'I trial beauty products for a living. Here are 7 things I'm changing about my routine in 2025.'

The start of a new year means two things: New Year's resolutions and an itch to reinvent yourself a wee bit. Including your beauty routine.

And look, there's never been a better time to switch up your skincare or makeup routine you've had since 2011.

Watch: You know one thing I'm not going to try this year? 10 pumps of foundation. Post continues below.

Of course, as I've said more times than necessary, there are no rules when it comes to what you put on your face/body/hair. You do you, etc. etc. I just enjoy publicly announcing my beauty resolutions for the new year, in a bid to keep myself accountable. And it works! Sometimes.

So, let's get into it.

1. Get regular RF microneedling.

Every skin expert I've interviewed on The Formula has said a lot of Very Good things about RF microneedling — more specifically, how good it is for keeping your collagen in good nick (responsible for keeping the skin soft, plump and bouncy).

As Dr Amy Chalal told me, "Microneedling is probably one of my favourite go-to treatments for collagen stimulation in any skin type, any age. And in terms of price point, it's reasonably accessible."

If you haven't heard of microneedling before, it basically involves a qualified person (like a nurse or doctor) using a machine to make tiny holes in your face with microneedles. These little holes kickstart the process of repairing the skin by way of stimulating collagen production. A level up from microneedling is something called RF microneedling.

"I actually love RF microneedling, especially in your later 30s and early 40s, when you're starting to notice some laxity," said Dr Chalal. "You have microneedles, causing micro-injury and stimulating collagen. And then at the same time, there's radio frequency heat coming through as well. This extra layer is going to tighten and contract the fibro‐septal network (FSN), which sits under our skin. So, you're getting a bit of an immediate contraction and tightening, and then you're getting that long-term collagen stimulation as well."

Book me in!

2. Start using lash serum. Again.

I was doing so well on the lash serum front — and used this one consistently for three to four months and noticed really bloody great results.

It's called NYK1 LashForce Eyelash Growth Serum and scientist and beauty wizard Hannah English actually recommended it on Instagram, and said it was the only lash serum she'd ever use. And for good reason — it really works. I don't think my lashes have ever looked as long, glossy and healthy as they are when I'm using this serum.

Placing my order right now and sticking to it in 2025!

3. Cut my hair short.

I said this last year and I did it but want to do it again!! Happens every year! Leigh Campbell's short, chin-grazing bob always looks so bloody cool and chic and it's officially inspired me to switch up my hair, once again. Because what screams new year like a new 'do?

Timeless and versatile, a bob is hands-down the most simple and elegant cut that always manages to just *do things* for your features and bring attention to your jawline and cheekbones.

One thing I will do this time, however, is have a proper chat with my hairstylist first, rather than jumping right in. Sometimes I feel like short hair can be tricky to style and manage (especially when you seriously suck at a cute curl), so I want to make sure my next bob will not only suit my face shape — but also my lifestyle, too!

4. Use the 242 makeup method.

Recently on You Beauty's Tried & Tested podcast with Em Vernem, I tried out the viral 242 makeup rule — and I can't stop wondering why it's been all my life. It basically involves using two products for your eyes, four for your base and two for your lips — and it's the best hack for quick, easy and effective makeup. Is it groundbreaking? No. But it completely streamlines and simplifies your makeup routine.

I often find myself in a cycle of buying spendy products but not actually using them — and it's such a waste of money. Not only does this hack help me overspend on stuff I don't need, but it also helps me figure out where to splurge and where to save in my routine. For example, I love cream blushes but rarely wear bronzer, so I'm better off putting my money towards a nice blush and saving on bronzer.

The whole method is just so formulaic, delightfully uncomplicated (especially when you have five minutes to get ready in the morning) and I think it makes my makeup look instantly fresher and better.

I'm calling it, 2025 is the year of the 242 method!

5. Ditch liquid eyeliner.

Okay, this has nothing to do with Gen Z cancelling eyeliner! It really doesn't.

Alright, maybe a wee bit.

But look, I've threatened myself with this before. If there's one thing you must know about me, it's that winged eyeliner is one of my staple beauty looks. I usually feel naked without a swipe of liquid liner. However, upon trying the 242 makeup method (will I ever stop yapping about this?) (no) and giving my signature winged eyeliner a rest (I usually wear it on the daily), I realised just how much its absence changed my overall eye look. My eyes look bigger. Fresher. Brighter.

I'm not NEVER going to wear eyeliner (goodness, I'm not a monster!), I just think that for me it's becoming a bit boring and repetitive for my everyday makeup look. So, in 2025, I'm reserving my winged liner look for 'going out' makeup and ditching it day-to-day. Plus, makeup is quicker in the morning without a wing. And I like to sleep in that extra five minutes. So.

6. Start skin cycling. Properly.

I always like to think I'm good with skin cycling — but I'm way too loosey-goosey with it, and it means my skincare routine is usually all over the place (trying a lot of different products makes this even harder). It's not a new thing, but almost everyone I speak to on The Formula is a big ol' fan of the technique --(including Zoe Foster Blake) and honestly, if you do it right, it is a really game-changing practice for your skin.

So, in 2025, I'm going to nail my skincare routine and focus on giving my skin exactly what it needs.

Created by Dr Whitney Bowe, the skin cycling routine (popularised on TikTok) is all about switching up your routine and having something of a calendar or formula for your skincare products.

In short, the method works to simplify and streamline your routine, alternating between using active ingredients (think, vitamin A, AHAs, etc) and giving your complexion a rest on other days. For example, you can cycle through during the week with exfoliation on one evening, vitamin A/retinol application on the next evening, and two recovery evenings before repeating the process again.

The result? Happier skin that's actually getting what it needs rather than being told what it needs.

*Immediately starts*.

7. Organise my beauty products.

I think I write this every year? But always fail to do it? But I'm actually going to do it, Mum! I promise. Because it's truly out of control.

I have no sense of organisational structure to the mounds of products I trial — mostly makeup. This means every CREVICE of my home is bursting with products. Cabinets, drawers and wardrobes… the car.

So, my goal is to Marie Kondo the hell out of my products (honestly, there's gotta be a lot of expired stuff kicking around) — and organise my products properly so I can actually see what I'm using, rather than just going in for a lucky dip every time.

Want to hear more from Erin? Oh! You do? Weird. You can find her on Instagram here.

What are your beauty resolutions for 2025? Share them with us in the comment section below.

Featured image: Supplied.