As we step into January 2026, it’s time to retire the idea that beauty has an expiration date. An aging face isn’t something to correct, hide, or give up on…it’s something to work with. And with the start of this new year, I feel most of us seek a fresh outlook on life, and our looks! And I believe that investing in your beauty routine/self-care is always a good jumpstart! (This shouldn’t come as a surprise coming from a makeup artist, right??)
I will turn 48 at the end of this month. Being an Aquarius means I naturally gravitate toward creative and intuitive choices in my makeup and lifestyle with a touch of the unexpected since following strict rules has never been my style. For this birthday I want my energy to reflect confident experimentation and modern simplicity. I want the freedom to wear makeup as a form of artistic expression rather than something I feel obligated to do.
Now, if you’re in need of a beauty refresh or mental vision board but aren’t sure where to start, I’ve got some ideas for you! I’d love for you to take a moment to read through these ideas/goals in the hopes that maybe you’ll be inspired and feel like they were written for you, too!
Goal #1: Stop Apologizing For Wanting to Look Good
Wanting to feel beautiful does not make you vain or insecure. It simply makes you human. In 2026 I plan to stop apologizing for it. I wear makeup because it genuinely brings me joy. I do not wear it because I feel I need to fix something about myself. I do not wear it for my husband or so other people will look at me. I do my makeup for myself & no one else. The truth is that enjoying makeup is a personal choice that deserves no explanation. When I sit down at my vanity and pick up a brush I feel creative and calm. The process itself matters more than the end result. Blending colors & trying new techniques gives me a sense of accomplishment that has nothing to do with anyone else’s opinion. Society often tells women that caring about appearance means lacking depth or confidence. That narrative is outdated and unfair. You can be intelligent & ambitious while also enjoying the ritual of getting ready in the morning. These things are not mutually exclusive. Makeup is just another form of self-expression like choosing an outfit or styling your hair. Moving forward I refuse to downplay something that makes me happy. If someone judges me for wearing lipstick or spending time on my appearance that reflects their perspective & not my worth. I have decided to embrace what I enjoy without guilt or justification. This shift in mindset feels liberating and long overdue.
The confidence that my beauty routine brings me in the morning is priceless.
Product Suggestions:
In order to do your makeup well, you need a fabulous mirror with light and magnification! Doing your makeup while just standing far away in front of that mirror slab placed on your bathroom wall isn’t going to cut it anymore! If you can’t see what you’re doing when you’re applying makeup, it just won’t go well! So treat yourself to this LED light-up mirror from Wayfair, $75, or this beautiful wall-mounted one, $77, or this $29 Amazon one my teenage daughter has.
Goal #2: Make Peace With Your Changing Skin
Skin changes, and that’s not failure—it’s biology. Lines, texture, larger pores, and shifts in tone are all part of the process. Keep a promise to yourself to be consistent with treating that face in the evenings with some great pro-aging creams and potions – because the best repair works while you sleep! Maybe even invest in a new facial gadget. You’re never too late to start pampering your skin.
Product Suggestions:
When it comes to facial tools, the affordable and well-reviewed Kitsch Gua Sha at $13 offers a contemporary version of a traditional self-care method. It helps sculpt and define your face while reducing puffiness and improving circulation and muscle tension. I have been using my Currentbody Red light mask for more than a year and a half now. The mask costs $470 and I notice a real difference when I stop using it because my skin loses its glow. While the price is high and requires a significant investment the results make it worthwhile if you use it regularly.
This Clinical PRO Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment from Paula’s Choice costs $68 and has earned over 30000 likes along with a 5-star rating. The product delivers real results for anyone looking to achieve clear and glowing skin while addressing signs of aging effectively.
Goal #3: Redefine What “Polished” Looks Like
Polished makeup is not about wearing almost nothing or piling on layers of product. It means making deliberate choices about what you apply. A healthy-looking complexion with gently shaped eyebrows and one feature that stands out creates a current and self-assured appearance. The aim is to enhance your natural look rather than attempting to recreate how you appeared a decade earlier. Release yourself from old-fashioned guidelines and rely more on your own judgment.
Product Suggestions:
I really love blurring powders that you brush across your skin to create a soft focus glow. You can wear them by themselves over moisturizer or use them as a final step after foundation to achieve an airbrushed finish. The Hourglass Ambient Light powders are excellent at $58 but they come with a high price tag even though they last for a very long time. The Morphe Cloudlight soft glow veil powders make a great alternative and they only cost $16.
Goal #4: Be Experimental Without Pressure
Experimentation does not need to involve dramatic eyeliner applications on a daily basis. You can start with small changes like using cream blush rather than powder versions or alternating between matte and glossy lip finishes. You might also consider wearing a shade you have previously dismissed. Practice these looks at home where you can take pictures & remove the makeup afterward without pressure. Maintaining curiosity about makeup ensures it remains enjoyable regardless of your age since nothing about it lasts forever. The only way to discover whether you appreciate a particular product or application method is to actually test it yourself.
Product Suggestions:
When experimenting, I usually start with drugstore-priced products so I don’t sink a bunch of money into something until I’m sure I’ll wear it more often! This winter is the time to try a vampy berry lip like this one I’m wearing from the L’Oreal Colour Riche Intense Volume matte lipstick in shade 183 “Le Carmin Courage”, $10. I love these slim lipsticks too, it feels very luxurious without the price tag, and the matte is comfortable and smooth, not dry and patchy!
Goal #5: Focus on Longevity, Not Trends
Trends come and go, so if you want to try them, I say DO to stay feeling relevant, but don’t dump a bunch of money into those trendy looks you just aren’t sure about. Invest in techniques, products, and tools that support your skin now and five years from now. Think adaptability over excess, quality over quantity.
Product Suggestions:
My BK Beauty makeup brushes are worth every penny and will serve you well for many years when properly maintained. Consider getting yourself a new powder brush for $28 or a foundation brush for $33. The eyeliner brush at $15 is particularly useful because it lets you create the look of eyeliner without actually using traditional eyeliner products.
The Rest of My Look Details
This polka dot short-sleeved sweater costs $18 and the matching cardigan is $24 at Walmart. The quality looks amazing and reminds me of something from J.Crew. The blue shade & polka dot pattern always brighten my mood. I’m wearing the L’Oreal Hyaluronic Acid skin tint in shade 2-3 for $17. I highly recommend this product if you want an alternative to foundation. It creates a beautiful blurred effect on your skin without feeling heavy. You can find similar stackable rings at Bauble Bar for $48. I’m also wearing my Showbiz blue Peepers reading glasses that cost $32.
