This year I resolve to be even more beautiful by…

Remembering My Bust
Taking good care of your face is a beauty rule we all acknowledge, but don’t forget to give your neck and décolletage the same TLC – this area can easily give away your age. You don’t need any special products – good, formulated skincare will work just as well. Whether it’s a serum or your sunscreen, apply it to the areas that are often left exposed and vulnerable to the elements.

We love Skin Republic’s Neck + Décolletage Repair (R45.99).

Shaping Up My Brows
Your brows make a huge difference to your appearance: thin, over plucked eyebrows will age you, while unkempt brows can make you look frazzled. For full, face-framing arches, you may have to call in the experts. Make an appointment to have your eyebrows shaped professionally. We suggest Eyecandy, a company that specialises in eyebrow shaping using threading. Conveniently, Eyecandy bars can be found in all major Woolworths stores, or visit for more information.

Brows looking a bit sparse? Try using an eyebrow conditioner, like the MD LashFactor Conditioner (R900 for a three-month supply) – it promotes hair growth for thicker and fuller eyebrows. Fill in any gaps with an eyebrow pencil. We love Eylure’s Brow Crayons (R124.24).

Keeping An Eye On The Skin Around My Eyes
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more sensitive and is one of the first areas on your face to show signs of ageing. So giving this area extra attention every day is essential. A well-formulated moisturiser or serum should do the job, but if you prefer to use an eye cream, choose a light formula that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin.

We love Lancôme’s Advanced Génifique Yeux Youth Cream Activating Eye Cream (R758), it is light and creamy, but if you prefer a gel, try Ordinary Skincare’s Eye Gel (R450). And don’t forget your sunnies!

Oil-Checking My Skin And Hair
It’s simple: Adding oil to your beauty regimen means softer hair and skin. Natural oils like coconut, almond and avocado are excellent moisturisers that are easily absorbed into skin and hair. They’re also full of antioxidants that protect and repair the skin from damage. Use Lipidol’s Overnight Face Oil (R79,95) with your moisturiser or by itself for a moisture surge. Coconut oil works wonders as a deep conditioning mask on your hair.

Moving On Even If It’s Not Finished
Make time for regular make-up bag spring-cleans. There are no official rules but these guidelines should help:

• mascara, liquid and gel eyeliners: four to six months
• moisturisers, serum and foundations: six months to one year
• powder-based products (eye shadow/ blush/powder): two to three years
• lipstick, lip gloss and lip pencils: two to three years

Brushing Up On My Cleansing Routine
Facial cleansing brushes are really effective! Olay’s new Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System (R334.99) is compact and ideal for travelling. Clinique’s Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush (R1 600) uses two types of bristles to go deep into pores and gently eradicate dirt, oil and makeup. Lastly, the Clarisonic offers three different brushes depending on your budget and cleansing needs. The Clarisonic Plus (R3 499) can also be used on the body.

Words: Jana Wessels, Fairlady
Image: Ideas