I don’t know about you, but I have been so eager to move into the new year! 2019 was a tiring and difficult year that culminated in a breakup of a long relationship, and I felt like the start of a new decade would help to bring about a refreshing change. But as anyone who has ever made a New Year resolution knows, changing one’s self is often a slow and gradual process. It’s a little easier when you start with a few small and simple changes, so why not give yourself a makeover?

A change in our physical appearance can also affect us psychologically. As a beauty lover, you may have experienced feeling better almost instantly when you perfect your winged liner or swipe on your favorite lipstick! These small changes help to boost our confidence, improve our mood, and set ourselves up for success. Whether you’ve had an awful 2019 like I did, or just want to add some extra spring to your step, here are four ways to update your look!

Change your beauty routine

If you’re a makeup lover, you probably already have a regular “look” that you usually do. Why not get creative and try something new? It can be as simple as finally daring to wear red lipstick like fellow PV girl Claire is doing, or challenging yourself to learn a new makeup technique or a complicated eyeshadow look!

Personally, I’m focusing on perfecting my base because I admire how Koreans are able to make their skin look completely flawless. I’ve been studying how to do it by watching Liz’s live videos, Sobong Official’s YouTube channel, and Anthea Bueno’s IG TV. So far, I’ve found that adding primer and finishing spray to my routine really makes a difference. I’ve also learned that the key to seamless and skin-like face base is to keep foundation application light and just conceal blemishes as needed. Layering is also a better way of applying products instead of applying everything all at once.

Get a new hairstyle

They say that women change their hair when they’re going through something major, and maybe there’s some truth to that. I’ve certainly been tempted to pick up some scissors and give myself bangs, but held back because I knew DIY would probably look terrible. So instead of “stress hair-cutting”, go to a reputable salon and get a proper haircut or hair treatment done by a professional. I love getting my hair colored, though I’m not as adventurous as others and usually just go with brown. If you have just graduated and finally don’t have to follow dress code restrictions, now is the perfect time to try that blush pink mane!

My mom and I at the PV 11th anniversary party

Update your wardrobe

As a girl, I have always borrowed clothes from my mom, and so I ended up sporting the same style. I’ve since realized that I needed to change that because I’m a different person, and I want to have my own look! I think my mom has good style and nice clothes, but part of establishing my identity as a young adult is to make my own statement.

I usually buy clothes online from Zalora, which allows me to return and exchange items easily. I also love shopping at Zara, Bershka, Uniqlo, and H&M! For clothes that will fit your perfectly and flaunt your best features, Liz recommends having them tailored and custom-made, so you have complete control of your look. If budget is a concern, visit an ukay-ukay. It can be a treasure trove of fashion finds if you have the patience and know what to look for!

Take control of your body

The best thing that I’ve done for myself so far is to start going to the gym and exercising regularly. Weight and body shape are definitely factors that affect our appearance and how we feel about our physical image. I have already lost 10 lbs so far, and I feel so much better and my clothes fit me better as well! Seeing my tummy become smaller, my arms toned, my butt nicer, and my legs stronger has helped me regain confidence and feel more motivated to exercise. And it’s not just about the changes in my appearance, either.

Exercising releases endorphins, and the surge of dopamine and serotonin (also known as “the happy hormones”) have helped to combat the stress and sadness I’ve been feeling. It’s a real mood lifter, even when you don’t yet see yet see the “improvements” to your body.

This “makeover” seems more of a major change compared to the others, but you don’t even need to go to the gym. There are many other ways for you to be physically active and get your body moving, which is the main point of the makeover. Try doing home works by following along to YouTube videos; Kim and I love Kayla Itsines and her tutorials on fitness. Even just choosing to take the stairs and lessening time spent vegging on the couch can make a difference. I got myself a fitness tracker so I know if I’m reaching the recommended 8,000 to 10,000 steps every day. I use the Mi Fit Band 4, which was only around P1,400 from their official online store.

It’s best to consult with a doctor before making any changes to your diet because we all have different nutritional needs. A well-balanced diet is best for most people, and we probably all need to adapt back to that after all that holiday binging (I’m guilty!).

Look for a “fitspiration” and exercise your right to be kikay even while working out to help you feel motivated. I have also been shamelessly posting about my workouts on Insta-stories, and my friends have been supportive of my fitness journey and ask to join in. It would be so much more fun if you and your crew can go running or dancing together as a new bonding activity!

Breaking up with my boyfriend was a painful and life-changing experience but these makeovers I’ve been following have been so helpful in changing my life for the better. I actually started working out last November because there’s really no need to wait for a new year to start making changes resolutions. Go do it as soon as you realize the need for it! But starting in January also has its benefits, as everyone else is excited and motivated to be better.

Though these makeovers focus on the physical appearance, I hope that starting small will give you the push to achieve your bigger goals. Do the beauty things that make you feel good and more confident, and use that boost to apply for a new job, pursue a promotion, or approach your crush. Being beautiful doesn’t guarantee happiness, but knowing that you have the power to change for the better will help lead you to it. Happy 2020! :)