How often do you resolve to pamper yourself? These 10 little beauty resolutions don't take long and will have a big effect. Incorporate them into your routine for a healthy, polished look all year long.

1. Wear sunscreen every day.

Fend off wrinkles, discoloration, and skin cancer by using a sunscreen with spf 15 or higher, advises Rhonda Pomerantz, M.D., clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center in New York City. Choose from two types of protection: chemical or physical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients like Parsol 1789 and work with your skin to block most ultraviolet rays. Products incorporating chemical sunscreens, like Purpose Intensive Daily Moisturizer with spf 15 ($8.49), are great for everyday protection because they disappear into the skin. Physical sunscreens are packed with blockers like zinc oxide and sit atop skin to offer complete protection. Physical blocks, such as Almay Kinetin Skincare Age Decelerating Daily Lotion with spf 15 ($16), may create a film on top of your skin but are the most effective sun protection, Pomerantz says.

2. Trim your hair regularly.

Aim for every six weeks, advises Bronwen Robinson, lead educator and stylist at Bumble and Bumble Salon in New York City. Wait any longer, and your cut will begin to lose its shape and become harder to style. Regular trims also help control split ends. "They can be prevented with good hair-care products, like moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, but the only way to eliminate split ends is to cut them away," Robinson says.

3. Find the right concealer.

A good concealer hides imperfections and cuts down the amount of makeup you have to wear overall. "For a natural, healthy look, always opt for yellow-based concealers," says Maria Romano, makeup artist for Bobbi Brown. Yellow-based hues work with all skin tones. To brighten a dark undereye area, pick a creamy formula that is one shade lighter than your skin. Apply it with your ring finger, starting at the inside corner (where discoloration can be the most severe) and working your way out. Camouflage any blemishes and redness around the nose with a concealer that matches your skin tone exactly (otherwise, you'll highlight the problem). Physicians Formula AquaCover Concealer ($6.95) also has cooling ingredients to minimize inflammation.

4. Get a professional pedicure.

This splurge is worthwhile because it helps prevent foot problems, like ingrown toenails and corns; expertly treats calluses; and most importantly, warms up chilly toes. "When someone touches your feet and massages your calves, you get happy, sleepy; it's wonderful," says Jin Soon, founder of the Jin Soon Natural Hand and Foot Spa in New York City. Plus, a professional always has the newest shades of polish. Soon recommends Chanel Nail Colour in Pirate ($16) for a cheerful wintertime pick-me-up.

5. Return products that don't work.

Not satisfied with a beauty purchase? Many stores offer full refunds on both used and unused products returned within a few weeks of purchase with a receipt. "Buy it, try it, bring it back. It's that easy," says Sarah Datz, manager of public relations for Rite Aid Corporation.

6. Discover red lipstick.

"Wearing red lipstick is the quickest way to brighten up your face," says Julie Hewett, founder of Julie Hewett Noir, a line of red lipsticks. Brown-based reds, like L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipcolour in Candy Apple ($8.50), look fabulous on almost everybody, while wine-based reds, like Prestige Classic Lipstick in Fatal Red ($3.95), pop on women with dark, warm complexions. Blue-reds, like Revlon Super Lustrous Cherries in the Snow ($8), are great on pale skin tones, and coral reds (the least forgiving of the bunch), like Apt. 5 Lipstick in L-43 ($7.50), work best on either redheads or blonds with olive skin. For a less-intense look, top a red lip liner with balm or a red-tinted clear gloss.

7. Toss old makeup.

"The rule of thumb is, if it looks or smells odd, get rid of it," says B. J. Gillian, Cover Girl's lead makeup artist. Stale products can change in consistency, cause infections, or even explode. (Warning: Keep nail polishes off hot radiators!) Your safest bet is to keep beauty essentials at room temperature, and follow Gillian's shelf-life guidelines.

When to throw it out:

3 months - Mascara

6 months - Facial cleanser. moisturizer, nail polish (will last up to a year in the fridge)

1 year- Concealer, loose powder, lip gloss and lipstick, powder blusher, powder eye shadow, toner

2 years - Eye and lip pencils

8. Pare down your skin-care routine.

"Most people use far too many products in search of the best solution for their skin concerns," says Elaine Linker, Ph.D., cofounder of ddf Doctor's Dermatologic Formula in New York City. Consequently, they don't stick to a regime long enough to see results (about six weeks). Product overdose also can spur new skin woes, such as acne and hypersensitivity. "You can maximize your results and minimize your routine with the simple cleanse-protect-and-treat routine that suits your individual needs," Linker advises.

If your goal is to treat and protect against wrinkles and skin discoloration, cleanse with a bar containing antioxidants, wear a daytime moisturizer with a sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher), and slather on a product to even skin tone, like Philosophy's A Pigment of Your Imagination ($22), at night. If adult acne is your problem, cleanse with a product containing salicylic acid and apply a gel sunscreen with an spf of at least 15 in the morning. At bedtime, use a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide, followed by an alcohol-free toner.

9. Floss your teeth every day.

Regular flossing fosters whiter teeth, healthier gums, and fresher breath by removing bacteria, plaque, and food particles, says aesthetic dentist Jonathan Levine, D.D.S. In the long run, flossing lessens bone loss between teeth and protects against periodontal disease, he adds.

10. Clean your makeup brushes.

Help brushes last longer by washing them every few weeks with a squirt of liquid hand soap, says Susan Horrell, founder of Au Courant Cosmetics in Studio City, California. Dirty brushes can lead to uneven makeup application and acne (thanks to bacteria bristles can harbor), she says. Work soap through wet bristles with your fingers and rinse thoroughly with cold water. To speed drying, squeeze excess water from brushes before setting them on paper towels or placing them upright in a brush holder.