The Beauty Resolutions For 2020 That Will Make You Feel Fantastic

With a new decade upon us, it’s tempting to go OTT on New Year’s resolutions. Setting yourself a bundle of bitesize goals makes for more achievable and sustainable change. Luckily, when it comes to beauty-based intentions, it really is the small and simple things that make a big difference. So, pick and choose a few of these feel-good habits, stick to them and reap the rewards.

Beauty Resolution #1: Stretch It Out

Desk-based work, bad posture and constantly looking down at our phones can cause muscle pain now and in later life. According to Harley Street Osteopath Stephen Sacks, ‘the average adult head weighs as much as a tenpin bowling ball, around 5kg. One of the main causes of muscle tension in the neck is a forward head posture, as the supporting postural muscles work overtime to keep the head on the spine. Once these muscles are held taught for too long, they develop little knots called myofascial triggers, and these can lead to tension headaches.’ Ward off aches and pains by adopting a short daily stretching practice. For Stephen Sacks, it’s all about dynamic stretching. ‘This involves repetitive movement from one position to another. Retraction or chin-tucks are the most useful for strengthening muscles at the back of the necks.’ Do these slowly and schedule them in daily. Your body will thank you.

Beauty Resolution #2: Quit The Squeeze

However bad we know it is to squeeze our spots, we all succumb more than we should. Going in for the kill can lead to further breakouts and scarring, so stave off the itch and reach for one of these beauty team-approved solutions instead.

With teeny needles to push in the potent actives, Zitsticka Killa, £26.99, work wonders. You can even wear them under make-up.

A real cult classic, Origins Super Spot Remover Blemish Treatment Gel, £16, uses worthy of salicylic acid to clear up and prevent blemishes.

A cream formula that treats spots and helps to clear up any residual redness and discolouration La Roche Posay Effaclar AI Breakout Corrector, £12.50, is a team favourite.

Beauty Resolution #3: Master Facial Massage

A DIY face massage every time you apply your favourite serum or moisturiser pays dividends when it comes to de-puffing and boosting circulation. Follow pro facialist Michaella Bolder's perfect routine:

1. Start at your chest, and pressing with your palms, sweep outwards three times each side, then slide up your neck to your jaw.

2. Pinch your jaw between your index and middle finger knuckles and slide from your chin to your ears three times on each side.

3. Place your palms on your cheekbones beside your nose and sweep outwards towards your ears, lifting the cheek, repeat six times on each side.

4. Use your palms on your forehead, sweeping from the middle outwards, repeating six times on each side.

5. Anchoring your thumbs under the edge of your chin, sweep your middle fingers gently under and around each eye area, repeating eight times.

6. Spread your first three fingertips over your brows, press slightly and lift each brow, holding for 10 seconds. Repeat three times.

7. Make a fist with each hand and place them under each cheekbone. Lean your face into your hands, pressing them upwards and outwards for 10 second, and repeat three times.

8. Finish by tapping your face lightly and thoroughly all over with your fingertips.

Beauty Resolution #4: Say Thank You

Say thank you - not out of politeness, but rather, making a ritual of it. According to transformation and healing expert Amy Rushworth, a moment of gratitude every day is ‘proven to improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress levels and better your quality of sleep. Try writing down what you are thankful for in a notepad each evening, or saying it out loud.’ The first few times you might feel a little silly, sure, but bust through that cynic Brit barrier and you’ll be hooked.

Beauty Resolution #5: Know Your Breasts

We know that regular breast checks are an absolute must, but how often do we take the time to really tick the boxes? Here’s your boob check 101 from CoppaFeel!.

‘The key is getting to know what normal feels like for you. Everyone has breast tissue, all genders, so we should all be checking.’

All boobs are different and they’ll naturally change throughout your life, even each month, so get to know their natural rhythm.

Note anything that changes or seems unusual, whether one area feels thicker or any new lumps appear, or if you notice a sudden change in size or shape.

It’s normal for boobs to hurt around your period but if the pain is different or more frequent then get it checked out.

Keep an eye out for changes to the skin like dimpling or puckering, or any unexplained rashes or redness.

Don’t forget your nipples. Look to see if they’ve been pulled in, moved position or changed shape. Or if there’s any crusting or liquid coming out.

Make sure you’re feeling everywhere there’s breast tissue. Not just your boobs, but right up to your collarbone and under your armpits too, in case there’s any swelling.

‘We recommend copping a feel once a month. And if you notice anything that doesn’t feel normal, monitor it for a week and book an appointment with your doctor.’ You can sign up for handy reminders from CoppaFeel! too, so that you remember to check.

Beauty Resolution #6: Factor In Retinol

We may read everywhere that retinol is do-it-all must-have in skincare, but figures show that 50% of us still aren’t incorporating it into our routines. If you want to reap the collagen boosting, pigmentation-reducing benefits, January makes for the prefect time to implement this Vitamin A derivative into your routine, since there is less sunlight. ‘UV radiation breaks most retinoids down, rendering them ineffective,’ says skincare expert Dr Sam Bunting. 'For this reason, always use your retinoid at night - and daily sunscreen use is non-negotiable.'

The serum: Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Serum, £34.99. If you thought you couldn’t get a top-quality retinol on the high street, think again.

The capsules: Dishing out the ideal dose of actives, Elizabeth Arden’s Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum, £42, cut out the guess work, resulting in fewer side effects (the most common across the board being dryness and flaking).

The cream: La Roche Posay Redermic Retinol, £32, is the go-to retinol option for those with sensitive skin. If you’re a retinol first-timer, mix it in with your usual moisturiser.

Beauty Resolution #7: Take the Right Supplements

Supplements can often be more hype than substance. Here are the ones that we’ll be factoring in this year, and why.

Probiotics work to balance the ‘friendly’ bacteria in your gut, ensuring you better absorb the nutrients of a balanced diet. Take regularly in a water-based formula that helps the probiotics to survive your stomach acid and get to your gut intact. Symprove Programme, from £79.

MSM is traditionally used to treat joint pain, but when Oskia founder Georgie Cleeve started taking it for a severe knee issue, she discovered that better skin, and stronger hair and nails were welcome side effects. Oskia London MSM Bio-Plus, £60.

Vitamin E is a powerful anti-oxidant that is just as effective taken orally as it is used topically. Eschew pills in favour of a handful of almonds, which pair the vitamin with fatty acids. According to studies**, eating two 30g servings of almonds per day can visibly plump and smooth skin by as much as 10%.

Marine proteins can increase hair growth. Viviscal Max Strength Tablets, from £38.99, are an oldie but a goodie and beloved by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Reese Witherspoon.

Beauty Resolution #8: Whip It Off

Ask any derm worth their salt what constitutes a sound skincare routine and cleansing will come high on the list. According to Dr Anita Sturnham, ‘your cleanser should be light, hydrating and barrier-restoring in the morning, and more active and intensive at night time.’ Try these tried and tested favourites.

The cream: Decree Light Cleanse, £44. ‘This beautifully formulated rose based cleanser is designed for morning use and restores lipid barriers whilst removing remnants of skincare and excess oil.’

The milk: Avene Gentle Milk Cleanser, £11.50. ‘This takes off the bad stuff whilst replenishing skin too.’

The gel: Murad Blemish Control Clarifying Cleanser, £25. ‘Salicylic acid-based cleansers are great for detoxifying your skin at night.’

Beauty Resolution #9: Go For a Clean Cut

Some view a chop or trim as a monthly must-have, others treat it as an annual event. How often should we

Straight hair - Go for a trim when you start to get fluffy dry ends or whispy edges.

Curly hair - It's a bit more difficult to judge. When it's not sitting right, it's time for a chop.

Beauty Resolution #10: Hydrate!

If you keep one resolution, make it this. It might sound boring and painfully obvious, but stats show a staggering 90% of us aren’t drinking enough water. This takes its toll on the inside and out.

According to Dr Isabella Kent 'dehydration can have a number of side effects including headaches and poor concentration. It can also lead to dry lips and a loss of skin elasticity. The very least we should be drinking is 6-8 glasses of water a day. The amount we need is personal and depends on various factors, including weight and lifestyle. The best indicator that we are drinking enough is the colour of our urine. Aim for it to be a pale yellow, any darker and our body is telling us to drink.' If glugging through glasses of water feels like hard work, don't forget food can contribute to hydration - choose soup for lunch or snack on an apple.

* A poll of 2,000 British people by Bupa. ** Pilot study, conducted by dermatologists at the University of California-Davis (USA).