2010 Beauty & Wellness Plan

Here we are at the beginning of a new decade, a new year, with "new" resolutions. Read below for reminders on total body and beauty well-being.

DIET. Beauty starts on the inside. Dark leafy veges, colorful fruit and plenty of water count as 'beauty essentials!' Commit to a healty diet for beautiful skin and hair. If you're a snacker, reach for almonds, granola or yogurt!

CLEAN UP. Adopt a daily routine catered to your skin type...cleanse, gently exfoliate (at least twice a week), and follow with a moisturizer. Winter weather can dull our complexion. Try a pore minimizing mask with natural ingredients like Kiss My Face Potent and Pure Pore Shrink, Deep Pore Cleansing Mask. (drugstores/$15.99)

MOISTURIZE. Another essential, even if your skin is oily! Choose a facial moisturizer with sunscreen. Use a hydrating cream every day especially on feet, knees and elbows. I like Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve -- the avocado, eucalyptus, and sesame seed oil sooths and conditions skin.

EXERCISE. Opt for non-traditional workouts like an African dance class, pole dancing, or kickboxing for a total body workout. Be sure to stretch beforehand! Make it easy for yourself..."jot down three ways exercise will improve your life" per Andrea Riggs/CEO of Body Beautiful. Losing a few inches will boost your confidence AND control the risk of diabetes. Check out www.gymticket.com or www.health-fitness.org for free or discount passes on select services. (Essence/Jan. 2010)

STAND TALL. Great posture takes inches away from the tummy (enough said)!

THE POWER OF TOUCH. Regular massages reduce stress, eliminate puffiness, and stimulate blood flow....so you feel good during AND after! You can book an appointment with LMT, TraCey Jones at SoulSanctuaryHealing@gmail.com if you're in the tri-state area.

SNOOZING. We all know that nothing beats a good night's sleep. Rejuvenate mind, body and soul with at least seven to eight hours...it does the body good!

Try to incorporate the wellness tips above...a good diet, plenty of rest, and a regular cleansing program, should guarantee clear skin! You may even be able to simplify your beauty routine. Brighten eyes with a soft shimmery shadow close to your skin tone, smudge liner at lash line and finish with a volumizing mascara like L'Oreal's Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara...my new favorite. Add a bit of color to your cheeks with Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Blush in Washed Rose or Plum Wine for a healthy glow, apply lip color, and go!