Blushes, Brushes & Barbells

Welcome to 2016 Barbelles! I can’t wait to get this year kicked off with all of you. There’s something about a clean slate that really makes anything seem possible.

Speaking of clean slates, now is a great time to refresh your beauty routine! These 10 simple resolutions will get your makeup game on point for the start of 2016. Let’s get started!

Drinking more water is probably the simplest thing you can do to immediately improve your health. Your body needs water to function properly; if it’s not getting adequate hydration your vital organs will get top priority and you’ll see the effects in your lackluster skin. Keep your body happy and healthy and increase your water intake. Your skin will thank you.

Having a hard time getting the 8 glass a day minimum? I find adding a flavored tea bag to my cool water is a refreshing way to add a hint of flavor. 

I know it’s tempting, but you’ve got to STOP picking at your skin! Popping a zit or digging at a blackhead is only going to transfer bacteria, cause redness and make the whole situation worse. Invest in an overnight cream and some mineral concealer. The blemish will subside in half the time, I promise.

Your makeup brushes are a cesspool of bacteria. Sorry not sorry. Wash those babies once a week to keep them fresh, clean and full of life. If you find yourself guilty of resolution #2, you’ll be happy to see your skin clear up once you’ve started using only clean brushes.

You’re never too young (or too old) to start a solid skin care regiment. Adding in an eye serum will do wonders for lines, wrinkles and dark circles. I swear by Younique’s Uplift Eye Serum…it’s like liquid gold. My skin feels so fresh and healthy after I’ve used it. A little dot before bed is all it takes! See this in action here!

It’s amazing what a little moisture will do for the skin! We’ve already talked about hydrating which is half the battle. Now it’s time to work an external moisturizer into your routine to help your skin look and feel its best. During the winter months I’m very generous with my moisturizer in the morning and at night before bed. It’s totally necessary in the cold winter air!

If you make only ONE beauty resolution this year, please let it be to take your makeup off before bed. Sleeping in your makeup will clog your pores and lead to blemishes, sty’s and all sorts of unpleasantness. Take the extra minute and wipe the makeup off before bed. Your skin (and your pillowcases) will thank you!

I’m so guilty of this one. Makeup has an expiration date much to my dismay. If you’ve had a product for 6 months or more (especially mascara or eyeliner) it’s time to ditch it. On the flipside, if you haven’t used it up in 6 months, it’s probably not one of your go-to’s anyway.

A set of nice makeup brushes will last you a lifetime and make getting ready a pleasure! Here’s my current favorite set. 

Here’s one that applies to everyone! SLEEP MORE. I know I’m not the only one who feels like I only have 2 settings: GO and GO FASTER…and I don’t even have kids! Props to you mamas who have little ones to chase around, I legitimately have no idea how you manage it.

Make it your mission to carve out extra time to SLEEP, even if it’s just 30 minutes. Put the phone, ipad and tv away and just relax. You’re going to feel so much better and maybe even notice those dark circles disappear!

Last but not least, step out of your comfort zone this year! Have you been itching to learn how to contour? Pick up a kit and start searching for YouTube tutorials! How about that hot pink lipstick you’ve been seeing everywhere? Go for it girl! Find a shade that flatters your skin tone and try it out! The great thing about makeup is that it’s only temporary. If you hate it, or make a mistake, it’s no big deal! Grab a makeup cloth and start again tomorrow.

I hope 2016 is your best year yet!