www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday February 28, 2007 - 19 FASHION&BEAUTY Give your skin a fresh start this year After the revelry of the holiday season, the late nights and indulgences, a new year provides a fresh, clean start. For many people this means drafting New Year's Resolutions, a list of changes designed to improve our lives and feel better about ourselves. Most fall into the category of doing more or less of something sleep and exercise more, eat and spend less. These resolutions, along with life-altering changes like quitting smoking and embarking on a new career, are among the most popular. Regardless of our success or failure rate in years past, each January, we're seduced by the promise of a clean slate and the potential of 365 mistake-free days stretching ahead of us. By the time spring comes around, some, if not all of the resolutions have fallen by the wayside. Several experts recommend taking baby steps and including some changes that are easy to implement and guaranteed to yield results in a short period of time. According to Dr. Kucy Pon, dermatologist and special consultant to Olay, a new year is a great time to create a skin care regimen or refine an existing routine. "Making skin care a priority is a simple way to brighten your appearance and feel good about yourself almost instantly," says Dr. Pon. "And, if you stick to your routine, your body will reap the rewards for years to come." The most important thing people can do for their skin is protect it from the sun's harmful rays by using a moisturizer with UV Protection and SPF 15 every day, even in the winter. Olay research suggests that 80 per cent of premature aging is related to environmental damage such as sun burn. Many of today's formulas are light enough to wear underneath makeup. - News Canada Home-grown beauty tips HAIR · For soft and shiny hair, rinse it with a 1/4 cup of vinegar mixed with 3/4 cup of warm water to restore the natural acid balance upset by alkaline shampoos. · Mix 1/2 cup dish detergent with a cup or more of water to shampoo your hair. There aren't any secret or special ingredients in shampoo - the contents just sound impressive. · A natural bristle brush will distribute your hair's natural oils throughout your locks. Brushing regularly can eliminate the need for hair conditioner. · In lieu of hairspray, use sugar water or a lemon or orange simmered in water, strained, and put in a spray bottle. · If you use gel to achieve your hairstyles, instead, mix a package of unflavored gelatin with half the amount of water you would use to make a desert. · Don't wash your hair every day. It will strip the natural oils and is really not necessary. When you do wash, rinse with cool water. Hot water can damage the hair follicles. · Tame your bangs between stylist cuts by trimming them yourself. Start with clean, dry hair. Use cuticle scissors or other smaller, bladed scissors so you won't accidentally cut off too much. Do not cut across your forehead horizontally! Hold the scissors vertically and cut into the bangs for a softer effect, snipping a quarter of an inch each time. Avoid cutting past your eyebrows for a natural look. SKIN · Don't overlook the benefits of petroleum-based products. Mineral oil and petroleum jelly are inexpensive and quite effective at moisturizing the skin. They can also be used to remove makeup and treat sensitive areas of the face, such as around the eyes. In fact, these substances are typically found in more expensive beauty products. · A great way to remove eye makeup and stubborn mascara is to use baby shampoo (obviously the "no tears" type). Dilute 1 part baby shampoo in five parts water and use. It won't leave an oily residue like some makeup removers. · Mix a little baking soda with moisturizer to create an exfoliating face scrub. · Use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide on your T-zone to avoid breakouts from oily residue. Just keep the peroxide away from your eyebrows and hairline unless you're looking to lighten your hair in the process! · Look to generic products. If you prefer something you can buy at the store rather than items from around the house, consider buying generic. They are made with virtually the same ingredients as name-brand products, without the cost. · Although still widely debated, many beauty experts feel that the easiest and least expensive way to remove hair from your upper lip is to shave it off. They say that it will not grow back faster or thicker, and can help many women avoid the irritation from waxing or bleaching. 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