There is so much to get ready for in this season, but what are you doing for yourself these days? Taking good care of ourselves first will give us even more emotional energy for taking care of others and all the projects and tasks that come with the season.
Here are some things you can be doing right now that will also give you a great start for the new year:
Give yourself a facial. Wash your make-up off and while the skin is warm and moist, gently blot off the excess water and apply a 
facial mask that dries on your face. Leave it on as directed and gently rinse off. This will unclog those pores and exfoliate the dead skin on the surface, revealing a new , fresh layer of skin that glows! Follow up with a hydrating lotion or cream.
Get your hair trimmed or get a new cut! Don’t underestimate what having a great head of hair will make you feel like. Go to your hairdresser and communicate clearly what kind of cut you want, what your lifestyle is and most importantly how much time you are willing to put into your hair every day. After your haircut, ask your stylist to teach you how to maintain that look and what products to use.
Easy Holiday Updo. I love wearing my hair in what I call a “messy bun.” Simply gather your hair in a high ponytail, but instead of pulling it all the way through the elastic on your couple go-arounds, stop halfway and pouf it out. Now carefully pull some wisps down the nape of your neck and framing your face, then spray with hairspray. This hairdo visually lifts your face and is an easy transition fix from office to holiday party instantly. 
Whiten your teeth. Stop by your local drug store and pick up a teeth-whitening product. If your teeth are stained, a tint with blue undertones will brighten your smile. I like to use Crest Whitestrips.
Wear a make-up bronzer. You may think that this is not the time of the year to wear this, but it will actually give you just the right extra color to your skin if you choose the color correctly. Choose a shade that mirrors your natural base color (does your skin have yellow or pink undertones?). After preparing with moisturizer and foundation, use a large, fluffy brush and apply very lightly to areas where the sun naturally hits, such as the forehead, cheeks, chin and nose. Don’t forget to apply to your décolletage, neck and tops of your feet if you’re wearing going stockingless.
Get your nails done, or do them yourself! There is something about looking at your fingernails when they are polished. Because our hands are something we can see all the time, it’s just a small detail that makes us feel good. Keep the length short and don’t match your manicure and pedicure colors unless you are using red or wine.
Exercise! With busy schedules, exercise is sometimes put on the back burner, assuming it was there at all! Exercise helps relieve stress (a big factor in aging your skin) and increases the oxygen flow, thereby promoting younger looking skin. More importantly, vigorous exercise releases endorphins and this process can create feelings of euphoria , happiness and a general sense of well-being. Don’t tell me you don’t have time, fit people MAKE the time.
It isn’t going to matter what clothes or make-up you put on if the blank canvas underneath isn’t in good shape. Taking care of yourself is key in this season of giving and all year round as well. This holiday give yourself the gift of prioritizing yourself and you’ll be surprised how much more you have to give to others!
The choice is always yours, make it a good one!
~ Lani
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