A few days into the New Year and you’ve dreamt up resolutions to make the next trip around the sun better than the last.
And while vowing to eat more greens, make more money, and practice self-care are common goals, if you’ve been slacking in the beauty department, this is a chance to redeem yourself.
If you don’t know where to start, here are some but a few resolutions we think everyone should make.
The best thing about beauty resolutions? They’re a breeze and fun!
Commit to Wearing Sunscreen Everyday
It’s a beauty writer’s job to preach the importance of rocking sunscreen, even on cold, winter days.
Even indoors – contrary to what most believe, you’re prone to sun exposure through windows, and sometimes, you might end up running outside for an emergency errand.
Sunscreen not only protects you from UV damage but it helps slow down signs of aging, including dark spots, pesky lines, and wrinkles.
So, invest in a lightweight formula, SPF 30 or higher, for optimal results.
Clean Your Makeup Brushes Regularly
It’s the ultimate rule every makeup enthusiast loves to break, but cleaning your makeup brushes every day, or at least once a week, helps prevent breakouts and skin irritation.
It might seem like a chore, but you only have to set aside 20 minutes of your time every weekend, pop in your headphones, and your skin will thank you later
Remove Makeup Before Bed & Properly
Heard this one before? Thought so.
However, many of us still forget to do so, especially after a late night out. And worse, others draw their wet wipes, swipe off their ‘makeup’, and go to sleep. That’s just wrong.
Heed our advice. While removing makeup after eight cocktails with the girls might seem like a punishment, you should cleanse before bed if you want your skin to flourish.
It not only helps unclog your pores, but it also helps reduce extreme lip dryness.
Therefore, make it your new year’s resolution to invest in a gel, clay, or foam cleanser if you have oily skin. A cream cleanser is your best bet if you have sensitive skin, while those with dry skin should go for an oil cleanser.
Keep Your Skincare Routine Simple & Consistent
Another new year’s resolution? Ditching ten-step skincare routines and diving into simpler, effective skincare routines like the popular five-step Korean regimen.
More isn’t better and can lead to irritation. A good rule of thumb is to go for simple products that’ll make a significant difference – cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
Ditch Expired & Unused Beauty Products
If you’re like us, New Year is the time to declutter – and if your beauty arsenal is out of control, this is the best time to get things in order.
Not sure where to start?
Check the expiration dates on all your beauty products and start tossing out anything past due.
While it might not be apparent, skincare products don’t have a ‘due by date.’
Therefore, make sure you check the open jar symbol on the back of your bottle of serum.
Most skincare products come with a ‘12M’, which means you should use the substance for 12 months.
If your skin doesn’t also like it, toss it out, girl – we’re done struggling with redness and irritation this year.
Stop Touching Your Face
One of the biggest challenges people face regarding proper skincare? Touching and popping pimples.
It’s time to stop this. Yes, I’m talking to you.
While picking at spots and popping pimples can be soothing (studies show it can be stress relieving), it just exposes your skin to bacteria that lead to more breakouts and irritation.
So, if your face is itchy or you can’t stop thinking about that pimple, make it your 2022 resolution to purposefully distract yourself by dancing to your favorite jam or popping bubble wrap instead.
Embrace Experimenting
Make this the year you experiment with skincare ingredients. Have dark spot issues? Invest in Kojic Acid. Have a fine lines problem? Check out snail mucin products.
Some skincare ingredients can become less effective with time. When that happens, try changing up the products in your routine and find out which one will work perfectly.
Stop Being A Hair Slacker
If you’re like us, you’ve probably been paying too much attention to your skincare routine and giving your hair the cold shoulder.
Yes, your hairline might be cooperating, and hair growth might seem like a foreign concept, but don’t you think ignoring your hair woes only makes the situation worse?
So, stop slacking. Cook up a magical elixir or invest in products that will help nourish your strands and get your hair back to its healthiest self.
Oh, and please, please don’t skip on heat protection. Heat protectants fortify your strands against frequent hair styling and keep the flyaways to a minimum.
Think of them as SPF for your hair – they prevent UV damage and ensure your hair stays soft, strong, and healthy AF!