Realistic beauty resolutions you can keep in 2026

#1: Go back to basics: Cleanse, hydrate and repeat

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1/17

Cleansing and hydrating are the cornerstones of a glowing complexion.

Makeup artist Clarence Lee says: “This routine is your basic start to healthy skin.” Begin with a gentle cleanser that won’t strip skin of natural oils, and follow up with a hydrating hyaluronic acid serum.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser, $44, Kiehl’s from Shopee

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2/17

A favourite of Clarence’s, this pH-balanced cleanser removes impurities while strengthening skin.

#2: Exfoliate, exfoliate and exfoliate

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4/17

Banish dull, lacklustre skin by removing dead skin cells and purifying clogged pores. Use chemical exfoliants with AHAs and BHAs to brighten skin sans friction from physical scrubs.

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (Salicylic Acid) 30ml, $20, Paula’ s Choice from Lazada

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5/17

Contains antioxidant-rich green tea and acne-busting salicylic acid to unclog pores and refine skin.

#3: Brighten up with lipstick, even under a mask

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6/17

After almost two years of going without lipstick, it’s time to bring colour to your lips. Boost your confidence (and lips) to feel better in 2026.

NARS Air Matte Lip Colour, $43, NARS from Sephora

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7/17

Beloved by model Layla Ong, the cushiony lip colour glides smoothly to deliver long-lasting colour with a soft-focus finish.

#4: Remove makeup properly

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8/17

The number one cause of breakouts is clogged pores from leftover makeup and skincare. To prevent this, simply soak cotton pads with a few pumps of micellar water cleansers and wipe off – they work on sunscreens too.

Follow up with a gentle cleanser for a thorough clean.

Bifesta Micellar Cleansing Water, $18.20, Bifesta from Lazada

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9/17

The lightweight cleansing water removes makeup, dust and grime without tugging on your skin.

#5: Wash your tools

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10/17

Don’t neglect your tools – wash your makeup brushes, sponges and applicators at least monthly to reduce bacterial growth.

Makeup artist Cheryl Ow has a clever hack: Lather up an old- school soap bar, wet the bristles of your brushes and put the lather through. The soap suds will pull out the gunk and dried powder stuck within the bristles. Rinse under running water till clear.

Make Up For Ever Instant Brush Cleaner, $36, Make Up For Ever from Sephora

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11/17

For those pressed for time, your brushes may benefit from an instant brush cleaner.

#6: Scrub and moisturise your body regularly

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12/17

We often forget that the body needs a good skincare regime too. Experts say a simplified skincare ritual should suffice – wash, exfoliate and moisturise. Exfoliate twice weekly to slough away dead skin cells and prep skin for added hydration.

Chanel Sublimage La Creme The Regeneration Radiance Fresh Body Cream, $345, Chanel

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13/17

It features Sublimage’s antioxidant-rich Vanilla Planifolia Water that helps to regenerate skin cells and reverse oxidative stress. The rich cream melts onto skin to impart a luminous sheen.

#7: Make sunscreen a priority

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14/17

No matter where you are, sunscreen is necessary. Apply one with a minimum SPF30 and PA+++ over your moisturiser before makeup. Bonus if you use one that fights blue light radiation too.

Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Spray, $34

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15/17

It offers SPF50 and PA+++ protection against UV damage. What’s more, it’s waterproof, even after 80 minutes in water.

#8: Get more sleep

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16/17

Skin switches to recovery mode and becomes more receptive to products as it rests. Sleep also allows the body to produce the growth hormones necessary for good skin. Start your beauty routine at least 60 minutes before bedtime, and reduce screen time and other distractions.

Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash, $57.77, Aveeno from Shopee

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17/17

This body wash lathers beautifully, removing dirt and other impurities without stripping your skin, leaving it well hydrated and nourished.