Body & beauty

10 Ways To Break Out Of A Beauty Rut

Shake up your routine in January with these easy tips

Wipe off

“There’s no time like a new year to change up your routine,” says Bridget O’Keefe, make-up artist, beauty blogger and founder of Blush and Blow (blushandblowlondon.com). “Get all your beauty products out, throw away anything that’s out of date, then wipe down everything that’s left. Sort everything into categories and write a list of anything that’s missing. Head to a department store and visit lots of different counters and get the consultants to try the products on you. Push yourself out of your comfort zone, you’ll love trying something new!”

Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Wipes, £4.33, johnlewis.com

Review your routine

“Work out how much time you have to give to your skincare routine in the mornings and evenings,” Bridget tells us. “Many people are busy, so make sure you’re not overwhelming yourself. Cleansing your skin is very important, especially for those of us living in big cities, and if you can muster the energy, a double cleanse is ideal. Make sure that you’re matching your product to your skin type, and if you aren’t sure, ask. There are lots of beauty professionals out there who can help you.”

Pestle & Mortar Erase and Renew Double Cleansing System, £72, pestleandmortar.com

Add variety

If your current make-up routine is looking a little tired, it’s time to try something different. “Don’t be afraid to experiment with new colours,” says Hayley Sparkes, make-up artist at make-up app Wow How (wowhowapp.com). “For inspiration, look for celebrities with similar colourings to you and steal their style. Whatever you do, try to add variety. You could brighten your lips up by a couple of shades to lighten your complexion – and don’t shy away from bolder colours!”

Lily Lolo Natural Lipstick in Passion Pink, £9.50, lilylolo.co.uk

Focus on your eyes

It’s easy to fall into a rut with your eye make-up and assume that nothing else will work for you, but this doesn’t have to be the case. “Play around with different looks when you have the time to attempt them properly before you go out,” Hayley tells us. “Try a new eye shadow – for example, golds and bronze shades look amazing on blue eyes, while lilacs and cranberry tones flatter green eyes, and brown peepers suit most colours!”

Dr. Hauschka Eyeshadow Trio in Sunstone, £22, dr.hauschka.com

Use a highlighter

This can be intimidating if you don’t know how to use it, but luckily Hayley’s here to help. “A highlighter is a must-have product that is often missing from ladies’ make-up bags,” she says. “They’re great for adding a dewy, youthful glow to the skin. Apply it on the top of your cheekbones, your brow bone, your Cupid’s bow and in between your eyes to make them sparkle!”

Inika Organic Light Reflect Cream, £19, inikaorganic.com

Brush it off

Professional make-up brushes can be expensive, but they are worth the money – they’re designed to last for years, even with daily use, and they make application easier. They’re also better for those with sensitive skin, as they are usually gentler than cheaper options. “If you don’t already have some, invest in some quality brushes,” Hayley advises. “You’ll be amazed at the difference this will make to the finish of your make-up and the looks you’re able to achieve.”

Nanshy Bare Necessities Brush Collection, £69.95, nanshy.com

Extend your lashes

“Lash extensions can be a great way to change your look and save you time in the morning with a lash curler,” says Hayley. “When applied correctly, they can give your eyes a more natural, lifted and youthful appearance. You’ll achieve the most desirable eye shape, even camouflaging the look of heavy eyelids.” Luckily, you no longer have to head to a salon to do this, as there are at-home kits that you can do from the comfort of your own house.

Tropic Skincare Lash Extension Kit, £25, tropicskincare.com

Nail it

The Queen is famously loyal to one particular brand and shade of nail polish, but you don’t have to follow suit! It’s great to mix it up, but do remember that as we age, certain tones don’t work as well and can seemingly drain your hands of colour, so it’s important to pick the right one before a manicure. While sophisticated, nudes actually bring attention to any problem areas with your skin, so it’s best to stick to brighter, warmer colours – in fact, red is one of the most youthful shades.

Nailberry Oxygenated Nail Lacquer, £14.50, nailberry.co.uk

Try a mask

Do you normally rely on your same old moisturiser day in, day out? Bridget suggests switching things up every once in a while with a face mask. These products have a wide range of benefits depending on which one you choose, from hydrating your complexion and removing excess oil to improving the appearance of your pores and cleansing deeply. If you’re feeling brave, you could even try the multimask trend – using more than one product on your face to target different problem areas.

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask, £17.50, lizearle.com

Fill in your eyebrows

It might take a little more time in the mornings, but defining your eyebrows can have a dramatic effect on your look. Comb through your eyebrows with a spoolie brush, and then apply your choice of wax, pencil or powder in small strokes that mimic the natural hairs. Be sure to choose a colour close to your natural shade, to not use too much product, and to follow your natural shape so that they don’t look overdone. Finish by using the spoolie brush to comb through your brow once more.

bareMinerals Frame and Define Brow Styler, £15, bareminerals.co.uk