Beauty-Related New Year’s Resolutions You Can Definitely Keep

Embrace your natural hair texture

Heated styling in all its forms is a massive contributor to fried, damaged locks. If you’re trying to improve your hair health in 2018, adding length and shine, it could be a good idea to stay away from heated tools and instead, embrace your natural texture every now and then. We’re not saying you’ve gotta go curler cold turkey — even if it’s just once or twice a week, laying off the heat can be beneficial.

Of course, we’re not sending you off on your mission without a little help. Investing in a product that will enhance what mama gave you is key. If you’re a curly kinda girl, pick up a curl enhancer that will define ringlets and minimise frizz. Those with pin-straight locks will enjoy a smoothing serum, whereas anyone with a wavy texture should opt for a sea salt spray to take that beachy look to the next level.

Invest in quality over quantity

Grabbing a whole heap of new makeup or skincare without emptying the contents of your wallet can be invigorating — trust us, we’re just as into the cheap stuff as you are. However, we often find that those low-budget picks, albeit fun and new, aren’t the highest of quality. For those who aren’t afraid to fork out a little more beauty-wise, perhaps it’s time to invest in quality over quantity as part of your 2018 New Year’s resolutions.

There are certain items in your makeup bag that will benefit from a switch-up, such as serums, foundation and mascara. When it comes to lipsticks, blush, eyeshadow and other non-essential items, sticking to affordable picks won’t be too detrimental, but quality is a must-have when you’re wearing something on a daily basis.

Give your hands and lips some love

Two aspects of our beauty routine that often get overlooked are the hands and lips. However, these are also body parts we use every single day, whether it’s through typing at work, chatting away to friends or washing up the dishes of an evening. Make one of your New Year’s resolutions to pay a little more attention to these neglected areas, ensuring soft, supple skin and a hydrated pout.

Lanolin is an amazing ingredient that you should look for in a lip balm, as it not only seals in existing damage, but draws moisture from the air to continuously hydrate and nourish. It also has similar benefits for the skin, so a lanolin-based moisturising cream will do wonders for tired, working hands. If you prefer something a little more natural and botanical (as lanolin is derived from sheep skin) opt for anything chock-full of essential oils and butters.

Don’t get stuck in a makeup rut

Have you ever looked back on your makeup habits and realised that you seem to use the same old stuff, day in and day out? We’ve all been there, and even our team of beauty-obsessed editors can admit to getting stuck in a beauty rut. Vow to change all that in 2018, and we promise you’ll reap the rewards of being that little bit more creative.

This doesn’t mean you have to start wearing edgy eye looks or bold lipsticks to work or around the house (although we’re not opposed…you do you!). When you’re next headed out for an event, meal or party with friends, take the opportunity to try something new. Whether it’s finally mastering winged liner, applying a pop of orange lippie or attempting to contour, the process of trial and error is bound to inform the way you think about and apply makeup. Who knows — you might discover a new go-to look!

Make room for the new

2017 has definitely been the year of minimalism (hello, Marie Kondo — thanks for the 193 op-shop trips I’ve made since January). We predict this trend is here to stay, though, and is bound to follow us into 2018. With a huge year full of amazing new releases ahead of us as always, you’re going to need a little extra room in that beauty drawer or shelf. What better way to start fresh than to declutter your beauty a little?

Decluttering doesn’t mean you have to chuck everything you own in the bin, but it does suggest you should be more intentional with what you keep. If you’ve got foundations from 2007 or dried-up tubes of mascara rolling around in your drawer, into the rubbish they go. That serum you tried and hated? Give it to a BFF who’ll be more likely to put it to good use. Once you’ve cleared out, even if it’s just a little, you’ll feel so unburdened (and ready to collect all over again, come pay day).

Set aside self-care time

On a serious note, us ladies are pretty notorious for taking very little time for ourselves. Whether you’re a full-time, 9 to 5 working gal, a busy mumma or a frantic student, you probably spend very few hours in the week looking after yourself. It’s time that all changed. Make one of your New Year’s resolutions for 2018 to set aside an hour or two a week for self-care me time.

Treat yo’ self to a relaxing bath or shower to start off. Grab a scented body wash or lotion and luxuriate for a few minutes. Wash your hair gently and intentionally, using that hair mask that’s been sitting in your bathroom drawer for 6 months, unopened (yes, we see you). Go through your whole skincare routine, taking time to complete all of the steps, rather than rushing through it like you might do on a busy weekday. We promise that setting this time aside for yourself will not only set you up for a productive, mindful week, but will leave you feeling oh-so pampered.