Top 10 Resolutions to Improve Your Appearance

With the start of 2012, now's a good time to start thinking about any changes you want to make to your appearance over the upcoming year. To help you figure out where to focus your efforts, we've put together a list of 10 grooming and lifestyle resolutions that, when adhered to, will make you even more irresistible than ever before.

1. Chew whitening gum after meals

No matter what your dentist tells you, carting your toothbrush and toothpaste around is clearly impractical -- not to mention the fact that whipping them out in a public bathroom makes you feel a little silly. So between meals, chew a whitening gum instead: the extra saliva in your mouth will help dislodge any food stuck in your teeth and the lightening agent will result in pearlier whites with minimal effort.

2. Shine your shoes

It's easy to forget about doing it, but shining your shoes will not only prolong the life of your footwear, it will also make it seem like you're always sporting a new pair. Of course, keeping your shoes in top condition will also create a much better first impression -- whether you're meeting clients or on a date -- than scuffed footwear.

3. Swap your razor regularly

Approximately every four to eight shaves, toss your old blade and break out a fresh one. Switching your razor frequently means you'll get the closest, smoothest shave possible every time you groom. And while a fuzz-free face may not seem particularly important to you, consider that women are generally drawn more towards facial hair styles that won't leave them with scratches after a close encounter.

4. Add lean protein to every meal

Lean protein will make you feel satiated on a low calorie count, making it ideal chow for guys looking to drop pounds and gain muscle mass. At lunch and dinner, try skinless chicken, turkey or fish, and opt for sugarless plain yogurt or a protein shake at breakfast.

5. Add vegetables to every meal

Filling up a significant portion of your plate with vegetables will lead to a trimmer, healthier you. More specifically, veggies that are high in fiber will keep you feeling full for longer, so if you're trying to shed fat, they'll help you accomplish your goal. And even if you're not aiming for a slimmer physique, upping the quantity of vegetables you consume will lead to brighter, clearer skin.

6. Adopt an on-trend haircut

Updating your hairstyle is one of the quickest ways to improve your appearance. This year's most in-demand hairstyles are timeless, meaning they suit a variety of face shapes and make everyone look classy. Opt for one that makes you resemble an old-school movie star if you're hoping to fill up several pages in your little black book. A word to the wise: no matter what hairstyle you sport this year, cut back on the quantity of hair products you use to get healthier locks that are just begging to be touched.

7. Invest in a quality antioxidant moisturizer

If you're not already using an antioxidant moisturizer, make 2012 the year you discover this miracle product. With regular use of the right moisturizer, dry skin, fine lines and wrinkles will all be minimized -- now and in the future. To be sure you're buying a product that actually works, seek out a moisturizer that has Vitamin C or green tea listed among the first five ingredients on its label.

8. Buy concealer

It may not feel like the manliest purchase you've ever made, but stashing this one item in your bathroom means you can say goodbye to bad skin days forever. To figure out which product to buy, ask the hot sales girl at the store to help you select the right shade (don't worry -- she'll actually think your request is cute). The one that blends into your skin and looks invisible is the one you want. To apply, dab a small amount of concealer directly onto your skin then use your finger to tap the product in gently until it disappears along with your zit

9. Have a blazer tailor-made

Getting an entire suit tailor-made is not necessary if you don't have the occasion to wear slacks frequently, but a blazer that's made to fit your body precisely will be a piece you live in and will give you a healthy dose of confidence. To ensure your money is well spent, do a little research and ask men whose sense of style you admire where to find a top tailor in your city.
 

10. Pick up a hardcore workout DVD set

There are some amazing series on the market that will dramatically change your life and your body. P90X and Georges St-Pierre's RUSHFIT are two excellent examples of intense routines that will give you the cut body of your dreams. Just remember to tweak your workout approximately every four to six weeks to continually challenge your body and make your muscles really pop.

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Written By Farah Averill

Published December 31, 2011

Askmen.com