With January well underway, it’s time to think about how you’re actually going to make your New Year’s resolutions a reality—and if your goals for 2024 are beauty related, then you’re in the right place. From cleaning your makeup brushes to wearing sunscreen every day, we all know that it’s the small daily habits that make the biggest difference.
Whether your goals are nailing the ‘glass skin’ trend, growing your hair, perfecting your skincare routine, or simply giving yourself a new year glow up, these easy beauty habits will get you started.
1. Streamline your skincare routine
Sometimes, less is more. The basics of a skincare routine are cleansing, moisturising, and applying SPF. If you have specific skin concerns and goals, then you may want to add in a serum to help address issues like dull skin, breakouts, or pigmentation. But beyond that, the average person doesn’t need an excessive 12-step skincare routine. Start with the basics, and add products in gradually so that you can figure out if anything causes any issues.
2. Don't pick your spots
Picking and squeezing your spots can be all too tempting, especially when one unexpectedly pops up the night before a big event. However, while it might seem like the quickest way to get rid of a breakout, picking and squeezing can actually cause further inflammation, making the spot look and feel even worse. Picking also increases the risk of a spot scarring and leaving a red mark, and squeezing can actually infect a breakout with bacteria, making it larger and more painful. Instead of touching your spots, apply a breakout patch instead. Not only will it prevent picking, but it will create a protective environment over skin which allows the breakout to heal safely and quickly.
3. Clean your makeup brushes
Nothing beats the feeling of applying your makeup with clean brushes and sponges… Not only does makeup apply more easily and leave a seamless finish that requires minimal blending, but clean brushes will be free from the bacteria and buildup that can clog pores and irritate skin, leading to congestion and breakouts. In an ideal world, aim to clean your makeup brushes and sponges after every use, but never let more than a week pass by without a brush-cleaning session.
4. Wash your hair every 2-3 days
Washing your hair every day might seem like the best way to maintain healthy, shiny hair, but in actual fact, when it comes to hair washing, less is more. Over-washing can strip natural oils from the scalp and in doing so triggers the production of excess oil, meaning hair gets greasier even faster. Leave a few days in between washes (dry shampoo will be your best friend to begin with) and you’ll find eventually that your hair will stay cleaner for longer—and you’ll be less likely to deal with scalp-related issues like dryness, dandruff, and greasy roots.
5. Wear SPF every day
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again… SPF is a non-negotiable in your daily skincare routine, no matter what the weather. UV is the main cause of signs of skin ageing, like fine lines, wrinkles, and brown spots, and also triggers inflammation, which means it can make concerns like acne, rosacea, eczema, and hyperpigmentation much much worse. These days, there are plenty of innovative new sunscreen formulas that are actually enjoyable to use, won’t clog pores, and will help to prime your skin for makeup.
6. Avoid over exfoliating
In recent years, exfoliation has been a big trend in the skincare world. There are now hundreds of products which use exfoliating acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid, and which promise to smooth and brighten skin. While they certainly will help to do this, exfoliating products should only really be used once or twice a week. Using them daily can damage the skin barrier, strip moisture from the skin, and lead to irritation and sensitivity. Reduce your exfoliation to a weekly treatment, and consider using enzyme-based exfoliants which are more gentle on the skin.
7. Take daily supplements
From hair growth to clear skin, supplements work just as hard as the products you apply on your body to achieve your goals. The secret to ensuring that they work? Taking them every single day for at least three months.
