing you to do any of these things, but simply suggesting you add one or two to your 2014 beauty resolutions.

Moisturize. Everywhere. Most women think they moisturize properly in the winter, but the truth is that not all lotions and creams work the same. Ideally you should use one type of moisturizer for each main part of your body or problem area. I suggest finding a separate product for your face, hands and body. Lather on each one-by-one after a shower or before you go to bed for maximum results. For your face, I highly recommend the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. I just picked up a new bottle for the new year and it's perfectttt. It's lightweight, doesn't smell bad and works on pretty much every skin type. For hands, I love to splurge on L'Occitane Hand Creams. They come in a variety of scents and store perfectly in your purse or desk drawer. For your body, try The Body Shop Coconut Milk Body Lotion. It sounds good enough to eat, right?

Use a heat protectant. One of the easiest ways to prevent and treat split ends is to use a heat protectant before using any form of hot tool. So before you plug in your curling wand or straightener, spray on one of these products. I personally love the TRESemme Styling Aid Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Protective Spray and the Ojon Rare Blend Protecting Treatment.

Take color risks. Next time you head out for a girl's night or a date with your boyfriend, try wearing a bright color you usually shy away from. My suggestions: a purple-hued lipstick (like MAC "Heroine" Lipstick ),  an orange blush instead your regular pink (like NYX Powder Blush in Cinnamon) or a swipe of a teal eyeliner (like Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in "Electric".)

What are your beauty resolutions for this year?