The new year is a great time to change your look — provided you put some thought into it.
 
“Anybody has the ability to look good. It's just knowing the tricks of the trade,” said Robert Ringo, stylist/makeover guru and owner of Hot Headz on West Olmos Drive. He offered these tips:

If you're changing your hairstyle, take into account the shape of your face. If you have an oval face, “bangs are always your best friend,” Ringo said; keep the length around the jaw line. Round faces are best framed by long hair and no bangs.

Update your makeup bag with the latest trends: metallics (in eye shadow, lipstick and nearly everything else) and lip gloss. Want the most bang for your buck? Concentrate on building up your lashes to enlarge eyes and add drama.

Stick to earth tones when it comes to makeup; they're universally flattering. “Unless you are Mimi from ‘The Drew Carey Show,' light blues, purples and pinks should only be used on rodeo clowns,” Ringo said. Stay away from trendy colors being pushed at makeup counters at the mall, and forget matching your makeup to your clothes. The trick is to look natural. “Makeup should be used to enhance, not to cover your face like a mask,” he said.

Want a dramatic new hair color? Don't use dye from the grocery store. You might think you're saving money, but it'll cost you a lot more to get it fixed at the salon. “Save your locks, ditch the box,” Ringo said.

“Professionals can ensure your new look won't be dyed, fried and laid to the side.”

Jessica Belasco | 210SA contributor