In a beauty rut? Here are six simple beauty moves that will make a huge difference to your beauty outlook - and look - for 2007…

1. I will … eat for better skin

Your December diet consisted of champagne and canapés - fun at the time, but now you’re suffering a hangover of parched, patchy skin. First step: treat it from the inside. Essential fatty acids are, well, essential for infusing skin with that suppleness we all want. Dermatologist Dr Nicholas Perricone has famously championed omega 3s - oily fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel - as the recipe for a healthy, youthful complexion. We also know that antioxidants are just as important for skin health when taken internally as they are when applied externally - this gives skin much-needed double-defense against the free radicals that can compromise its support structure. Furthermore, recent research has found that a diet rich in both omega 3s and antioxidants (the researchers recommend the likes of blue fruits, black olives, macadamias, salmon and olive oil) can considerably reduce puffiness around the eyes and facial sagging.

2. I will … give my skin vitamins

While a vitamin- and antioxidant-rich diet will help boost skin against unnecessary wear and tear, the body’s system may itself require most of these nutrients, so skin should also be treated from the outside for best results. Most skin professionals recommend a mix of vitamins A, C, and E, applied in serum form for the most potent penetration. Vitamin A (advised for night-time use only) helps to reverse some signs of ageing and retexturise skin; C works to pep up collagen production and also inhibits melanin production, leading to a brighter look; and, E is a powerful antioxidant and hydrator. Try: Alpha-H ACE Power Vitamin Kit ($99, see Alpha-H for stockist info).

3. I will … remember to wear sunscreen

The best anti-ageing treatment remains sunscreen. More specifically: a broad-spectrum cream containing either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which shield skin from the photo-ageing UVA rays, as well as the burn-inducing UVB ones. Commit to applying suncare every morning, after moisturiser and before makeup - and do this every day of the year. Yes, even in winter, as the UVA rays are present all year round. Remember, too, to slather all exposed skin, particularly the sun-sensitive décolletage area. Unfortunately, no suncare yet guarantees one-hundred-per-cent protection, so if you’re a sun-bunny, hop in the shade as often as possible.

4. I will … deal with my brows

A professional brow shaping is often referred to as a mini facelift; it opens up the eye area, gives the face a strong focal point, and simply makes you look more lively. Sure, it’s another beauty bother to add in to our already chock-a-block maintenance schedule, but this one is worth that extra time and money. Make sure to go to a beautician who has a great reputation for tailoring brows to clients’ features - simply ask some of your best-browed friends where they go. Also consider a tint if you have fair brows; it will not only strengthen the look of your features, it will also make eyes pop beautifully.

5. I will … try blush

Speaking of pop, a burst of blush can also work wonders for the face. Little else lifts a pale complexion into life, or gives a rounded face a flattering dimension. Creamy blushes, blended in with fingers, are perfect for enhancing an overall dewy effect (try Stila Convertible Color, $45, from Mecca Cosmetica); while a brush-on of powder blush will give a more polished, finished look. In terms of colour, apricots and peachy pinks are universally flattering, imbuing skin with instant good-health glow. One word of warning: if your skin has ruddy tendencies, you’ll need to even out skintone first with base or concealer; otherwise, your blush will just end up looking blotchy.

6. I will … dry body brush daily

Spend five minutes each morning lightly whisking a natural-bristle body brush all-over - it will go far towards pepping up your sluggish, partied-out system, as well as keeping you tip-top from top-to-toe in the longer-term. Dry body brushing works on the lymph system, so it helps to coax out toxins. As a result, you’ll see less bloating and puffiness. If you spend some extra time concentrating on hips and thighs, you’ll also notice an improvement in cellulite.