I hope that this is your best year yet and that all you hope for yourself will happen in 2010. And with that said, I think we should all resolve to just “be the best we can be”; and put our best face forward always to exude a positive attitude and a confident self.

Usually I give you advice on DIY tips for the home; however, I will deviate today to give you some beauty care tips so you can look your best for a whole lot less while saving yourself some time and money in between or in place of salon visits. Imagine how much you can save each year by doing it yourself with quick 10-minute regimes, because remember you only get one chance to make a first impression, so you should make sure that the first impression is the best. Whether man or woman these are useful tips, so here goes:

Clean Face:

1. Wash your face with lukewarm water and a cleanser suited to your skin type.

2. Exfoliate for radiant skin (trust me), so keep a washcloth or buff pad at-the-ready for everyday use. If you don’t have a defoliant, you can make your own by mixing _ cup of sugar with enough olive or sunflower oil to moisten the paste. Use small circles to slough away dead cells and reveal new layers of skin.

3. Try a mask a few times a week. There is a weekly paste you can make that consists of 4-6 regular Aspirin crushed up and mixed with a bit of water. Apply to your face, let dry and then rinse. “The acid in Aspirin is an excellent defoliator,” advises an expert.

4. Massage a skin-suitable moisturiser to your face and neck. If you’re heading outdoors, be sure it is also a sunscreen and has SPF 15 or higher.

5. With one finger, dot on eye cream to help nourish this delicate area.

6. Spot-treat blemishes with a clear acne treatment gel. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two of the best blemish-fighting ingredients to look for. Note: If you have any reactions to these ingredients, stop using them and see your doctor for a recommended alternative.

Hand Care:

1. Remove. Take off old polish with acetone polish remover on a cotton ball.

2. Trim. Cut and file nails to your length of choice. As for shape, there are two main options: square or rounded. And neither form will chip more than the other

3. Soak. Rest hands in a bowl of warm water for five minutes. Add two tablespoons of a bath powder or your favorite liquid soap to soften nails. Make sure the water’s not too hot or it will dry out your hands and nails.

4. Soften. Apply cuticle oil or lotion on dry hands to nourish and soften rough spots.

5. Push. Use a cuticle or Popsicle stick to press cuticles back so they don’t get in the way of the polish. Some people prefer to cut their cuticles for aesthetic purposes but it’s best not to do this at home unless you’re a professional, you’re going to end up with cuts all along the side of your nails

6. Buff. Use a four-sided buffer to give a smooth, glass-like finish. Don’t worry about being precise – even a quick once-over will make nails shine.

7. Scrub. Exfoliate hands with a body scrub or homemade mixture of olive oil and salt or sugar. Scrub for two to three minutes, and then wash thoroughly.

8. Moisturise. Dry hands and apply a rich moisturiser.

9. Polish. Apply a base coat first, and then apply two thin coats of polish. Finish with a top coat if you haven’t used one yet.

Now you’re ready to step out with glowing skin and to shake hands confidently in 2010.