Switch up your grooming routine with these essential, effortless steps for a glow up in 2025
New year, new me—a phrase that feels trite and almost cliche, especially since many fall back into their old habits in no time. It must be said, though, among the many New Year resolutions one can make, changes to grooming routines are among the easiest to achieve. By adding a few minutes to your morning routine, you can enjoy the benefits of instant gratification with minimal effort: a fuss-free glow up for 2025.
This year, instead of overhauling your entire lifestyle, focus on small, manageable changes that can make a significant impact. For starters, don’t skip the fundamentals in your skincare routine: always start the day by applying your cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen.
“A good quality cleanser is a must as it helps to remove grime and dirt from the skin’s surface. This action not only reduces the development of unwanted blemishes and texture, but also allows subsequent skincare products to work more effectively when they are applied to the skin,” says skincare enthusiast and content creator Syed Zulfadhli. He recommends a broad- spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF rating of 50 to prevent premature ageing, unsightly sun spots and painful sunburns.
For those who are willing to take their skincare routine a step further, Syed suggests adding skincare treatments such as retinol and vitamin C serums. “It takes less than a minute to incorporate these topical treatments. It is important to be consistent with them, but it’s actually not a bad idea to apply these treatments anytime your skin requires a boost,” he shares.
Conceal and control
With these basics covered, you can also explore simple make-up techniques that can subtly elevate your look. And don’t worry, it’s not what you think it is. The idea, says celebrity make-up artist Zoel Tee, is to even out and boost the appearance of your complexion.
According to Tee, the goal isn’t to transform but to enhance. Start with a pea-sized amount of tinted moisturiser, BB or CC cream. Dot it onto key areas— forehead, nose, cheeks and chin—then blend outward in circular motions from the centre of your face. This technique evens out your complexion for a natural finish. Our advice for those of you who are not averse to trying this out: less is more. Always start with a small amount and build up the coverage.
For those who are tackling skin problems such as acne, dark spots or under-eye circles, a lightweight concealer can work wonders. As with the base, dab a small amount on problem areas—just one or two dots per spot to avoid excess—then gently tap until the concealer blends seamlessly with your skin.
Choosing the right concealer can be tricky and Tee suggests a moisturising formula with sheer to medium coverage—ideal if you are new to using such products. He also advises steering clear of concealers with highlighting or illuminating effects. To take the guesswork out, Tee recommends IT Cosmetics CC Cream and Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer. Last but not least, finish your morning routine with a nourishing lip balm.
Follow these steps and you’ll look like you’ve been taking care of yourself—who knows, inspiring you to do it for real.
This story first appeared in the January 2025 issue. Purchase it as a print or digital copy, or consider subscribing to us here
