I first want to say that I hope that you had a fantastic end of the year and are looking at this new year that we are in with a smile, a clear mind and all the optimism in the world.

The first few months of a new year is where most people begin diets, want a new look, think of life in a more positive way and just look forward to change. Take this time to make that change. I always tell women to never be afraid of change. There is so much out there for us to choose from.

As women we need to take care of ourselves both inside and out. Is it weight that is setting you back? Take charge, start walking a little. You will be amazed at how much energy you will find once you get into an exercise routine. Change your hairstyle. It's only hair! Sometimes clipping here and there, changing the color or adding highlights will change your look dramatically and give you a new sense of beauty.

Update your make up. We all have favorite shades that we cannot live without but be a little daring. Metallic colors are in this season. Invest in a lipstick shade that suits your coloring along with the blush and eyeshadow. Add to that the lip and eyeliner along with a nail lacquer that either matches or is from the same color family as the lipstick that you purchase. Purchase a new fragrance. Combine your new colors with your new hairstyle and your drive to get healthier and more in shape and I guarantee you that you will feel like you are on top of the world.

As women we are all beautiful. We come in all shapes and all sizes. Some of us have fair skin tone, others have deeper tones and then there are those of us who are in between. No matter what are "look" is, it is ours and we make of it what we want. Never forget who you are and most of all never forget who you can be.

MAKE UP TIPS:

Eye make up application: Apply your eyeshadow first since you will need to blend in the colors. Follow it up by applying your eye pencil and then add your mascara as the last step to prevent smudging.

Make your mascara last longer. Try to avoid consistently dipping the wand in and out of the mascara tube. This action lets drying air in and your mascara will not last as long.

Applying blush: Your blush should look natural. Take your brush with blush and place it just below your pupil then drag it up and outward. Should your blusher look too intense, simply tone it down by applying a very light coat of loose powder.

Questions from our readers

Dear Lisa,
My complexion is what people would call olive toned. I have been having a hard time finding a foundation color that matches. I normally apply it to the back of my hand and rub it in and try to match it to my color as much as possible but I am just not happy with my choices. Could you please give me some tips?

~Colorless in California

Dear Colorless,
When reading your email I specifically put it aside to add it to this issue of Beauty's Back because you brought out a common mistake made by many. Take a look at the skin tone on the back of your hand and the one on your face. They may look similar but they are different. Choose two or three shades that you feel match your complexion. Take a make up sponge and apply a strip of each foundation color to the lower jawline area and blend it in. Take a look at the colors after being blended and see which one matches your skin tone. You will find that one of the colors will blend in better than the other one or two. That is the shade that you want to purchase. I hope this helps and drop me a quick email when you have the time with your results.

Dear Lisa,
Is it true that the rule for a lipstick and nail polish is that they must both match? I tend to wear a different color on my nails than I do on my lips. Thanks!

~Sandy in Arizona

Hi Sandy,
Your lipstick and nail lacquer does not have to match perfectly however, you will achieve a more "complete" look when both colors are in the same color family. I, for one like to match my entire make up along with the clothes that I am wearing. I find that it gives me a more polished look. Thanks for your email!

Once again I want to thank all of you who have visited my Beauty's Back page and for all of your emails.

Remember, if you have any questions, drop me an email and I will respond to it and you never know, you may just see your question in one of our future Beauty's Back editions.

Also, don't forget to look at the other sections of A Mom's Love. There is something here for everybody.

Have a happy and healthy month!

~Lisa Jiminez

About the author: Lisa Jimenez is a Jafra consultant. She has been with Jafra for four years and has found it to be a very fulfilling experience. She loves sharing the state-of-the -art products Jafra makes with friends and new people. She is a single mother of three beautiful daughters. She is fortunate to say that she can meet their needs and still enjoy her work, because it's a home-based business and that is worth a million bucks to her!

Lisa is a new member on staff at A Mom's Love. She is head of "Beauty's Back", a new area on A Mom's Love. Feel free to send your beauty and make-up questions to Beauty's Back You can visit Lisa's website below: