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. As an Aquarius, my makeup and lifestyle naturally lean creative, intuitive, and a little unexpected—rules were never part of the plan! With this birthday, I want my energy to show up as confident experimentation, modern simplicity, and the freedom to wear makeup like art, not obligation.
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 doesn’t make you vain or insecure—it makes you human. In 2026, I’m going to drop the apologies. I truly wear makeup because it brings me joy. Not because I feel obligated to “fix” something, not for my husband, not for others to look at me – I do my makeup for ME.
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:
In terms of facial gadgets, this budget-friendly but highly rated Kitsch Gua Sha, $13, is a great modern take on an ancient self-care practice! It sculpts, defines, reduces puffiness, boosts circulation, and relieves muscle tension. Or y’all know I’ve been using my Currentbody Red light mask, $470, for over a year and a half now, and I can tell when I quit using it because my skin goes so dull! It’s pricey and definitely an investment, but if done consistently, worth every penny.
For a pro-aging potion that works, this 5-star, over 30K likes, Clinical PRO Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment from Paula’s Choice, $68, is a true winner for fighting the good fight of achieving clear, luminous skin!
Goal #3: Redefine What “Polished” Looks Like
Polished doesn’t mean barely there OR packed-on makeup. It means intentional. A fresh complexion, softly defined brows, one standout feature—these choices read modern and confident. The goal is to look like you, not like you tried to recreate your face from ten years ago. Let go of outdated rules and trust your instincts more.
Product Suggestions:
I’m so into blurring powders that you swipe over your skin to give you that soft focus glow! You can use them alone over your moisturizer, or like me, to finish off your last step after foundation to make everything look super airbrushed! Of course, I’m into the Hourglass Ambient Light powders, $58, but they are a steep price; they will last you a loooong time. The Morphe Cloudlight soft glow veil powders are a beautiful alternative, though at only $16.
Goal #4: Be Experimental Without Pressure
Experimentation doesn’t have to mean bold eyeliner every day. It can be as simple as trying a cream blush instead of powder, switching up your lip texture (matte vs glossy), or wearing a color you’ve always avoided. Play at home. Take photos. Wash it off. Curiosity keeps makeup fun at any age, and it’s not permanent. You won’t know if you like something or a technique, unless you try it!
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 the best investment and will last for years if you take care of them. Treat yourself to a new powder brush, $28, or foundation brush, $33, and that eyeliner brush, $15, that can help you mimic eyeliner without ever using real eyeliner!
The Rest of My Look Details
Polka dot short-sleeved sweater, $18, and matching cardigan, $24, are from Walmart! And look so well made like you got them from J.Crew! I love, love this blue shade and polka dot print, anything puts me in a good mood! // Wearing the L’Oreal Hyaluronic Acid skin tint that I HIGHLY recommend to anyone wanting a new anti-foundation – it gives beautiful, blurred skin without the heaviness. I’m wearing shade 2-3, $17 // Similar dainty stackable rings from Bauble Bar here, $48. // My Showbiz blue, Peepers reading glasses, $32.
The best beauty goal for 2026? To age out loud, experiment bravely, and let makeup enhance the life already written on your face! I haven’t been able to respond to everyone’s sweet comments from my December Favorites post yet, but I promise to get to all of them! Thank you again for being here – it’s truly an honor to see how engaged you ladies are with our posts here on SAACA.
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