Perhaps you’re ready to give up on your New Year’s resolutions—or you already did that a long time ago. No matter. There’s no bad time to start taking better care of yourself. Maybe some new stuff will give you the kick-start you need.

SKIN CARE GOES ORGANIC
Facial cleansers might help make people look good, but a lot of beauty products aren’t so pretty themselves. The Washington, DC–based Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database contains information on more than 14,000 personal-care and beauty items. Among the top ingredients of concern are dibutyl phthalate, an endocrine disruptor and possible reproductive toxin; phenylphenol, an endocrine disruptor and possible carcinogen; and various colour additives. According to the EWG (www.ewg.org), the average adult uses nine personal-care products a day, with 126 unique chemical ingredients. Lily Organics Dew Fresh Skin Care is a Boulder, Colorado–based line that’s free of synthetic chemicals. The unscented Sensitive Facial Cleanser ($17 for 3.4 fluid ounces) is made from almond-oil soap, kosher-vegetable glycerin, tincture of lily flower, and organic comfrey root, while Kissable Lips (a moisturizer, $5.05 for 0.15 ounce) contains beeswax, almond oil, sesame oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, wheat-germ oil, vitamin E, bee propolis, and lecithin. Available at Whole Foods (Village at Park Royal, West Vancouver).

WORKOUTS THAT MAKE SCENTS
Maybe some innovative workout wear is what it’s going to take to get you to the gym or the yoga studio. Check out Reebok’s Zan Chi Aroma ­Therapy Seamless Tank, a women’s top that releases the scent of lavender when worn. The aroma is said to last through more than 25 washes. Just as the makers of Caramilk will never reveal how they get the damn caramel inside the bar, the pros at Reebok will only say that the tank features “unprecedented scent-technology” and that the smell is activated by body heat. At least you won’t have to worry about whether you stink when you run into that babe near the water fountain. The crossback shirt ($59.99), which has a supportive built-in bra, comes in citrus yellow, opium, pale violet, and black, and is available at  Lady Sport (3545 W. 4th Ave., 604-733-1173).

ALL PART OF A HEALTHY DIET
Yes, we can thank modern research for allowing us to enjoy good-quality chocolate. Dark chocolate lowers high blood pressure, according to a 2003 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. There’s more. Dark chocolate is also a potent antioxidant, according to a 2003 issue of Nature. Antioxidants destroy free radicals, destructive molecules that have been linked to heart disease and other illnesses. Maybe you’ll feel even better about eating chocolate if you’re supporting a local company. Terra Nostra, a division of KFM Foods International, is based in Vancouver and has just launched its organic Robust Dark & Roasted Almonds bar, with 60 percent cacao. Terra Nostra also makes nondairy milk-chocolate bars containing rice milk. The Robust Dark & Roasted Almonds bar ($3.49) is available at Capers Community Markets and Choices Markets (various locations). Yeah, yeah: everything in moderation.