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5 Beauty Resolutions We Should All Try to Keep This Year

Simple tweaks, massive payoff

I have a colleague who once resolved to accomplish a body roll by the end of the year. You know, that dance move where you mimic the rippling of a wave from head to tailbone. I thought to myself, “Now, that’s a brilliant resolution!” Because so often, our yearly goals feel more like punishments than pursuits; daunting and devoid of pleasure, and invariably setting us up to fail and punish ourselves all over again the following year. 

But a body roll—so fun! Ever since then, I’ve granted myself full permission to make my January aspirations as free and frivolous as I choose. This year’s list, for example, includes taking care of my cuticles. I’ve got very high expectations for myself, as you can see. So if, like me, you’d like to make a little room for frivolity in your resolutions, here are five beauty improvements we could all stand to make habits this year.

Wear sunscreen every day

You know that elusive fountain of youth people are constantly on a quest for? Well, it’s already been found. Like a while ago. Spoiler: It’s sunscreen. Ask any dermatologist what the number 1 secret is for looking younger and that’s the answer you’ll get every single time. Indeed, the primary cause for premature aging is sun exposure (it accounts for up to 80 per cent of extrinsic aging), which means shielding your face with SPF rain or shine is the single best thing you can do to prevent wrinkles, dark spots and sagging. But the effects aren’t only preventative. A 2016 study showed that wearing sunscreen daily can actually reverse the signs of aging, too, improving skin clarity, texture and even fine lines. So yeah, don’t skimp on SPF.

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Supergoop!Supergoop! Zincscreen Mineral Lotion SPF 40, $55, sephora.ca

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You can’t go wrong with this featherlight mineral formula from cult-brand Supergoop!.

 

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La Roche-PosayLa Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Fluid Face Lotion SPF 50+, $29, laroche-posay.ca

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When La Roche-Posay says invisible, it means invisible.

 

powder sunscreen
Laboratoire Dr. RenaudLaboratoire Dr Renaud Loose Powder SPF 50 Broad Spectrum, $58, ldrenaud.com

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Available in Light and Dark, this SPF 50 powder from Canadian brand Laboratoire Dr Renaud serves up broad spectrum protection with an added shot of antioxidants. 

 

Clean your makeup brushes

Look, I’m not looking to shame anybody here, but just like you wouldn’t eat meal after meal out of the same plate without cleaning it, you don’t want to be applying your makeup with the same dirty brush day after day. Because over time, brushes and sponges can turn into science experiments, breeding bacteria—so much bacteria—especially if you’re using anything moist on them like foundation or cream blushes and bronzers. Then, as you cheerfully do your makeup in the mirror, gearing up for the day ahead, you spread that bacteria. All. Over. Your face. That means potential breakouts and rashes and just overall a very unappetizing visual. So this year, get yourself some brush cleaner and wash your tools once a week to get all the gunk out. Not only will it be way better for your skin, but your makeup will also go on much smoother.

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Ciname SecretsCinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner, $32, sephora.ca

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It’s the one pros swear by: a quick-drying, rinse-free cleanser that’s also a 99.99 per cent antimicrobial disinfectant.

 

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BeautyBlenderBeautyBlender Keep It Clean Cleansing Kit, $26, nordstrom.ca

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This nifty kit makes keeping your beloved BeautyBlender clean easier than ever.

 

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Sephora CollectionsSephora Collection Refresh Daily Brush Cleaner, $20, sephora.ca

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It’s alcohol-free and contains conditioning agents so your brushes stay in tip-top shape.

 

Be nicer to your hair

I’ll just come out and say it, most of us are monsters to our hair. We use it and abuse it and then we resent it for looking fried. It’s time we own up to our ways and try to repair the relationship. Cutting back on heated tools can help, but a great way to improve your hair’s health is to minimize the friction. Every hair pro will tell you, wrapping your hair in a regular towel after washing it can translate to major frizz and breakage. Instead, try removing the excess moisture with a soft old T-shirt or a gentle, specially designed hair towel. A lot of pillowcases and hair ties can also cause friction and damage. Keep your strands safe by sleeping on silk and securing your ponytail with a scrunchie or spiral hair ring—i.e., nothing that can snag or apply too much pressure. Your hair will thank you.

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AquisAquis Lisse Luxe Hair Turban, $40, sephora.ca

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It cuts drying time in half and reduces frizz and breakage. An absolute game-changer.

 

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Urban OutfittersUrban Outfitters Chloe Satin Scrunchie Set, $16, urbanoutfitters.com

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So pretty, so silky and so gentle on your hair.

 

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LilysilkLilysilk 19 Momme Terse Envelope Silk Pillowcase, $44, lilysilk.com

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One hundred per cent pure Mulberry silk. Not only will you feel like a queen, but you’ll wake up to smoother hair and wont ever have a pillow crease on your face again.

 

Don’t pick your skin

It’s so tempting. A ripe, juicy pimple taunting you to pop it or a magnifying mirror exposing the myriad blackheads that have set up camp on your nose. But don’t do it! Bottom line, giving in will likely leave you with two things: a bigger, angrier pimple and a post-blemish scar that intends to stick around and make you think long and hard about what you’ve done. So instead of employing blunt force, try nicely asking intruders to scram with a tried-and-true spot treatment, some hydrocolloid pimple patches or a good old pore strip. 

good habits
Mario BadescuMario Badescu Drying Lotion, $23, sephora.ca

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Banking on zit-zapping sulfur, this drying lotion is an icon for good reason.

 

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Hero CosmeticsHero Cosmetics Mighty Patch The Original, $18, thedetoxmarket.ca

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Like magic, these stickers draw out fluid overnight so pimples appear smaller by morning. 

 

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BosciaBoscia Pore Purifying Black Strips, $40 (for 12), revolve.com

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Spiked with activated charcoal, these strips absorb excess oil and help purify pores.

 

Stop neglecting your cuticles

I’ve gotten pretty skilled at the buffing and filing and polishing portions of the program, but my cuticles yell “amateur” from miles away. I’d venture they’re the trickiest part of the DIY mani. They’re also the riskiest. Cuticles exist for a reason, you see, namely to keep out bacteria, so overdoing it could potentially lead to infection. That’s why it’s best to leave any trimming to the pros and instead tidy things up with a clean cuticle stick. Start by massaging the area with an oil or softener, then push back excess skin. Be gentle—this shouldn’t hurt at all. It’s also a good idea to apply a little cuticle oil daily to keep your nails healthy. It helps prevent dryness and brittleness, and gives nails a bit more flexibility so they’re not as prone to breakage. 

 

 

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CNDCND Solar Oil, $16, shoppersdrugmart.ca

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It smells incredible! Not only that, but the sweet almond oil, jojoba oil and vitamin E work wonders moisturizing nails and cuticles.

 

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Quo BeautyQuo Beauty Cuticle Pusher, $8, shoppersdrugmart.ca

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Bring the nail salon home with this professional cuticle pusher.

 

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