New year, new you made super easy

January is always the preferred time to embrace the new year, new you mantra. But promising yourself to get fit, take better care of your skin or invest in a fresh make-up look is often easier said than done.

How many times have you set self-care goals only to let them fall by the wayside?

The truth is that New Year resolutions decided way back in the autumn or early winter end up becoming a bit like that stain on your hallway carpet that you've been meaning to clean off for months. Or the junk you've piled in the corner of the garden, ready to take to the dump. It is simply something you think you need to do but don't really want to.

It's pressure. And, if you lack the motivation to get started, you won't bother.

The rush to improve physical and mental well-being at the start of a year sees subscriptions to places like gyms skyrocket. Internationally, 12 per cent of all gym memberships are purchased in January*. Many never make full use of them and can find themselves tied into financial commitments for services they no longer want.

"We all get the exact same 365 days. The only difference is what we do with them.” — playwright Hillary DePiano

Setting deadlines for personal new year, new you goals

A deadline rarely works for personal goals - unless you are super motivated. Unlike deadlines for work, you are the only person responsible for making things happen. Nobody is standing over you or pinging across endless emails, telling you to remember to pop a serum on before you apply your night cream. And, of course, your livelihood doesn't hinge on the latest shade of lipstick or the circumference of your inner thighs. It's all down to you.

The truth is New Year, New You deadlines that you set yourself can cause stress - something nobody wants in their life at the start of a year.

Research suggests that many people who leave meeting a deadline to the last minute won't get the expected result. In terms of work, the Martin J. Whitman School of Management says errors or sloppy performance can be the outcome. If you apply the same logic to a deadline you have set yourself, it is not difficult to see how easy it is to just do nothing!

The reality is that it's all too simple to go for perfection when you are thinking about making changes that are months away. But, as the New Year approaches, anxiety can set in. And worrying about something - anything - is not going to help you physically or mentally.

It is so easy to get distracted from personal goals that it is much better to make a change as soon as you deem it necessary. That's right now, by the way.

You know the saying... Don't put off what you can do today until tomorrow. If you do put something off, chances are you simply won't do it.

New year, new you - now!

Instead of implementing all the changes you want to make to your life next year, start now - gradually. Do it one step at a time so that, when the New Year arrives, you will already be well on your way to achieving your goals.

Mentors, including personal coaches, often recommend this approach because it is less stressful than working to a rigid deadline.

There is a logic behind it.

Around 25 per cent of adults in the UK set New Year Resolutions but, according to the results of a 2020 YouGov survey, less than a quarter stick to them. Around 28 per cent didn't achieve a single one. So, the odds are stacked against you.

We've put together a short guide that will help you make great strides today, tomorrow and next year.

Easy skincare hacks

Now is the best time to give your skincare routine a boost. The single most effective way to improve the condition of your skin is to ensure daytime products contain SPF. It is as simple as swapping one product for another, be it a moisturising cream or foundation. Effortless.

Our second easy skincare hack is to include a serum in your evening routine.

Choose a product based on your skin's current condition.

Take a look at the recommendations below.

• Dry skin: Hyaluronic acid

• Fine lines and wrinkles: Retinol

• Dull skin: Vitamin C

To tackle more than one skin concern, you can layer serums or invest in a multi-peptide product. Vitamin C also works well on uneven skin tone and has a brightening effect.

A good serum doesn't have to be expensive, and it can be mixed with a moisturiser if you don't want to apply it neat.

'New you' makeup ideas

Unless your cosmetics are well past their use-by date, you have probably got some great products you've never used. Eyeshadow palettes are one of the most under-utilised make-up items in cosmetic bags.

It is easy to go with a shade that instantly takes your fancy and stick to that one colour, without exploring what else might look good on you from the same palette.

It's always worth remembering that palettes are produced in colour themes. That means you will find co-ordinating shades that can be used to create one look.

Take a look at your palettes and see if you can discover any new shades that will complement the look you want to achieve.

If you normally only wear one shade of eyeshadow on the lid, why not use two - or even three? Not sure where to start? Take a look at our free eyeshadow tutorial for some great ideas.

Another way to switch up your look is to give your face a more radiant glow with a blusher. This cosmetic is back on-trend and available in matte and shimmering shades. Currently popular are liquid blushers.

Our final New Year, New You make-up hack is lip gloss. Clear or tinted, it can turn any look from drab to fab. So, go on... Get a bit of glamour in your life!

Takeaway: don't put off making changes

It is not always true that good things come to those who wait. The reality is that deciding to start something new 'next year' is like planning a wedding for five years' time. What's the chance it will go off the boil long before?

The time to make the change is now. There will be virtually no pressure and you will see the results in time to celebrate the New Year.

For more information about how you can 'up' your beauty routine, visit our blog.

*IHRSA 2018 Health Club Consumer Report