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

The new year symbolizes new beginnings.

It is a time of reflection on the wins and losses of the past year and provides a clear focus for setting goals for the future.

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

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

The key, however, is to choose habits that fit your lifestyle, or you’ll abandon them come February!

Are you longing for a glow-up?

Daily Mail talks to fashion, beauty and health experts about simple ways to reinvent your look, refresh your style and embrace a version of yourself that reflects your evolving personality and goals.

Let’s look good and feel better in 2025!

Use color to your advantage

Studies have shown that the colors you wear can have a significant impact on 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 appear mysterious and perhaps not so easily approachable, wear black.

“But if you want to be flirty and playful, choose pink shades.”

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

The energy-boosting hue is said to improve self-confidence and increase heart rate.

Leopard prints can also boost your mood because they make you feel more confident, powerful and sexy. And don’t forget: the animal print is super trendy!

Try a new hairstyle

“Everyone has been wearing long hair in recent years,” says Nick Stenson, founder of Nick Stenson Beauty.

‘That will change in 2025. By increasing the length and adding texture to the cut, all hairstyles for 2025 will have more bounce and movement.’

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

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

Choose warmer locks

“It’s the year of embracing warmth in all hair colors, especially blondes,” says Nick.

“We’ll see more golden blonde tones and even some soft flickers of copper to change up the cool blonde tones we’ve been seeing for years.”

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

Cut, cut hurray!

“Bobs are a classic hairstyle that will never go out of style,” Nick reveals.

“If we look over the past decade, we’ll see a variety of bob shapes, including some with baby bangs to add a youthful look.”

Shine and shine

Matte makeup is so last year!

“Shimmer is a huge trend for 2025 and I couldn’t be more excited about it,” says Daniel Chinchilla Too Faced Global Celebrity Makeup Artist.

‘It was also all over the catwalks and social media. Oh and most importantly: Beyoncé!

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

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

The artist recommends Too Faced’s Disco Crush shadows.

“A little goes a long way – just tap it on your eyelids with your finger,” he instructs.

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

Take cool showers

“During the fall/winter months, you’re dealing with extremes,” says New York-based dermatologist Diane Madfes.

‘The skin needs to fluctuate to different environments, including the temperature changes going from inside to outside.’

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

“During the winter, I recommend lukewarm 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 strip the skin’s protective oils and increase moisture loss and skin irritation.

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

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

Protect your skin

“You want to have less transepidermal water loss, which means you want less moisture to be drawn out of your skin,” says Dr. Madfes, certified dermatologist specialized in dermatology and dermatological surgery.

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

While many have the misconception that sunscreen is only necessary in summer, the expert reminds us that the sun’s rays are actually closer in winter.

Dr. Madfes recommends wearing an SPF 15, and an SPF 30 when going outside.

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

Tighten your stomach

Getting fit is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions, but you don’t 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 of Lourdes Leon continued, “Stay away from sugar, sodium and processed foods.”

“For exercise, do 3 sets of 10-12 dynamic planks with taps and 3 sets of 10-12 plank kick-ups every day until goal is achieved.”

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

Express gratitude

“When it comes to improving your lifestyle, this should include a sense of well-being or wellness practices,” says Menna, a health coach and integrated yoga teacher.

The expert recommends starting simple:

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

2) Choose three wellness activities or practices that really speak to you, then look at your daily, weekly, and monthly schedule and decide where they fit in.

3) Commit to it and make sure you stick with it. If you’re looking for long-term change, stay the course. There will be highs and lows, so if you know “why” you are doing it, you will find the fire to keep going.

Menna suggests expressing gratitude.

‘Gratitude is the act of appreciating what you have. When gratitude is expressed, the connection to wellness is increased,” explains the co-founder of Oleon House.

The expert suggests writing down five things you are grateful for once a week for a month and noticing what changes are happening in your life.

Meditate regularly

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

‘Sit or lie down on a chair and place a pillow under your knees.

‘Close your eyes for 3-5 minutes and bring your attention to your breathing. Follow the breathing and notice that the mind begins to slow down as the breathing and heart rate slow down.

‘They work coherently as one whole. Decide how many days a week you can spend on this, write it in your diary and practice it for 30 days.’