New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be monumental goals or major life changes; in fact, setting your sights on more achievable objectives can be just as rewarding-and potentially more effective. So this year, set yourself up for success by focusing on realistic resolutions you can actually stick to: like making tweaks to your beauty routine that will keep your skin and hair in tip-top shape. Ahead, we’ve put together a list of nine easy doable beauty resolutions you can make (and keep) that will ensure you look and feel your best in 2019.
Drink water. We know, you’ve heard it a million times–but there is no overstating the importance of hydration to your health in general. As dermatologist Dendy Engelman tells Well + Good, “Adequate hydration helps the skin to optimize circulation to the skin and toxin removal from the skin.” So drink up this year–it may just show on your face.
Clean your makeup brushes regularly. It’s easy to neglect this small task but giving your brushes a thorough wash once a week can reap big benefits. Removing the product residue buildup and oil that collects in the bristles can reduce your chances of unnecessary breakouts–and improve your makeup application.
Use a hair mask. Applying a hair mask once a week can rehydrate your strands and keep them in great condition. For extra dry strands, try sleeping with the mask on and rinsing in the morning. (Click here for more hair mask tips.)
Don’t sleep with makeup on. Yes, some nights hovering over the sink and washing your face can feel like a total drag. But skipping this simple step can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and impede your skin’s ability to repair itself while you’re sleeping, which is definitely a way bigger drag. So remember to take a few extra minutes each night to clean your face before it hits the pillow.
While we’re on the subject, don’t work out with makeup on. Sweating with foundation on is a recipe for breakouts and blackheads caused by clogged pores. Eye makeup isn’t as problematic but it can smear around your face and get into your pores as well, so it’s best to go fresh-faced while working out. Make sure to wash your face before you hit the gym and your skin will thank you.
Be consistent with your skincare routine. Bouncing from one product to another because you don’t see results right away is actually doing your skin a disservice. The beneficial effects of your skincare products can take some time (a few weeks) to show–and maintaining a consistent routine can actually make your skin cells more resilient. So be patient: Great skin, like most great things, is worth waiting for.
Wear SPF every day. Besides the obvious health risks the sun’s UV rays present, they also can affect your skin’s texture, especially as you get older. Protect your pretty mug by making it a point to apply sunscreen daily, even in the colder months.
Check in with a dermatologist. We’re not talking about booking an appointment just when you’re having skin issues like dry skin or acne. Regular checkups and screenings with your derm, in addition to self-scans, will ensure any potentially problematic moles or freckles are addressed in a timely manner.
Embrace your unique beauty. By now you know there isn’t just one set definition of beauty, regardless of the messages society may be sending you. So remind yourself you are beautiful every day, and instead of comparing yourself to unrealistic images, embrace your unique features. The confidence you’ll feel is better than anything you can buy at the drugstore–we promise.
What are your beauty resolutions for 2019? Share yours in the comments!
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