2013 Beauty Resolutions from ThisThatBeauty

Felicia Walker Benson for COVERGIRL
Felicia Walker Benson for COVERGIRL

It is no secret that keeping new year’s resolutions can be an often insurmountable feat.  Statistics published by the University of Scranton finds that only 46% of people making resolutions stick to them past six months. The research also shows that only 39% of people in their twenties that make resolutions succeed in completing them, compared to only 14% of people over 50 years old.   If is fair to assume that the rest of us fall somewhere in the middle.

With this in mind, we decided to publish our beauty resolutions right about the time where many resolutions fall by the way side and people simply carry on with their lives without the burden of sticking to a plan.  I do hope these beauty resolutions serve as a reminder to you to take a second look at your plan for 2013 and make another attempt to see them through to completion, whatever they  might be.

Felicia Walker Benson
Felicia

Felicia

When I think about my beauty resolutions for the New Year, it’s not something profoundly new and earth shattering…it’s more so a build on everything I’ve been doing. I mean, when it comes to skin care – I am THAT girl!

Clear Skin

For New Year, I am taking into consideration the changes I’m experiencing in my skin. Last summer was a real stinker. I experienced unprecedented bouts of heat rash, that somehow morphed into heat-related pimples….that somehow seemed to coincide with some kind of hormonal trigger around my chin area. Ugh! Jesus be a clear chin! So having said that, this little melee of skin occurrences have left me 1) Trying to understanding what happened 2) Trying to figure out ways to prevent 3) Trying to come up with a plan for correcting the damage that has occurred.

In looking at number 1 and understanding “why”…golly geez holy moly — who the hell knows why skin decides to go off the chain Ratchet Nation. After carefully reviewing my skin and discussing with dermatologists and skincare professionals, I think part of the reason why my skin went haywire was my use use of active ingredients and exposure to the sun. Now, keep in mind — I wear sunscreen daily…and I have used active products in the summer for years. But year-over-year, season-over-season, our bodies are constantly changing… skin is constantly changing.

Smooth Skin

The other part of my Beauty Resolutions is to correct the residual damage of last summer. So this means products to refine texture, minimize the appearance of scarring, and products to deal the discoloration. I invite you to follow my journey.

Maree

 

Maree

I am typically pretty unencumbered when it comes to my beauty philosophy (wear and try it ALL), but there are a few areas and points of interest I would like to explore further this year.

Skincare, Skincare, Skincare  

This was the first year that I entered into the world of beauty blogging, and while I have worked in the beauty industry for the past 11 years, it wasn’t until this year that I delved much deeper into skincare.   The changes that I have seen in my skin have been remarkable.   Sometimes people ask if using all those products and going through all those steps makes a difference? You bet your sweet blemish free face it does!   For 2013, I want to continue to explore different brands and strive to keep my skin looking as good as I can for as long as I can.   Some notable brands that rocked my world this year: Mario Badescu, Amore Pacific and Perricone MD.

To Nail Art and Beyond  

I am typically a pretty conservative gal – neutral colors for my clothes, makeup and nails, with the occasional pop of color here and there.   But after seeing how nail art has evolved to be more chic, with so many options for polish, gel or even temporary strips, I strive to take my nails a bit more bold.   One new product I am loving to help me start this resolution is the new Essie Nail Slicks – the designs are so varied and appealing to any style.

Natural Beauty

Please don’t misinterpret this resolution as a desire to wear less makeup and let my “real self shine through” – that will NEVER happen!   This resolution is more about adding skincare and makeup items to my collection that are more natural based with less harmful ingredients.   There are so many emerging brands out there with amazing products sans chemicals, that finding efficacious products that are also good for you is simpler than ever before.   For some product reviews on great “green” and “natural” brands, check out the TTB Natural Beauty tab on the blog.

I already feel like a new woman just talking about my resolutions.   Here’s to a great 2013!

Christene

Christene

My beauty resolutions go beyond skin deep.  While I will continue to improve my skin care routine and press on to find my perfect red lipstick, this year I want to focus on stress reduction as a way to improve my overall appearance.  Stress is the number one cause of premature againg.  With that said, all my beauty resolutions focus on reducing my stress level and and finding ways to simply be happier.

Make a Standing Date with my BFFs

Life would be quite dreary without friends and family.   Yet so many of us, myself included, take our relationships for granted. I put off phone calls and visits in favor of working and other activities I readily admit are not as important as my family and friends.   Spending time with those I love renews my spirit, increases happiness and energizes me to take on the world.  Armed with this information, when that standing date pops up on my calendar I will be forced to pause and decide what’s more important. Hopefully, I will choose to honor my commitment with my loved one versus rescheduling.

Give Back

I often hear the phrase “give until it hurts.” But giving doesn’t have to hurt. It is okay to start small and for totally selfish reasons. I have gone through my closet and given away things  I no longer want.  I am making way for all the new purchases of 2013 but I’m  also doing something for those less fortunate.   Giving to others is a quick and easy way to lift  my spirits and increase  my happiness. The plan – give so I can feel good.

Get 30 minutes of exercise at least 4-5 times per week

Exercise has many benefits. The most popular of which include: strengthening and toning muscles, improving flexibility, improving heart health, increasing stamina,   controlling   weight, mood improvement, promoting better sleep and the list goes one. Studies have shown   30 minutes of physical activity, along with a balanced diet, is enough to maintain a healthy weight. This, along with my need to look great in  a  bikini  is enough to get me moving.

Get Enough Beauty Rest

According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, “Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety.” However some of us don’t make the time to get a proper night’s sleep and even brag about how little sleep we get.  It is during sleep that our brain and body repairs itself and prepares for the day ahead.   Sleep deprivation can lead to a reduction in productivity, focus, comprehension and reaction time. Lack of sleep is also linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and other serious ailments.  While each person’s sleep needs and requirements are different, it is recommended that we try to sleep at least 7-8 hours per night.  I’m getting at least 7 hours of sleep and I encourage you to do  the same.

Leave a Comment:

Did you make resolutions for 2013?

Are you sticking to your resolutions?

If you are not sticking to your resolutions, will you revisit them?

 

 

 

 

More from Christene Carr

Handbag Essentials — The Fall Edition

It’s finally really starting to feel like fall.   Over the knee...
Read More

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.