Look good, feel better! Experts reveal 10 ways to have a major glow up in the new year

The new year symbolizes fresh beginnings.

It’s a time of reflection on the past year’s wins and loses and provides a clear marker for setting goals moving forward.

The transition into a new year often brings a sense of energy for self-care, making it an ideal time to commit to better habits.

Better habits can lead to noticeable improvements both in your internal state and external appearance. 

The key, however, is choosing habits that align with your lifestyle, or you’ll abandon them by February!

Do you desire a glow up? 

Daily Mail chats with experts in fashion, beauty, and health on easy ways to reinvent your look, refresh your style, and embrace a version of yourself that reflects your evolving personality and goals.

Here’s to looking good and feeling better in 2025! 

Use color to your advantage

Studies have shown that the colors you wear can significantly impact your mood and how others perceive you.

‘Color is a powerful communication tool and influences how people will respond to you,’ shared image consultant Kasia Michaels.

‘If you want to come across as mysterious and maybe not as easily approachable, wear black. 

‘But if you’re planning on being flirty and playful, you should opt for pink shades.’

Taylor swift recently attended a Chiefs vs. Texans game in a red Charlotte Simone coat lined with faux fur.

The energy boosting shade is said to improve confidence and increase heart rate.

Leopard prints can also boost your mood by making you feel more confident, empowered, and sexy. Not to mention, the animal print is super on trend! 

Try a new hairstyle 

‘Everyone has been sporting long hair for the last few years,’ says Nick Stenson, founder of Nick Stenson Beauty.

‘In 2025 that’s about to change. Bringing the length up a bit and adding texture to the cut is going to allow for bouncier and motion to all haircuts for 2025.’

In October, Selena Gomez attended the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles with a fresh, new haircut.

The newly engaged star has since cut her tresses a little shorter – she’s the ultimate trailblazer. 

Opt for a warmer locks

‘It’s the year of embracing warmth in all hair colors, especially blondes,’ shares Nick.

‘We are going to see more golden blondes and even some soft flickers of copper to change up the cool blonde tones we have been seeing for years.’

Warm colors add a healthy-looking glow to your look. Just work with your colorist to find a shade that complements your skin tone.

Snip, snip hooray!

‘Bobs are a classic haircut that just won’t go out of style,’ reveals Nick.

‘Taking a note from the decade’s past, we are going to see a variety of bob shapes including some with baby bangs to add a youthful look.’

Shimmer and shine

Matte makeup is so last year! 

‘Shimmer is a huge 2025 trend and I couldn’t be happier about it,’ says Daniel Chinchilla Too Faced Global Celebrity Makeup Artist.

‘It was all over the runways and social media as well. Oh and most importantly, Beyonce! 

‘We’re having fun with makeup again and I can’t think of an easier way to quickly amplify your eye look – anybody can do it!

‘What I love about the shimmer trend is that you can apply a soft, subtle amount or really pack it on for a full glam look.’

The artist recommends Too Faced’s Disco Crush shadows. 

‘A little goes a long way – simply tap it onto your eyelids with your finger,’ he instructs.

They come in six shades and Daniel also uses them as a highlighter on the cheekbones and collar bone. 

Take cool showers 

‘During fall/winter months you have to deal with extremes,’ said New York-based dermatologist Diane Madfes. 

‘The skin has to fluctuate to different environments, including the temperature changes going from indoors to out.’

To adapt to all the elements, the leading dermatologist reveals simple changes you can make to your daily routine, starting with your shower’s water temperature.

‘During the winter, I recommend tepid water temperatures and shorter showers/baths, said Dr. Madfes who sees patients in Manhattan, Connecticut and Florida.

Despite how good they feel on a cold day, hot showers remove protective oils from the skin, and increases moisture loss and skin irritation.

Cold water promotes blood circulation, removes toxins from the body and tightens the pores making you look renewed and refreshed.

While bathing, the sought after celebrity-dermatologist suggests using a moisturizing body wash that will soothe dry, sensitive skin.’

Protect your skin 

‘You want to have less transepidermal water loss, meaning you want to have less of the moisture in your skin being drawn out,’ said Dr. Madfes, board-certified dermatologist specializing in dermatology and dermatologic surgery.

‘A slightly thicker moisturizer is needed to improve our skin barrier against the elements. Look for products containing a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, copper peptides and glycerin.’

While many are under the misconception that sunblock is only needed during the summertime, the expert reminds us that the sun’s rays are actually closer in the winter.

Dr. Madfes recommends wearing an SPF 15, and an SPF 30 if you are going to be outside. 

‘Sunblocks also protect against infrared, so it’s very important to wear it every day.’ 

Tone your tummy

Getting fit is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions, but you don’t actually have to physically go to a gym to get the job done.

Co-owners of The Oleon House, Carlos Leon and Menna Olvera, reveal the best diet and exercise for abs.

‘The first step to remember is that abs start in the kitchen,’ said Carlos.

The celebrity trainer and father to Lourdes Leon continued: ‘Stay away from sugar, sodium and processed foods.’

‘For exercises: do 3 sets of 10-12 dynamic planks with taps and 3 sets of 10-12 plank kick-ups everyday until goal is achieved.’

Menna Olvera adds, ‘Stay away from red wine and brown alcohol and I suggest you do downward dog to plank and hold for 30 seconds and repeat 4 times.’

Express gratitude

‘When it comes to upgrading your lifestyle, it should include some sense of wellness or well-being practice,’ shared Menna, a health coach & integrated yoga teacher.

The expert recommends starting simple:

1) Be specific about why it is you want to incorporate wellness into your lifestyle.

2) Choose 3 wellness activities or practices that really vibe with you, then review your daily, weekly, monthly schedule and decide where it can fit in.

3) Commit to it and see it through. If you are looking for long term change then stay the course. There will be peaks and valleys so if you know “why” you’re doing it you will find the fire to keep going.

Menna suggests expressing gratitude.

‘Gratitude is the act of appreciation for what you have. When gratitude is expressed, it elevates a connection to wellness,’ explained the Oleon House co-founder.

The expert suggests writing down five things to be grateful for once a week for a month and noticing what changes occur in your life.

Meditate regularly 

‘The act of slowing down and becoming familiar with yourself improves relaxation, regulates your breath and heart rate, and enhances the flow of constructive thoughts and positive emotions,’ shared Menna who is certified in yoga, prenatal yoga, Urban Zen Integrative Therapy, Theta Healing, and Functional Medicine Health Coaching.

‘Sit in a chair or lay down and place a pillow under your knees. 

‘For 3-5 minutes close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath. Follow the breath and notice the mind begin to slow down as the breath and heart rate slow down. 

‘They work coherently as one. Decide how many days a week you can commit to this then write in your calendar and practice it for 30 days.’