There are thousands of products which promise to improve your look but we’ve found some DIY tactics that won’t break the bank.
They are really simple and can be be added to your daily regime straight away. The hard part will be not ditching them after a week but you’ll do them regularly once you notice the difference.
1. Reduce dark circles
The simple act of gently massaging the delicate skin underneath your eyes can help smooth away those annoying dark circles.
You can do this yourself and it costs nothing but it has to be done correctly to avoid damaging the fragile area.
Facialist Joanne Evans explained to the Daily Mail doing a light massage around the eye twice a day can help keep them looking young and bright.
“Light lymphatic drainage massage can be helpful in reducing fluid build-up and puffiness in the eye area, which will also help with shadows,” Ms Evans.
“Sweep your ring fingers gently around the eye sockets, pausing to press at the inner and outer corners of the eyebrow, and on a point directly underneath your pupils.
“This technique helps disperse fluid that has accumulated in the skin around the eyes, which is then removed by the body’s lymphatic system.
“Perform the massage using your usual cleanser to give your fingers a bit of ‘slip’ or with your chosen eye cream.”
2. Drink more water
Many of us let hydration fall by the wayside, especially during the colder months, when we might not feel as thirsty but it’s so important.
Our bodies are made up of 50 to 75 per cent water and if we’re not drinking enough it impacts not only our physical and mental performance but also our appearance.
Victoria’s Better Health recommends women drink at least 2.1 litres a day (about 8 cups) and men 2.6 litres a day (about 10 cups), more if you’re physically active or the temperature is very hot or cold.
The University of Wisconsin has found drinking water gives you a radiant, healthy, “younger-looking” complexion.
“Skin is an organ … and skin cells, like any other cell in the body, are made up of water,” it said.
“If your skin is not getting the sufficient amount of water, the lack of hydration will present itself by turning your skin dry, tight and flaky.
“The unfortunate truth about drinking water and skin is that water will reach all the other organs before it reaches the skin.
“It’s important to … keep it there. This will not only show a visible difference in hydration but it can prevent wrinkles as well.”
If you struggle to consume enough water during the day, spruce up the taste by adding slices of lemon or cucumber or mint.
Starting your day off with some hot lemon water will also help boost your metabolism. Throw in some fresh ginger to help fight off colds.
3. Wash your hair less frequently
Washing your hair too often can strip it of natural oils and actually make hair greasier so leave it a little longer between washes.
Mane Addicts founder Jen Atkin told InStyle you’ll end up with healthier-looking hair that stays fresh longer.
“Most of us wash our hair too frequently, causing dryness, split ends, and an irritated scalp,” she said.
InStyle warns that weaning your hair off constant cleansing “won’t be the easiest transition (it might take a month to see a true difference) but there are ways to tone down the grease factor”.
Dry shampoo will be your best friend. There are some affordable natural ones available too.