The Gritty Pretty Beauty Resolutions For 2020

For some, jotting down a list of resolutions is an annual ritual – one that usually takes place on January 1 with a mimosa in hand (hair of the dog, anyone?) and sunglasses on.

For others, this practice is outdated and anxiety-inducing. Why place undue stress on yourself to overhaul your life at the start of every calendar year?

At Gritty Pretty, we prefer a moderate approach. Provided your goals are realistic – therefore, not setting yourself up for failure – New Year’s resolutions provide an opportunity to reflect on the year just passed and think about what’s important to you. Dare we say it, your resolutions could even be… easy?

Here, our beauty commandments for 2020:

This year, I will…  streamline my beauty routine

In 2020, we’re keeping things simple. That means 10-step Korean skincare routines are out and multi-tasking makeup heroes are in.

When it comes to beauty, some products are cult-classics for a reason. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup SPF 10 is beloved by women across the globe. Why? It’s the little black dress of makeup.

There’s something to be said for finding a product that works – and sticking to it. Double Wear offers long-wear, buildable coverage and is both sweat-proof and transfer resistant – meaning no touch ups are required. Apply it on its own for medium coverage or sheer it out with a few drops Estée Lauder Advance Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II for a more lightweight, glowy finish.

The key to a second-skin application? A bi-annual shade matching consultation. Sure – a detour to David Jones might add a few minutes to your commute home, but you only need to get shade matched twice per year, during summer and winter. (Usually, you’ll need a slightly darker shade during the warmer months.) In doing so, you can apply your foundation with confidence, knowing it will blend with ease.

This year, I will…  stress less

Have you heard? Stress is so 2019.

Jokes aside, stress is not only detrimental to our mental and physical health, it also accelerates the ageing process. When we’re stressed, the body releases hormones, including cortisol, that can trigger fight or flight mode. This is not good for skin; the body decides that circulation is not a priority and that blood must be sent to muscles and vital organs. Over time, skin is deprived of oxygen, ageing is ramped up and pre-existing issues can flare.

The best ways to manage your mental load and, in turn, look after your skin? Sleep more (seven to eight hours, if you can), exercise (but not too much), practice mindfulness and, last but not least, prioritise fun. (When was the last time you laughed until you cried? More of that in 2020 please.) 

This year, I will…  stay hydrated

Mark your diaries: 2020 is the year of hydration, hydration, hydration.

In a survival situation, the human body can go without food for about three weeks. Whereas it can typically last only three to four days without water. Your body needs the stuff – eight glasses, every day.

The beauty benefits of drinking enough water are numerous and far-reaching. When your body is hydrated, it can flush out toxins more efficiently. Plus, if you’re hydrated overall, some of this water will go to your skin – therefore maintaining your skin’s natural elasticity. (Have you ever woken up with a hangover to find your wrinkles are more prominent than usual? You can thank dehydration for that.)

If you use a hyaluronic acid-based serum, it will work best when you’re adequately hydrated. Why? Hyaluronic acid draws water into the outermost layer of your face, making it appear plump, juicy and youthful.

This year, I will…  spend less time online

Sure, social media is fun – but do you know what else is fun? Putting your phone down and taking in your surroundings.

Scrolling through Instagram before bed can have serious impacts on your sleep. According to a study cited by ELLE, the artificial light emitted by our electronic devices can throw out our circadian rhythm. The study found that reading an e-book, four hours before bed for five nights in a row, delayed melatonin (the sleep hormone) release by more than an hour and a half – that effectively shifts the circadian rhythm into another time zone. Moral of the story? Less screen time = more sleep. Period.

Do you have any 2020 resolutions? Tell us in the comments below!