How often have you managed to stick to a resolution you willingly made on New Year’s Day? We’ve all been there. The term ‘resolution’ comes with a fair bit of pressure, and to be able to commit to a habit for 365 days can be daunting. Instead of over-committing to one resolution, we suggest you try a new beauty trend or technique every month in 2020. This way, you’ll able to experiment with new techniques and formulas, stay in the know about the latest beauty buzz, and maybe even find a new routine you like along the way. One thing’s for sure, they’re all going to have you looking forward to the first day of every month.

January: Invest in a skin cleansing device

Beauty and tech are coming together now more than ever. There’s artificial intelligence involved, customisable beauty routines and even apps that provide skin consultations. Through all the development, skin cleansing devices have stayed the most popular beauty-meets-tech products available for at-home use. Considering the festive season is through, and your skin is probably in the need of an intensive cleanse, this is the ideal time to try a new beauty device to do so. Whether you go with the original Clarisonic, one of Foreo’s many customised cleansing brushes, or a treatment-based cleansing device like those by Nu Skin, your skin will definitely feel fresher and healthier once you begin using one.

February: Clean out your makeup drawer

If you’re an impulsive makeup shopper/hoarder, you’ve definitely been in a spot where you suddenly can’t find your favourite lipstick, or discover a long lost one while hunting for your eyeliner. Trust us, these are warning signs, all pointing in the direction of a session with Marie Kondo. While you may not be able to reach out to the expert, you can start with simple segregation to organise your beauty collection. Gather all your makeup out of every drawer, container and pouch, and bring it all out on the floor or a table (skip the bed, as it could get messy). Then, split them all by category, take the time out to swatch them all, and keep check of what’s in usable condition and what needs to be trashed. Make this a routine every four to six months, and you won’t ever stop.

March: Go natural with your hair care

Traditional shampoos may feel great in the shower, heaps of foam et al, but they could dry out your scalp and strands in the long run. Brands like Aveda and Just Herbs make use of plant-based extracts and botanicals to nourish your hair without stripping it of its natural oils and hydration. Switch to a natural brand, but make sure the formula is one that moisturises as well, so you’re not left with a frizzy head of hair by the end of your wash. Considering the weather will start getting warmer this month, possibly increasing the frequency of your washes, this one’s a great call.

April: Give pastel eye makeup a go

Pastel makeup seems to be the one trend that’s slowly but surely finding its place in the beauty industry. Whether it’s a pastel pink eyeliner or a dash of green or orange around the eyes, from the runway to celebrities and beauty influencers, everyone seems to be embracing the hues. This summer, go bright without being OTT with softer versions of your favourite colours of the rainbow. Balance it out with warm nudes on your lips, and you’re set for the season.

May: It’s time for anti-pollution skincare

Pollution and environmental grime make their way to your skin regardless of how much or how little time you spend outdoors. Your tried-and-tested skincare actives don’t seem to cut it anymore, creating a whole new aisle of anti-pollution skincare products. These formulas are made to target the damage that your skin undergoes due to multiple environmental factors and global warming, especially if you live in an urban city. Look at beauty names like Innisfree, Clinique and BondiChic to give this category of skincare a shot and provide your skin with the extra TLC it needs. You can even inquire at your local salon or dermatologist’s clinic in case they have anti-pollution treatments on offer—The White Door in Mumbai has a Biologique Recherche Detoxing Anti-Fatigue Facial that is made to bring your skin back to health.

June: Give your hair a new look

Whether it’s hair colour in question or a certain hairstyle, it’s easy to find one you like, get used to it and then get stuck in a rut. If you’ve been considering giving balayage a shot, getting a textured lob (like the one Kareena Kapoor Khan turned into a trend) or just want to try a fresh look with your hair, now’s the time. Head over to your hairstylist and have a chat about the best possibilities for your face shape, and pick an option you like. A new look really has the power to transform you, and this may just be the mid-year pick-me-up you need.

July: Try a local skincare brand

The Indian beauty industry is swiftly growing every single day and there are new beauty brands emerging on our radar ever so often. The beauty of most locally produced skincare brands is that they create products for our particular skin type and concerns, keeping the countries environmental factors in mind. Plus, they’re easily available for when you run out and thus also cost effective—no need to pay more in currency conversion, duties or shipping fees. We’re currently loving emerging beauty labels like Organic Riot, Conscious Chemist and Daughter Earth.

August: Have you ever tried a solid shampoo?

It’s a long journey to make, but we’re on our way to making our beauty routines as sustainable as possible. While shower gels can easily be swapped for soap bars, shampoos have their solid equivalent too. Lush Cosmetics kick-started the shampoo bar movement and made it mainstream, and there are a few brands closer to home that are moving in that direction as well. Look to Vilvah, Alanna, Satliva and Auroville for solid shampoos in India, and pick one that best suits your hair type.

September: It’s time to master glitter makeup

As you near the last quarter of the year, you’ll be expecting to have save-the-dates for many weddings and social events to start pouring in. Plus, this month is also officially the start of festive season in the country. There’s no better time than September to start playing around with hints of glitter, so you’ve mastered the evergreen beauty trend by the time the last couple of months come around. Check out our guide to glitter makeup to get you started on the right path.

October: Detoxify your scalp

Combine humid weathers and mostly warm temperatures with pollution, and you have the perfect recipe for a clogged and distressed scalp. It’s easy to forget about caring for it (apart from following your regular two-three hair washes a week), but your scalp needs a detox too. Use a clarifying shampoo every alternate wash or try a hair scrub (The Body Shop’s Fuji Green Tea Refreshingly Purifying Cleansing Hair Scrub is a definite win) once a week to keep your scalp clean.

November: Book yourself in for a laser facial

Facial treatments are hardly restricted to clean-ups anymore—almost every dermatologist you go to has an ever-updating menu with targeted options for every skin need and concern. While LED facials may have been all the rage through 2019, laser facials are this year’s crowning glory. They’re non-invasive (which is their biggest pull), can target acne, pigmentation and wrinkles, and give your skin a taut, lifted glow once you’re done. Consult with your skin doctor or facialist and sign up for one to prep your skin for the party season.

December: Include face gems in your party makeup look

Those diamante stick-ons you see people wear to Coachella every year? They’re not restricted to music festivals anymore. Whether you want to wear a single gem in the inner corners of your eyes to replace your highlighter, or try a full-encrusted wing, you do you. It’s December, and everything goes. Make sure to carry some in your bag if you’re in for a long night; just in case all the dancing pries a few loose.