s t a r l e t

Resolutions in the Making
( beauty wishes under $25: )

One of my New Year’s resolutions this year is going to be to try taking better care of the gifts Nature gave me. I mentioned in a previous post that I wanted to get my skin nice and healthy before I tried fancier makeup tricks than the smoky eye. I meant it! On the days when I do tone and moisturize, my face is so much happier with me the next day. Why not extend that to my whole self?

♥ A good toner/moisturizer: Actually, for now, I’m staying with my vast tub of Alba Jasmine and Vitamin E, which at $17.95 has more than paid for itself! I might look into the matching toner, at that. It’s only $12.95. It’s a good option even if I try a tinted moisturizer instead (see below).

♥ A cleanser: Wegmans has the widest variety I can think of, and I live in the heart of the Wegmans franchise. Yes, I am a lucky wench. Ideally, I’d like cleansing pads, because at night I’m far too tired to stick my face in the sink. Choosing from the reasonably-priced options on my local store’s list (these range from Noxzema at five cents per use to L’Oreal at a whole quarter), I’m wondering whether I really need a heavy-duty acne fighter or, at the tender age of twenty-three, a special anti-aging formula. The mid-range Neutrogena appears to be eye makeup only. It looks like I’ll be going with Garnier, which is one of my favorite brands anyway.

♥ A foundation? I’d prefer a tinted moisturizer to a traditional foundation; I look like I’m wearing a mask, or worse, ready for the stage when I’m wearing a liquid foundation. No, thanks! CoverGirl has one that looks good and is available locally for less than $10, which makes me happy. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer also goes for around $10, plus they have a paler-than-pale option, perfect for my snowed-in complexion.

♥ No more disposable razors! Why should men have all the comfortable, close shaves? Depilatories hurt, waxing hurts worse… yes, I think it’s time to investigate the marvel that is the pivot-headed razor. Top Care, of all brands, does one for women, which is outright revolutionary given that Gillette’s Venus line offers… none. Schick’s Quattro for Women offers one as well, only four blades, but hey, it’s got a shower hanger! — Yeah, we’ll be looking in the men’s aisle for this one. Gillette’s Fusion line offers me five blades, a pivot head, and a trimmer. Sign me up.

♥ And on the inside… I’ve been taking vitamins for over a year now. I keep a bottle of water next to my usual ginger ale. I do at least try to get a proper night’s sleep, though it’s difficult some nights, and if I don’t sleep well, I will nap. I’m looking forward to being mobile again, so I can get a YMCA membership and go exercise in a gentle way. Nothing in extremes; everything in moderation. I’ll keep that in mind for 2010.