8 *Actually* Achievable Beauty Resolutions for Your 2024 List

Easily Achievable Beauty Resolutions:

1. Stop Tugging at Your Skin

We’ve all been guilty of using a towel to aggressively rub our face. Whether by natural reaction, or in an effort to remove pesky remnants of makeup, scrubbing has definitely been a thing. And we’ve done it with products, too, initially assuming the harder we go, the better we penetrate the formula. 

But scrubbing or tugging at the skin, especially with a towel, “can lead to fine lines and wrinkles as it stretches the skin,” explains Katini Yamaoka, founder and CEO of Katini Skin. “Instead, opt for a gentler approach by patting your face. This helps to protect your skin from unnecessary stress and promotes a healthier complexion.”

2. Stop Popping Your Pimples

It’s the oldest no-no in the book, but we’re all guilty of it. While popping pimples is admittedlyso satisfying, skincare expert and medical aesthetician Cassandra Bankson(who has dealt with acne her whole life), says it only leads to infection and scarring. 

Her alternative? Pimple patches (namely, the ZITSTICKA Microdart Killa Pimple Patches). “These not only help prevent you from picking, but some of them are medicated with special ingredients to help reduce the size, color, and intensity of zits,” she raves.

3. Stop Licking Chapped Lips

Once again, who isn’t guilty of licking their chapped lips? And does it ever actually help the problem? Of course not.

“Licking your lips can actually dry them out more,” Bankson says. “It actually causes the saliva to evaporate, and can cause more dryness. Instead, carry around a fragrance free, occlusive lip product that seals in moisture and stops you from needing to lick your lips.” Her pick? The deeply nourishing BIOSSANCE Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm. We personally carry the iconic GLOSSIER Balm Dot Com with us at all times.

4. Look Awake and Alive at All Times

No matter your skin tone or skin type, puffy eyes and dark circles are such a reality. This is especially true toward the end of the year when we’re wrapping up final deadlines and hitting the holiday party circuit. Luckily, there are many ways around it.

“Achieving a well-rested look doesn't always require a full eight hours of sleep,” says Skin Charm owner Annie Bruno, RN, CANS, LE, CLT. “With the right skincare routine and a few clever tricks, you can fake a good night's sleep and bid farewell to dark under-eye circles.”

First and foremost, keep those eyes looking hydrated through hydrating skincare products and water consumption. We recommend the HERBIVORE BOTANICALS Moon Dew 1% Bakuchiol + Peptides Retinol Alternative Eye Cream. The active ingredients here are especially recommended for sensitive skin. Bruno is a firm proponent of SKINMEDICA TNS Eye Repair, thanks to its intensive multitasking abilities. Bankson loves a hydrating under-eye mask, a la the WANDER BEAUTY Baggage Claim Eye Masks. “These can add physical pressure to the under-eye area to target under-eye bags,” she says. “With ingredients like caffeine, you can stimulate circulation to help move fluid from the puffy under-eye area to help drain it out of your face.”

Bruno also advises using an ice roller for puffiness. “Gently roll the chilled roller under your eyes to constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling,” she says. “This simple technique can help soothe tired eyes and give the illusion of a more awake appearance.”

And, of course, there’s nothing a little makeup can’t do. “Concealers are your secret weapon for disguising dark circles,” Bruno says. “Opt for a peach-colored concealer to counteract the blue or purple tones of under eye circles. Gently pat and blend the concealer for a seamless finish. This simple step can instantly brighten your eyes and create the illusion of a well-rested complexion.” Our pick? The IT COSMETICS Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer.

5. Decrease Your Sugar Intake

You’ve probably heard it from your dentist and physician, but the skincare gurus are here to hammer this point home: Sugar is bad for you!

“Too much sugar can lead to skin glycation, which is when sugar molecules attach to proteins and contribute to skin aging and the loss of elasticity,” says Dr. Shuting Hu, founder and CEO of Acaderma skincare. “This is a main cause behind collagen crosslinks. Instead, opt for a diet rich in nutrients, healthy fats, and antioxidants. A Mediterranean diet, for example, can contribute to overall skin health.”

6. Stop Being Lazy Fresh From the Shower

The first few minutes out of the shower are more impactful than you may think. This is when your pores are open (thanks to a combination of exfoliation and heat), leading to better beauty product absorption. So if you’re feeling relaxed and ready to take a moment in your robe or towel, think again.

“Avoid waiting too long after your shower to apply your skincare and body care products,” Yamaoka says of serums, lotions, and oils. “When your body has cooled down and your pores have fully closed, you won't get the maximum results from the products you use. Instead, apply your skincare and body care immediately after getting out of the shower while your skin is still warm. This allows your skin to absorb the products much better, providing you with better results.”

7. Stop Using Soap Bars

You probably know not to take a bar of Dove hand soap to the face—but you should probably avoid bar soaps altogether. That’s correct, even ones that claim they’re designed for the face aren’t recommended to maintain healthy skin. 

“Soap can lead to dryness, redness, and skin inflammation,” says Hu. “Try an amino acid cleanser instead, as it’s gentle on the skin and helps maintain the skin’s natural pH balance.”

For oily skin especially, Bruno suggests a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid cleanser. “These ingredients help kill breakout-causing bacteria while unclogging pores,” she says. “Use the cleanser twice a day to keep oiliness at bay without over-drying the skin.” We opt for the tried-and-true MURAD Clarifying Cleanser.

8. Maintain a Glow (Even With Exceptionally Dry Skin)

During this season more than ever, you want moisture to last. This can be achieved by using a facial oil or oil-based moisturizer. 

“As the colder months set in, our skin craves hydration, and without it, it starts to look and feel dry and dull,” Katini explains. “Applying a nourishing facial oil (she recommends one of her KATINI SKIN face oils) as the final step in your skincare routine will enhance moisture retention, ensuring your skin remains radiant and plump throughout the winter season.”

If a facial oil feels too heavy for your face, Bankson says you can opt for a rich moisturizer with ceramides, shea butter, peptides, glycerin, or jojoba oil. “As a bonus, you could even use an overnight mask or try slugging in the evening to wake up with hydrated skin,” she advises.

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