Have you made one of the "typical" New Year's resolutions? You know, lose weight, eat healthy, stress less, find more "me-time?" Not me.

Sorry, but those resolutions have a high potential for failure. And the mere thought of failing seriously stresses me out, which in turn sends me straight to the couch with a jumbo-sized bag of Lays (see where I'm going with this?).

My alternative strategy for 2015: I'm going to start with the small stuff.

For example, my resolutions this year aren't dependent on total abstinence from chocolate and total adherence to new "rules" I don't have the willpower to follow. Instead, I am laser-focused on one area that desperately needs work: nixing my bad beauty habits. My theory? Reaching these little goals will help me gain the momentum I need to tackle the bigger stuff.

With the drying winter weather upon us, exfoliating once or twice a week is crucial. I know this -- and yet I still don't whip out my Clarisonic Mia, $125, as often as I know I should. (Hint: No cash for the Mia? I also love the OLAY Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System, $29.99).

I also plan to try this homemade exfoliation recipe from Mila Kunis' esthetician Scott-Vincent Borba:

Start by exfoliating skin from head to toe with oatmeal and honey to soothe and condition your skin. Next, soak in a lukewarm milk bath made with a half gallon of milk and two Alka-Seltzer tablets (to stimulate oxygen).

I know, I know -- I shouldn't be cutting corners on this one. New York City-based dermatologist Ranella Hirsh, MD, reminds me that it's important to wear sunscreen every day -- even in the winter. UV damage can lead to brown spots, more wrinkles, and all sorts of not-so-pretty stuff in addition to the big C.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every two hours year-round on any exposed skin. (Try Clarins UV Plus Day Screen SPF 40, $40.) At the very least, cover your face, chest, hands and forearms at least 30 minutes before heading out the door.

Before you even think about popping that stubborn pimple, consider this: Waiting out a blemish is better than risking a scar -- even if it takes weeks. So, I'm essentially learning to be more patient (and perfecting my concealer technique).

While I wait for a zit to clear, I'll rely on a salicylic-acid cleanser, an anti-blemish treatment, a calming moisturizer and a good stick concealer. (Try Olay Total Effects Blemish Control Salicylic Acid Acne Cleanser, $8.99, and Covergirl CG Smoothers Concealer, $6.99.)

I'm going to take a tip from Victoria Beckham and coat my entire body with a long-lasting body lotion to seal in moisture as soon as I get out of the shower.

Beckham -- and Prince Harry -- swears by Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, $19.50; I also love Therapy Systems 24-Hour Body Lotion, $35 and OLAY Luscious Embrace Body Lotion, $4.99.

Reminder: The hands tell all, so I'm resolving to drench them in hand cream and cover them with spa gloves overnight, too. According to celebrity skin care expert Ole Henriksen, a good hand cream lists humectants and natural fats first and skips or scrimps on synthetic fragrances.