9 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Look for the New Year

We all know the often-overused saying “New year, new me,” but sometimes when the new year comes, we just want to make tiny tweaks to our already awesome selves. Instead of a completely “new” us, we get the urge to upgrade our look. But with all of the other things we resolved to do, these changes need to be easy enough to fit into our hectic lives.

So we asked some of the top hairstylists and makeup artists in the business to explain which small adjustments we could make for a true upgrade in 2017. Even if you can’t give up carbs or get to the gym today (you tried, we believe it!), you can make these nine simple hair and beauty updates.

Freshen up your skin

“Skin is in and always will be. Pay extra attention to your skin by removing the dead skin cells. I love the Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant. It’s a face wash that contains cool ingredient binchotan charcoal that helps with pollution, and I like to use this clean base to then boost my glow. I use extra hydration on my face (and my clients’) to make the skin look a bit more special. Weleda Skin Food is my holy-grail skin care item. It glows under anything that goes on top and hydrates as well as cocoons from the elements. I apply a pea-sized amount and apply on the whole face or any dry areas. Let dry for a minute and then apply complexion products.” — Katie Jane Hughes, makeup artist

Take the minimalist route

“Get a fresh start with a fresh face! From makeup minimalist Jil Sander and Stella McCartney to glamazons like Lanvin and Versace, models all strutted down the runway looking effortlessly beautiful for spring/summer 2017. The beauty of this look is no precision required. All you have to do is gently rub the cream-color products on with your fingertips. The less precise you are, the more natural it looks. It’s a great intro look for any makeup first-timers. You can easily multitask with multiuse products like Bite Beauty’s Multistick.” — Jordy Poon, makeup artist

Amp up your winter flush

“Ditch the powder and make your skin shine! One of my favorite things I love in the winter is using a heavy moisturizer and then switching all your makeup to creams from powders. I live for NARS Matte Multiple in Siam for a gorgeous winter flush for cheeks and lips. Apply on apples of your cheeks and pat gently into lips for a gorgeous stain. Finish off with two coats of Chanel Inimitable Mascara for a fresh new look for the new year.” – Andie Markoe-Byrne, makeup artist

Opt for straight hair

“I would say straight hair this year is on-trend. Start by using small sections and a comb while flat-ironing hair to ensure every piece is straight. Hair that is shiny and healthy is also on-trend as well. Use a mask once a week to ensure healthy, shiny hair and leave it on for 10 minutes. I really like Garnier Fructis Grow Strong Fortifying Mask. Also, to make a sleek ponytail that we are seeing for spring, I would brush hair with a bristle brush and look up to the ceiling while securing it in elastic. You will have no baggy nape at the back of the neck. And smooth down any flyaways to control.” — Tommy Buckett, celebrity hairstylist

Rock your natural texture

“Natural-looking hair is in more now than ever for 2017. It is easy to achieve, and I have done it on multiple clients for editorial shoots and events! In order to achieve this look, it is best to use some product in order to prevent frizz. I suggest using the new Garnier Fructis Style Smooth Air Dry to slightly damp hair. Take large sections, about 3- to 4-inch-big sections, twist them, then wrap them up to the head and pin. Let your hair air-dry, or use a diffuser if you need to speed things up, then drop down when dry!” – Michael Dueñas, celebrity hairstylist

Get out of your style rut

“Easy ways to upgrade your style would be to try something new. If you always wear a high ponytail, try a low and slicked pony. Add a Scunci pony cuff as a chic accent. Basically any accessory will change your look and showcase that you tried something new. Or, if you always straighten your hair, why not try using some Aussie Sprunch Spray and working with whatever natural texture you have?” — Laura Polko, celebrity hairstylist

Try out a rose-tinted lip

“If you used to be a smoky-eye girl with super pale lip, ditch the concealer-shade lips and replace it with a beautiful rose or peach, like Votre Vu CHAMPS-éLIPsée in Spark, to update your look for the new year. This year is all about color and embellishment.” — Matin, celebrity makeup artist

Get a “shattered” trim

“Updating your look for the new year doesn’t have to be complicated. An update is easier than a makeover and sometimes has stronger results. For example, I cut off about two inches on Kate Upton’s hair for the Met Ball in 2016. We got rid of the extra length and layers by bringing up the bottom length of her hair, and it made her look stronger and more classic-looking lengthwise. Make sure your hairdresser cuts the hair to be shattered or a broken perimeter — not a solid blunt line. This keeps the look modern and ready for 2017. Complete the look by using Leonor Greyl Serum de Soie on the ends of the hair, and finally rub a tiny amount over the top of the head to take away any flyaways. This is light as a serum goes and won’t weigh the hair down at all, while nourishing any dry ends. Healthy hair is always your best look.” — Peter Butler, celebrity hairstylist

Dare to go for a bang (or try a fake)

“This year’s haircut trend is a new take on a shag, and it could range from adding new heavy bangs to just adding a ton of layers to any length — or a combination of the two. When it comes down to it, daring is what’s on-trend for this year. An example of daring would be Alessandra Ambrosio‘s new bangs, and Julianne Hough has a great example of the new shag! If you’re not sure about diving in, try out a clip-in bang first to test the waters.” – Dominick Pucciarello, celebrity hairstylist

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