By Angela Borseti, Aesthetically Ange

New year ~ new me, a phrase we see everywhere in the first few weeks of each new year.

As you map out a new workout or look to reimagine your wardrobe think about what tweaks can be made to your cosmetic routine.

Whether minimalist beauty or full glam is your jam, I’ve put together five tips covering both skincare and makeup to help give a jump start to your beauty routine in the new year.

Turn Down the Temp

The at-home cryo-boom is a skincare trend on everyone’s list. In the fitness world treating the body with icy temps has been increasingly popularized with cryo chambers. This technique can be used on the face with real benefits: applying cold temps to the skin can cause blood vessels to contract and the pores to tighten. The result is firmer, more rejuvenated-looking skin and improvement in how topical products absorb into the skin. So instead of cashing out for a few minutes at a cryo clinic, invest in handheld tools like sculpting rollers or icy orbs to help tighten and contour your face.

Here’s a brief demo of how at-home cryo tools work.

Use Dual Purpose Face Creams

Color correcting treatments are the new wave of skincare. These products often dance a fine line between being defined as exclusively skincare or makeup, but the results are the same – a flawless, natural-looking complexion. The key lies in using basic principles of color theory – targeting “problem areas” with the opposite color on a color wheel. When you mix two opposing colors the original color loses its intensity for example redness can be combatted using green.

You can see how color-correcting treatments work in this brief clip.

Whether you use this as a base for face powders, or “as is” to blur any skin imperfections ~ much like an Instagram filter ~ the results are the same, even, smooth-looking skin. So, ditch Facetune for this more natural alternative.

Find Shades for All Seasons

As the saying goes beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And having the right options to accentuate your features and skin tone can make or break your confidence in exploring different makeup looks – especially when it comes to eyeshadows. That’s why having a range of options in an eyeshadow palette works best for pairing and blending different looks. Here are a few cult favorites to consider:

Urban Decay Naked 3: a classic neutral palate loaded with dusty pink mattes and shimmers to create a soft glow or a dramatic smoky rosy eye using the deeper bronze and burgundy shades.
Makeup by Mario Master Mattes®: a range of ride-or-die mattes, uniquely shaded and inspired by human skin tones from light to deep with a formula that is easy to build.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance: an essential eyeshadow palette featuring neutral to berry-red eyeshadow hues in matte and metallic finishes inspired by the resins and paints of Renaissance art.

Invest in Tools of the Trade

Sometimes it’s basic tools that can help elevate a look or get you closer to your skincare goals. While designer brands can be distracting (trust me it gets even the best of us!) there are a few simple tools to invest in now to up your routine:

Makeup Brushes: you don’t have to be a makeup artist to know that the best makeup application happens with solid makeup brushes. From blending to contour to everything in between, brushes will be your best friend for a flawless, fresh look. Trusted brands include budget-friendly sets from Real Techniques and Morphe to luxury brands like Scott Barnes and Chanel. Like any goal that you set for yourself, start small then build your way up depending on need and level of investment. How many brushes should you own? The limit does not exist.
Ultrasonic Device: this handheld tool is an affordable option to perform at-home treatments and comes in a wide range of styles. Regardless of the model, the metal spatula is held in two positions: downwards to help prime the pores to remove debris or upwards to help promote product absorption into the deep layers of the skin. Results are instant and gratifying making it a simple tool to incorporate into your skincare routine. Still curious? This brief demo breaks it all down.

“And remember a product doesn’t have to be old to have gone bad or have been exposed to bacteria, so you should always pay attention to how your products are holding up (texture, gunk, buildup, smell) every time you use them.”

Keep a Cleaning and Cleanout Schedule

If not properly cleaned cosmetics can become a breeding ground for bacteria that can lead to eye irritations, infections, acne outbreaks, rashes, and more. Not good! Stay ahead of the game by developing a weekly cleaning schedule of all products and tools. Here are a few recommendations to keep your stuff sanitary:

Cinema secrets: offers a rinse-free, fast-drying formula that can help extend the life of makeup brushes. The company also has vegan options!
Makeup wipes: perfect if you don’t have a skincare routine in place but want to get in the habit of cleansing and removing makeup. PRO TIP: on the go and need to cleanse quickly? Makeup wipes can come in handy.
DIY tool cleaner: using at-home facial tools? Mix 2/3 rubbing alcohol and 1/3 water in a spray bottle. After every use, generously spray and wipe down with a clean towel.

It’s important to be mindful of expiration dates, yes products do expire! You’ll want to weed out items and make sure to make sure you're using fresh products. What better time to do this than at the start of a new year?

Here’s a rough timeline based on product type:

MakeuP

Mascaras: 3 months
Eyeliner: 3 – 6 months
Eyeshadows: 12 months
Lipsticks and glosses: 12 – 24 months
Face tints, foundations, blushes: 12 – 24 months

Makeup brushes

Years! If properly maintained

Skincare

Cleansers: 1 year
Toners: 6 months to 1 year
BHA or AHA Exfoliants: 1 year (Does salicylic acid expire? Yes!)
Facial or Body Moisturizers and Serums: 6 months to 1 year
Lip Balms: 1 year

And remember a product doesn't have to be old to have gone bad or have been exposed to bacteria, so you should always pay attention to how your products are holding up (texture, gunk, buildup, smell) every time you use them.

Angela is a graduate of the Catherine Hinds Institute in Advanced Esthetics and is a Registered Aesthetician in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She holds a Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing and is Certified as an Experienced Leader as part of Harvard Business Corporate Learning Program.

Website: aestheticallyange.com