By this time of the year you may have thrown all your other resolutions in the bin, but hear us out.
We’re inviting you to reframe resolutions as simply being more intentional about how you approach your beauty routine in 2026.
Instead of falling for trends or flipflopping on what you’re putting effort into – be it skin, hair, body or perfecting that soft, smudgy eyeliner – setting a handful or goals can help you maximise results with minimal effort. You don’t have to use of lot of steps or products, but making sure the ones you carry out make the difference.
Consistency is the key for beautiful skin and good practices will also support its health long term, so putting in the work now will pay off in the long run.
Cleanse correctly
Whether it’s a single cleanse with a gentle gel cleanser or a double cleanse using an oil-based product and then a milky version, the key is to cleanse well each night.
In the morning it’s up to you whether you cleanse, just make sure you don’t over do it with stripping products.
Bridget Carmady, founder of Clémence Organics skincare, says it’s not always necessary.
“If you’ve got to bed with clean skin, you really don’t need to cleanse again in the morning. Every time you cleanse you remove precious natural oils from your skin and damage your microbiome. Instead, simply splash and pat dry with a gentle face cloth, and then continue with your skincare routine.”
Three cheers for removing a step!
We love gentle cleansers that emulsify and rinse away well so you don’t leave residue on your skin.
These are some of our favourites: Clémence Organics Refining Cleanser; Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Facial Oil; Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser; Drunk Elephant Mello Marula Cream Cleanser
Have fun with makeup
There’s something to be said for an understated, polished and refined look, but it does take some of the joy out of loving makeup.
If you feel like getting a little experimental, adding a lil sparkle in the day time, or wearing a red lip with a clean face, then do it.
Embracing the possibilities of something new, rather than the same process you’re always used is so 2026.
Our few suggestions? Add an eyeshadow stick to your eye makeup approach, use a burgundy or eggplant-coloured eyeliner, try a pop of cream blush or use one of the new-gen lip stains and tints with clear gloss over the top.
MECCA MAX has new shades of its easy-to-use Off Duty Blush Sticks that look far more subtle and flattering than you’d expect. Just swipe on and blend with your fingers.
Wear SPF every single day
Now’s the time to commit (if you haven’t already) to adding SPF to your daily routine, not just when you’re heading to the beach.
Do you need us to remind you how UV radiation can penetrate clouds and windows?
The way to stick to it is to add it to your routine after you brush your teeth in the morning. Use it after you’ve applied any skincare and before makeup if you’re wearing any.
You’re far more likely to use SPF if it feels good on your skin. Go for a lightweight SPF for oily or acne-prone skin if you’re prone to breakouts, and a hydrating one if you’re dry.
We like the very fluid ones that are becoming more common. We spread over our face with a dense bristle brush ensuring all the trick bits that sometimes get missed, like eyebrows, lips and ears, are covered.
Try these: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Anti-Dark Spot Fluid SPF50+; Melitta GLOWGUARD SPF 50+; MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum
Commit to nourishing treatments
We’re talking about those maintenance treatments that you’ve never paid much heed to, but make a real difference.
Things like using a scalp scrub, or simply improving circulation with a longer scalp massage while you shampoo, using cuticle oil to nourish and strengthen your nails, and sticking with an eyelash serum or brow serum to boost growth.
Even getting regular hair trims rather than a big chop can help you look put together without a big time or money commitment,
Treat the skin on your body as well as your face
Many of us are guilty of lavishing skincare on our faces each night but paying little-to-no attention to the scaly situation on our legs. Not to mention the bumpy arms, aging hands and pigmentation on our chest.
This is the year to choose some lovely, sensorial products with good active ingredients designed to smooth and hydrate and applying them regularly. Salicylic acid is good for dealing to body breakouts and keratosis pilaris and body oils can help the skin on your legs hold onto moisture for longer.
I feel like this might be one of those things we do well for a week and then forget about, but stick with us, at least while the weather is warm!
Making it easier are the affordable body products that smell delightful, like those from Soap & Glory, Lush and Mario Badescu and cheap but hard-working favourites from Cerave and Avene.
Naturium is another great new arrival at Sephora that has a variety of body products that make a read difference and are lovely to use. Our favourites are the Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash and The Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Lotion.
