10 Beauty Resolutions for the New Year

With a new year comes new resolutions, and for a lot of women at least one of those resolutions is likely to be appearance-related. Sure, there are plenty of awesome fashion resolutions that are worth trying to stick to, but a beauty-related New Year's resolution may be even easier to pull off. This year, why not consider a fun makeup resolution or a goal to take better care of your skin? At the very least, it's way cheaper to switch up your lipstick or add a weekly face mask to your routine than it is to completely makeover your wardrobe. Whether you're just dipping your toes into the beauty scene for the first time or you're a VIB Rouge at Sephora, there is bound to be something on this list that everyone (girls and boys) can consider taking on for 2015.

1. Improve Your Brow Game

This is the year that you will put the tweezers and magnifying mirror down and let your brows grow in a little. The strong, natural brow trend isn't going anywhere in 2015 so if you haven't embraced it yet, this is the time to start. Invest in a nice eyebrow kit, such as the Anastasia Beverly Hills Bold Brow Kit ($36) or e.l.f. Eyebrow Kit ($3).

Anastasia Beverly Hills Bold Brow Kit, $36, ulta.com

On the other end of the spectrum, however, don't overdo it when filling in your brows. Use light, upward strokes to keep it looking natural.

Also consider: NYX Eyebrow Kit, $5.49, Amazon

2. Try a New Way of Washing Your Hair

I'm not suggesting you give up shampoo for a year (though if you're into that, do your thing). An easier trick to try is conditioning your hair first, then shampooing. Alison Freer of xoJane swears this reversed hair washing routine makes hair cleaner and less weighed down.

3. Invest in a Silk Pillowcase

At around $20-$30, a silk pillowcase is much more expensive than the usual variety, but it is so worth it. You'll reap the benefits of softer, less tangled hair, as well as smoother, softer skin, AND no more flipping the pillow over to get to the cool side.

Spasilk 100% Pure Silk Pillowcase, $19.99, Amazon

4. Resolve to Take Off Your Makeup EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT.

We all know that sleeping in our makeup is bad, but most of us have been guilty of it at least once. If you do this consistently, however, make an effort to put a stop to it in 2015. If you know you won't be able to drag yourself to the bathroom sink, then buy some gentle facial wipes and keep them next to your bed for quick, easy makeup removal.

Yes To Blueberries Brightening Facial Towelettes, $5.99, Amazon

5. Switch to Tubing Mascara

This will help with taking off your makeup every night. Waterproof mascara can be tough to take off and often your lashes end up coming off with it. Tubing mascaras coat the lashes with polymer fibers that stay on all day but slide off easily with warm water at night. You can try the original tubing mascara, Blinc Mascara, which comes in six shades, or try a drugstore version such as NYX Doll Eye Long Lash Mascara ($10).

Blinc Mascara, $26, A mazon

6. Moisturize Regularly (Even if You Have Oily Skin)

If you have dry skin, especially in the winter, you probably already know that it's imperative to have a good daily moisturizer and ideally a rich night cream or serum as well. Even if you have oily skin, though, your skin can also benefit from using a light daily moisturizer. A natural, fast-absorbing oil, like Josie Maran 100 Percent Pure Argan Oil, is beneficial for pretty much everybody. Scared of slicking it all over your face? Mix one or two drops with your daily moisturizer.

Josie Maran 100 Percent Pure Argan Oil, $48, sephora.com

Also consider: L'Oreal Age Perfect Facial Oil, $12, Amazon

7. Use SPF 30 Daily

If you can find a daily moisturizer or BB cream that already has SPF in it, all the better. We all know by now that we should be wearing sunscreen year-round to reduce our risk of cancer and skin damage. Remember that makeup and moisturizers have to have at least SPF 30 to be effective (the recommended amount by the American Academy of Dermatology) and that you must apply liberally to get the full amount of protection.

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 (available in eight shades) , $39, Amazon

8. Stop Taking Beauty Advice from Pinterest

Turns out, it's actually not a good idea to put too much lemon on your skin. Also, that extremely complicated nail art tutorial is not going to be worth the time and tears and you know it.

9. Break That Stubborn Beauty Habit

Whether you pick at your skin or you're a hardcore nail biter, make 2015 the year that you turn over a new leaf. Get rid of any extreme-magnification mirrors, find a way to help you relax and reduce stress, and ask friends to remind you when you slip up. If you pick at your lips, try wearing a red lipstick every day. If you ruin your nails, get or DIY a nice manicure every week. There are also tons of nail-strengthening treatments at the drugstore that will help repair damaged nails.

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Instant Nail Hardener, $5, Amazon

10. Break Out of Your Comfort Zone

OCC Lip Tar Matte in Pagan, $18, sephora.com

If you always wear nude lipstick and a smoky eye, try a bold purple lip and bare lids one night. If you wear foundation and a dozen other products every day, try going makeup-free, even if it's just around the house. If you never wear makeup, go to Sephora and ask an employee to give you a complete makeover. Try to buy at least one product they used that you really liked — and use it. The joy of makeup is having fun and experimenting, but sometimes it's easy to forget that when we settle into a daily routine. So for 2015, shake it up and try something new. You might discover a brand new beauty look that you love.

Images: Getty Images (2); Courtesy Brands; vladstar/Fotolia