We are already a month into the New Year but have we done anything new for our skin? Let’s make 2018 the year when we embrace beauty. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to add some cream worth Rs 5000 to your daily regime. It’s the small, but daily things that you do that makes the difference. We know that resolutions are hard to keep so we are making this easy so that they are realistic and do-able plus these will actually be enjoyable!

Resolution #1: Use a nightly cream/serum

Step up your skincare regime in 2018 with a basic nightmare cream or serum. It doesn’t have to be exorbitant, just a basic night cream that you will apply EVERYNIGHT without fail will do the trick. A night cream helps because this is the lengthiest amount of time that your skin is untouched and at rest in the whole day. Even a basic cream will work wonders. And don’t wait until you hit 30 to include this into your skin regime. Precaution is better than cure, so it’s better to be prepared.

Resolution#2: Do your research

You wash an apple before you eat or even avoid one if it gives you a bad tummy ache then why not treat your skin products the same way? Every product has a list of ingredients that may or may not suit your skin, so do your research on what works on your skin type better before you ‘add to cart’! For example, Hyaluronic acid is extremely beneficial for dry skin or ageing skin so try and Google things that you can’t understand. Don’t forget to keep a look out on our page for all makeup and beauty related tips!

Resolution#3: Clear out your products

Do you remember when did you buy the mascara that you are wearing? A year ago? Time to dump it. Use the New Year as a push to give your beauty drawer a proper clear out. Get rid of stuff you don’t use and never will, check for all expiry dates (yes, makeup also has expiry!) on your products and chuck whatever is expired. Here’s a general guide to how long different products stay safe.

• Eyeliner: For gel and liquid eyeliners, there’s a shelf life of around six months.
• Pencil liners: One year
• Mascara: Three to six months
• Powders: One year. Give products a sniff before using and chuck out any that smell.
• Liquid foundation: If it’s in a pot, keep foundation for six months. If it’s in a pump bottle you can use it for up to two years.
• Lipstick: Two years, but throw out lipsticks if you spot changes in colour, texture, or smell.

Resolution#4: Actually wear sunscreen everyday

If there was one beauty resolution that you have to take in 2018, this is the one! Regularly wearing sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays and the premature signs of aging. Commit to applying sunscreen 365 days a year, including the winter months. Not wearing sunscreen because you don’t like the formula isn’t an excuse, as you have tons of sunscreens now that don’t even feel like they are wearing one. Also, don’t forget to pick a lip balm that has SPF as well!

Resolution#5: Clean, clean, clean

That doesn’t mean just your makeup brushes but also your face and your bedding! Stop relying on facial wipes to get your makeup off. Always, always get it off with micellar water and then wash your face. Like a night serum works wonders at night, imagine what a feast the bacteria will have on your skin the whole night if you don’t clean it. Also, don’t forget to change your bed sheets and pillow covers regularly. Your face may be clean but your linen should be too! And then of course are your makeup tools. Keeping them squeaky clean on a weekly basis, especially sponges, is very important.

Would you like to see more beauty resolutions every month in 2018? Let us know what your thoughts are in the comments below!