We don’t mean to rub it in your faces, but by now you’ve probably had already given up on a few (or all) of your New Year’s resolutions. Don’t sweat it, studies show that 80% of us fail our resolutions by the second week of February. So much for “New Year, New Me”, right? Ok, but seriously, following through with resolutions is a lot of work — especially if we’re all focused health, career and money (which can seem impossible to control at times). So how do you follow through with a resolution? Ditch a few of the unrealistic resolutions and focus on one small promise at a time. A Cornell University study found that participants are more likely to stick with their resolution and new habits if they found it rewarding and see immediate results.
If self-care was on your list of promises, kick off the year by updating your skincare routine and break up with your old bad beauty habits with these easy-to-keep resolutions. We promise your skin will thank you.
Stop Relying On Makeup Wipes
If you made it through the entire year last year without sleeping with makeup on, give yourself a pat on the back (seriously, that’s a huge accomplishment). This year challenge yourself with an even more skin-loving resolution and stop relying on makeup wipes. Sure, the quick-fix, travel-friendly wipes come in handy after a long night of partying but nothing gets the job done like a deep double cleanse. We suggest melting away makeup with a cleansing oil or balm and then follow with your favourite gentle cleanser.
Clean Makeup Brushes Regularly
They say to clean your makeup brushes at least once a week. It may sound like a breeze, but unless you’re a professional makeup artist, we know nobody actually does this (we included). But here’s why it’s super important to clean your beauty tools on a regular basis: makeup brushes and sponges can harbour acne-causing bacteria. If once a week sounds like too much commitment, pencil in some time to clean your brushes at least twice a month. Having a schedule is key. Using a really good brush cleanser can also save you time.
Wear SPF
Sun damage is the number one cause of premature ageing skin. Which is why experts (and your mom) constantly remind you to wear sunscreen daily. To make sure you never forget to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, switch to a lightweight facial moisturizer with SPF or splurge on SPF-infused foundation or powder.
Clean Up Your Makeup and Skincare Stock
Crowded makeup stock? Well, it could be because you’re holding onto the last bits of your favourite discontinued lipsticks. We hate it to break it to you, but its time to let go. Not only because you need the space for new loves, but it’s likely they’ve reached their shelf life. Yup, makeup and skincare products have expiry dates. Using expired cosmetics won’t give you the same finish as they did before and can even cause infection.
Drink More Water
Sure, you can tackle dehydrated skin with a lipid-loving serum, but dermatologists say the easiest way to look hydrated is staying hydrated by drinking water. It’s recommended to drink eight glasses of water a day. While you’re at it, limit your alcohol and caffeine consumption as they’re known to dehydrate.
Quit Ignoring Your Hair
A quick and easy solution to reviving brittle, dry and damaged hair is using a deep conditioning hair mask. We all use hair masks every now and then but the truth is we never use them as often as we should. This year, give your hair the attention it deserves and start using a hair mask on a weekly basis.
Stop Picking At Your Pimples
Acne breakouts are the worst, and somehow some of us find ourselves constantly picking at them. Unless you’re a Dr.Pimple Popper trainee, there really is no reason for you to be touching or attempting to pop your pimples. Touching active breakouts can lead to more clusters of breakouts and even a nasty infection. The safest and quickest way to get rid of an unwanted pimple is with an acne spot treatment.
