Be yourself. Everyone is already taken.

I, of course, like most people aspire to lead a healthier lifestyle in 2014, however 4 weeks into the new year, my resolution is fading somewhat.

With the never ending store of Christmas confectionary and the cursed drive-through Costa Coffee! The 8 glasses of water that I promised I would drink each day to boost my skin cell rejuvenation fell at the 1st hurdle (there was even an app!) and that Yoga DVD that has remained in its cellophane wrapper and is gathering copious amounts of dust on my lounge coffee table. So whats the point of the New Year resolution, if we fail miserably every year? How many of us will be sticking to our self promises? And when we do slip up, we feel guilty. The statistics are bleak: only 8% of people who make New Year’s resolutions stick to them, and those who don’t, usually abandon them after just one week.

So here’s a better idea. Instead of listing an abstract goal like “lose weight,” think of specific small steps you can take, every day, that will have the same result. If you fail at any of these small steps – which you inevitably will – brush it off, and realise that failure and recovery is part of any process. Even if the fail is a large latte with a caramel shot. Don’t tie your list to a specific date, but don’t wait a year to start again when you do slip up.

In the mean time, armed with a mug of tea, a chunk of questionable looking panettone and my comfy armchair, Celebrity Big Brother rises to its crescendo! Crummy TV is definitely a guilty pleasure of mine, but its not one I’m ready to give up. Not just yet.

Top 5 beauty trends to try in 2014

Some new, some recurring but this time round with a new twist. Here are our top 5 trends to freshen your style this this year.

Matte Nails – At The Topiary we love a glossy, manicured nail but there’s just something pretty special about a matte mani too. We really like Nails Inc Westminster BridgeMatte Effect Top Coat. This limited edition top coat gives a smooth, matte finish to all your nail polishes in just one coat. So a great money saver too. Available at Debenhams for £12. Also Topshop have a fab range of matte polishes in great colours, perfect to brighten up these last few winter months. Why not try a two textured French manicure- paint the full nail in matt and just paint the tip in a gloss, to create an awesome 2D effect.

Liquid eye-liner – The stunning feline flick is showing no signs of dying down any time soon. The sultry look is one that needs to be practised to perfect but L’Oréal Paris Super Liner is a great one to choose. From 50’s glamour to the classic cat-eye or smudge the liner for a grudge sexy look what ever you go for make it the blackest black.

Straight hair – Dig out your straighteners, girls, as straight hair is back big time! Just remember to use a good heat protection spray to minimise damage. We always use Straight.Defence by Kevin Murphy £15.99 before any straightening treatment. A weightless balm applied to damp hair then style as desired, it also helps to prevent the generation of static electricity and flyaway hair. I don’t think theres any better straightening tool other than the GHD iron. Available from multiple retailers starting from £75. Poker straight? You read it here first.

Bold brows – Thanks to Cara Delevingne, the bold brow is showing no signs of disappearing any time soon. We love Soap & Glory Archery Brow Tint and Pencil and if theres one product we recommend you buy this month, its this! Available from Boots stores £10 in 2 shades, it’s a double-ended brow tint and precision shaping pencil for fuller, beautifully shaped brows. Starting with the felt-tip tint, use light, fine strokes to fill in any gaps and add fullness, then flip it to use the pencil end to sketch the perfect shape. It holds fast all day too, so no disappearing eyebrows by mid afternoon. If you want something more permanent then Semi Permanent Make up maybe the answer you’re looking for. At The Topiary we hold monthly aesthetic clinics with the very talented technicians with the most innovative products on the market.

Natural Beauty – This coming spring its all about natural skin. Now, most of us haven’t been blessed with supermodel skin but fear not, with BareMinerals you can achieve flawlessness. The award-winning BareMinerals Original SPF 15 foundation £25 gives impeccable coverage with the look of beautiful bare skin. This unique, weightless foundation provides adjustable sheer-to-full coverage for a flawless look, yet doesn’t feel like you are wearing any makeup at all. It’s even proven to improve the appearance of your skin over time. Available online www.bareminerals.co.uk or at Debenhams store. We can’t recommend the Basingstoke BM consultant, Jenna Waters enough. She will take time to match you with the perfect shades of their products to suit your skin tone.