Resolution 2022: Beauty Reboot
With each new year comes the promise of change, a chance to assess old habits, and creates the clean slate one needs to start something new. Many people try to set a resolution that will encourage them to be a slightly “better” person, or at least make them feel as such. We could all use a little help getting there. One of the simplest ways to achieve this is to upgrade your beauty routine. Every January, I get so many clients asking me how to elevate their look or what they should be doing differently with their skin, so I decided to put together a list of five sure-fire strategies to ensure a gorgeous start to the year ahead.
OUT WITH THE OLD. IN WITH THE NEW.
It’s very important to remember that beauty products expire. I’ve seen some pretty gnarly makeup bags that could use a little sprucing up. So, this year, go through your drawers and look under your sink for things that are or cause question. Tip: Check for the open jar logo on the back of product box to get an idea of how many months you have to use the product once it’s been compromised to air and bacteria. It’s also a good idea to replace older formulas (i.e., the same foundation you’ve been wearing for years) with newer ones, as updated technology is being introduced into the beauty market every day, meaning a better option might be out there for you. Mascaras, eyeliners, and lip glosses that are extra goopy or have completely dried up should be tossed, and any brushes and sponges should be taken out and deeply washed. I assure you, after cleaning out all of your cosmetic clutter, taking inventory, and refreshing what needs to be replaced, you’ll feel so much better about your beauty ritual this new year.
NARS CLIMAX MASCARA
One of the first products in your bag that you should assess is mascara. The average shelf life of mascara is only about six months, due to the fact that working the mascara in and out of the tube introduces air into the product. In turn, the air can not only dry out the product, it also allows for all sorts of things that you probably don’t want near your eye. It’s no wonder why most optometrists actually recommend changing them out every six to eight weeks. If you find that you’re in need of a new one, be sure to check out one of my favorites, NARS Climax Mascara!
Available: Nars – $24
SUPERGOOP UNSEEN SUNSCREEN
Another product that has a measurable expiration date is sunscreen. In order for these products to fully protect your face, they must be less than a year old. Anything past that, and the efficacy of the product drops exponentially, even to the point where the product no longer serves its purpose. One great replacement is be the Unseen Sunscreen from Supergoop. Its lightweight texture is so addictive there’s no way you won’t be able to finish it within a year, and we especially love that it sports a broad-spectrum SPF of 40!
Avilable: Supergoop – $34
EXPAND YOUR PALETTE
Trying something new is often simpler said than done. Fortunately for us, though, the trend experts at Pantone have made it easier than ever to embrace new colors. Each year, they announce an official Color of the Year that represents a main source of inspiration and sums up the cultural state-of-the-union, if you will. From there they build stories around that color, taking all the guess-work out of how to wear it. 2022 will be splashed with the hue aptly titled, “Veri Peri,” a soft purple shade designed to inspire “carefree confidence” and boost creativity. There are so many ways to wear this color, but keeping it to an isolated, controlled application is the simplest way to keep your look sophisticated. Give it a try.
P.Louise ‘BASE’IC COLOURED EYE BASE – “VIVID VIOLET” $17
Do you want a quick and easy way to get a gorgeous – and Pantone-approved – color payoff? These eyeshadow bases do double duty: they prime and tint in a variety of vibrant colors. A technique I have used recently on my celebrity clients is using the primer to create a defined shape, then gently blend the edges where the product meets skin. Then you apply a corresponding shadow for maximum intensity!
Available: PLouise – $17
ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS NORVINA CHROMA STIX – VIOLET
Talk about swatch-worthy! These fully pigmented, budge-proof, twist-up makeup pencils are a new cult classic. Perfect for graphic looks, the creamy formula instantly creates a precise line in one stroke. If “Veri Peri” isn’t your vibe, keep in mind they come in 14 other shades, so I’m sure there’s one for you! Note that you have a very short window of time before these fully dry: once they do, they are set in place for eight hours or more!
Available: Anastasia Beverly Hills – $18
BOOK A TREATMENT
Still dealing with the same breakouts, fine lines, or sun spots? This year, try booking a personalized consultation with a professional Dermatologist or Aesthetician to learn what products would be best for you! There are so many experts out there that can offer you sound and solid product recommendations to help address all of your skin concerns from the previous year, without you having to do all the research, leg work, and returning “unresultful” purchases. Many high-profile Derms and Aestheticians have even launched their own ranges of products to take all of the guessing out of the equation. This offers you formulations designed around their personal skin philosophies and favorite ingredients, so it’s almost like taking the med-spa home with you.
SHANI DARDEN SKINCARE – RETINOL REFORM ANTI-AGING SERUM
Shani Darden is a celebrity-best-kept secret. Her newly-opened spa in Beverly Hills may seem unassuming from the outside, and once you walk upstairs and enter her peaceful palace, you’ll see why she is so sought after. Her space calms to the core and gets you completely relaxed for her famous lactic acid (LA) treatment, which helps to resurface and brighten the skin. Shani’s Retinol Reform treatment serum, which also contains LA, is designed to give you similar results in a gentle but effective way that works over time to reveal younger looking skin. Be sure to check out Shani on her social channels for more skincare tips and tricks straight from the source.
Available: Shani Darden – $88
KATE SOMERVILLE KATECEUTICALS RESURFACING OVERNIGHT PEEL
Another one of my favorite spa clinics in Los Angeles is nestled right in the heart of Melrose Place, as well as in my heart. I have personally had a long-lasting relationship with this brand, specifically because of its amazing take-home treatments that rival the in-office procedures. Kate is an expert at isolating and blending best-in-class ingredients, delivering products that are effective and results-driven. When you’re on the case to correct fine lines, texture, or minor breakouts, look no further than her Resurfacing Overnight Peel. Using this two or three times a week on “non-retinol” nights will instantly make your face feel softer & smoother and give a gorgeous glow upon rinsing it off in the AM. Over the course of a few weeks, you’ll really begin to notice the appearance of more youthful looking skin.
Available: Kate Somerville
GET YOUR MAKEUP DONE BY A PROFESSIONAL
Every now and then, it’s a good idea to get a fresh perspective on your unique beauty, and hiring a makeup artist can help. Getting your makeup done allows you to see yourself from someone else’s point of view. Makeup artists are trained to source and celebrate the prettiest parts of you that you might not even notice. They have the ability to minimize concerns and focus on features that flatter. Each time you get your makeup done by someone else, you’ll learn a new tip or trick that you’ve never tried before; this keeps your makeup fresh, fun, and never boring. It also helps you to stay on top of your ever-changing complexion and skincare needs. It’ll be worth the time for an expert to teach you something new to start the new year off right. If you don’t have access to a Pro, check out some of the brands that have been created by top-tier artists to get their custom-approved formulas.
MAKEUP BY MARIO MASTER MATTES EYESHADOW PALETTE
Mario D. has always been a source of inspiration for me and a truly compassionate colleague in the beauty industry. He is known mostly for his celebrity red carpet glam, but he is also a master educator. His masterclasses across the country and online led to him create a range of products that he uses to make product execution easy and understandable for anyone regardless of their artistry skill level. The Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette has been a new go-to in my personal kit because it has everything I need to shape, sculpt, and define the eyes, in an array of perfectly planned out neutral shades. Another tip is that this can even be used for brows.
Available: Makeup By Mario – $48
DANESSA MYRICKS COLORFIX 24HR CREAM COLOR
Makeup artist, teacher, and photographer, Danessa Myricks formulates innovative textures that are industry changing. Her iconic COLORFIX range of cream eyeshadow pigments come in an array of colors that would entice both the novice and the experienced makeup artist alike! They blend like a dream and wear even better, touting a 24-HR claim. Some of my favorite shades include: Ballerina, Iconic, Muse, and Goldmine. Check out her Instagram for images of beautiful makeup inspiration mostly captured by Danessa, herself.
Available: Danessa Myricks Beauty – $18
TRY NEW TECHNOLOGY
It’s no secret that skincare technology is evolving at a rapid pace. Every day, a celebrity credits some new advanced treatment to their flawless skin and beauty buffs everywhere book appointments to get the same experience. Light therapy, Microdermabrasion, microcurrent stimulation, and new massage modalities are just some of the ways that spas are sending clients home with real results. But now, to take it even further, there are at-home versions of a lot of these in-office tools that can help you to enhance or prolong the results of your last visit. Rest assured:all of these gizmos and gadgets are tested for safety, and come with ample instructions or online videos to teach you how to use them properly. Lastly, when you think about how much money you’ll be saving by cutting back a few trips to the Med Spa, you’ll find these devices prove their value after a few uses. Instead of rushing to the store buy a new TV, try investing in some new tech for skin to kick off the new year.
SOLAWAVE SKINCARE WAND
Light waves can be a powerful beauty tool. Recent studies have shown that red light can help support your skin’s natural collagen and elastin to firm and tone, without any irritation. The Solawave Skincare Wand also produces a gentle micro-current that stimulates the muscles in the face. Lastly, the gentle warming sensation helps to promote circulation, which delivers essentials oxygen and nutrients to the skin, imparting a real glow. With consistent use (five minutes per day, three times a week), Inoticed the difference in my own skin.
Available: Solawave – $149
SKIN GYM PORIE PRO BLACKHEAD TOOL
For those suffering from blackheads and enlarged pores, this one’s for you. Skin Gym’s Porie uses high-powered, multi-level suction to remove loose debris and even the most stubborn clogs. The device comes with four- interchangeable heads to address different-sized areas. After cleansing and steaming the face, the pores are open and ready for a deep clean as you slowly make passes across the surface of the skin. It’s portable, easy to clean, and includes an in-depth instruction manual that explains all of the tool’s functions and features. This product really works!
Available: Skin Gym – $79.99
