Beauty Goals for 2026

[missjeanie]

Does anyone have any beauty goals for the new year?  I've been thinking about a few myself and was curious if others were doing the same?

 ✔️Certain brands to try

✔️ New techniques to work on

✔️Threads to follow along with and post about on BIC through the year

✔️Organization

✔️ Decluttering

Personally I'm hoping to

💜Post my empties once a month (I fall behind and end up with months on end to do at once) Empties - V2 and have used up at least 365 items

💜Stick to my Pan It! - 2026 Challenge for the entire year

💜Attend one if not two Beauty Conventions.

💜Shrink my collection by gifting away some unopened product in order to have more space in my organization system.

💜Use up at least 100 of my sheet masks.  They are years out of date at this point and I do not want to go into 2027 with a huge box of them. 

💜Find a loose powder I love

💜Pass on any fragrances and body sprays that are not to my liking anymore.

💜Not let myself go so long between haircuts and hair dyes.... The silver is sneaking in more and more!

[formulaandrea]

I’m late to the game, but I am really motivated to learn how to do eyeliner and eyeshadow on my annoyingly hooded eyes. For some reason I have never been able to get the hang of it. 😂

Also being consistent with my skincare routine ALL year. These last two months I have noticed the biggest difference in my skin now that I have an established AM/PM routine that I have been sticking to for longer than a few days! 

[itsfi]

@formulaandrea, you're right on time; there's no such thing as being late to the game when it comes to setting beauty goals. I have hooded eyes and I hear ya when it comes to eyeshadow and liner. I tend to just do a simple wash of color on my lids because it's easy, but over the last couple of years have been doing more smokey eye looks with more frequency. Eyeliner is a little trickier but every so often I'll do (or try to do a winged eye). For me the thing that helped the most is finding a good tutorial on YouTube that clicked for me and then practicing. Like your skincare routine, finding some time to practice regularly is helpful. Even if it's just once a week. Sometimes I do it on the weekends, other times I might practice at the end of the day, before I do my evening cleansing routine - it won't be helpful if I'm trying to test for longevity but if I'm just working on trying to get my technique and form down, it'll do. And I'll be taking all my makeup off anyways after. 

Yes, yes, yes, 100% agree on being consistent with a skincare routine. My skin is so much better when I do that as well. 

[formulaandrea]

@itsfi amazing ideas!

I typically will scroll on TikTok and watch those “Do’s and Don’ts of makeup” videos, haha. But trying to seek out an actual tutorial is a great idea. 

I have seen a lot of eyeshadow sticks I want to try, so maybe I will start there. They seem a little easier than going right in using a palette! Thanks for the suggestions. 💕

[itsfi]

I love those Do's & Don'ts @formulaandrea though I find myself doing a lot of the "Dont's 😂 so they're good for helping steer me in a better direction. 

Oh, I'm a huge fan of eyeshadow sticks, more because they are, at least for me, easy, quick and convenient to use. And, for the most part, I've found that they've stayed on my lids without creasing and often without the need for a primer underneath. For your eye look, how many eyeshadows are you looking to use? Or, would be ideal for the eye look that you're interested in creating for yourself?

There's a lot of tutorials out there and I feel like it's about finding one that works for you, or finding a content creator whose style, technique or way of teaching suits you. Not to add to the list of things out there to cull through, below are some that I've found to be useful. I'm not able to include links to the actual videos (against terms and conditions) but have included some information that should help you get to the right video. The video or YouTube content creator that are bolded in the chart either have hooded eyes themselves or show their technique on a model with hooded eyes. Hooded eyes can refer to those who are born with hooded eyes as well as those whose eyes become more hooded or hooded looking as they age. The technique in these videos should work for both. 

YouTube Channel	Original Air Date	Video Title
Sephora	May 3, 2022	Guide to Eye Makeup for Hooded Eyes: Lifting and Sculpting
Wayne Goss	July 15, 2024	THE EASY 'HONEST' HOODED EYE TUTORIAL!
Wayne Goss	May 31, 2019	STEP BY STEP HOODED EYE TUTORIAL
Elena Rachitskaya	August 22, 2025	Hooded Eyes Makeup Tutorial | All My Best Tips & Tricks in One Video
Smitha Deepak	January 2, 2024	Must Try Beginner makeup tips for Extreme HOODED Eyes!
Risa Does Makeup	July 3, 2023	MASTERCLASS FOR HOODED AGING EYES | Game Changing NEW Technique!
Nina Ubhi	August 18, 2025	Hooded Eyeshadow Technique That Actually Works!
Makeup by Nikki La Rose	October 8, 2021	Eyeshadow Tips For Hooded Eyes
Alexandra Anele	September 26, 2024	If you have hooded eyes this is for you my friend
Lisa J	March 29, 2022	5 Game Changing Eyeliner Hacks for Small and Hooded Eyes (SUPER Easy and looks INCREDIBLE!)
Shonagh Scott	June 25, 2023	HOODED EYES MAKEUP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS!

You may have brushes that work well for you and if that's the case, awesome!! If not, I can vouch that the brushes used in that Sephora videos are ones I use for my hooded eyes and they are very good. And just FYI, if one or more of them sound interesting to you, there's a sale coming in next month so you might want to wait if you were planning on picking one up. 

[formulaandrea]

@itsfi 

They are the best types of videos and have helped immensely level up my makeup game! 

Question for you, when you use the eyeshadow sticks, do you blend them out with a brush or do you just color them on there if that makes sense, haha.

I’d say my ideal eye look would be something pretty mellow, using neutral colors - especially browns. I’m thinking maybe 1-3 shades at the most. Simple and more natural is best for me, especially for every day type of looks. I would eventually like to learn how to do a smokey eye, but right now I just need to get the basics down.

Thank you so much for the recommendations! I have a lot of homework to do. 😂 And I am happy that Nikki La Rose is on that list because she is one of my favorites!

I actually do have some Sephora eye shadow brushes (#15, #18) but I am 100% interested in purchasing more if I feel like they will work well for me, especially when that sale drops!!

[danielledanielle]

Just popping in to say @formulaandrea , get like 1-2 of the Sephora Collection no. 15 brush when it's 30% off during the spring sale 🤌🏽🤌🏽 + everything @itsfi said 

[formulaandrea]

YESSS! I already have #15! 

[itsfi]

Wholeheartedly 2nd that @danielledanielle! 👊 Once I tried the #15 brush, I rarely stray from it when it comes to laying down eyeshadow, etc.We won't go into how many I have @formulaandrea 🤣 

Edited (3.28.2026) to add - if points are more important to you, Sephora is currently running a 5x points promo on all Sephora Collection products with code 5XPTSSC. Until April 1.

[milanamiss]

I’m planning to follow a clear routine with my beauty goals too, like monthly empties and finishing sheet masks, and BetterMe’s corporate wellness program https://betterme.world/corporate-wellness actually inspires me to track progress and set structured routines for myself, offering tools for mindfulness, fitness, and healthy habits that help me stay consistent and organized while shrinking clutter and focusing on self-care.

[danielledanielle]

Never too late! @milanamiss 

We have some threads for empties you might wanna check out

Empties - V2 

Pan It! - 2026 Challenge 

Re: Shop Your Stash Challenge: Spring 2026 

[itsfi]

Okay, doing a little check-in to help keep myself on track with my beauty goals this year. 2026 beauty goals are briefly noted below in bold with current status in italics.

General Goals:

✔️ 1. Enjoy my beauty collection  - both what's currently in it and what I will add to it this year.  I've been rotating tried-and-true products as well as new-to-me goodies at a fairly good cadence with my weekly capsules. I'm lagging a little on posting about some but will get there. Just posted a little about theSephora Collection lip stains to the Lips on Lock 🔐: List Your Lip Combos 💄👄  and I'll aim to have a comparison with that and a few other stains up to the Beauty Product Battles, Throw Downs and Showdowns next week.

2. Low / No buy until spring. The no-buy part has been an epic fail. Okay, maybe not epic, as I've been able to rein it in, but there have been purchases made. So a low buy has been ongoing but I'm hoping to keep things pretty tight with the beauty spend this month, both before, during and after my trip. I like to keep to things on my list for before and after and I'll allow some indulgences during. 

✔️ 3. No buying backups until actually needed. This, this is an area where I have found success this year. Woohoo!! Well, so far, at least, lol. I'm actually feeling pretty good with the system I have for working through products and have started incorporating a substitute item for the one product that I'm currently tempted to pick up a backup (but I won't - must. be. strong. )

Products to Try (in addition to items I purchased last year but haven't yet had the chance to put to use):

1. EADEM The Mark Advanced Targeted Dark Spot Concentrate with 5% Tranexamic Acid, 1% Alpha Arbutin & 1...  - I have this product but haven't put it to use just yet. I have a pimple that I'm trying to get to a place in the treatment phase where I can start using the Eadem serum. Stay tuned.

2. Tatcha The Longevity Youth Restoring Cream for Elasticity & Brightness 1.7 oz/50 ml # -I've picked up a few samples made in store as well as the promo gwp that was offered last (?) month. I like this one and will likely pick up a full size at the next Sephora Savings Event. 

✔️3. LYS Beauty Bright Start Creamy Buildable Coverage Airbrush Concealer  - have this and really enjoy it. It's been in a couple of my weekly capsules already this year and I plan to take it with me on an upcoming trip.

4. Armani Beauty Mini Luminous Silk Natural Glow Blurring Liquid Foundation with 24HR Wear # -  I've picked up foil samples of a few shades with the Sephora Try 3 Foundation Samples promo (with $25 minimum spend) but haven't had a chance to use them or compare the foundation to the original formulation which is a GOAT for me. 

5. Other Elorea fragrances  -  I've been more focused on trying the Elorea fragrances I already have in different seasons / weather so this one is on hold for the time being

6. Other IOPE skincare products - I picked up another serum from the brand recently, before learning that Sephora would be carrying IOPE

Brands to Try:

1. Allies of Skin - I've had a few of their products in my collection for some time (I know, I know) but haven't gotten around to putting them to use. With spring just around the corner, that might prove to be good timing.

2. BORNTOSTANDOUT - absolutely thrilled to see that this is one of the Kbeauty brands Sephora will be carrying. Even more thrilled to see the BORNTOSTANDOUT Fragrance Discovery Set # because it was sold out at the retailer where I was initially going to purchase it from (before it launched at Sephora)

3. Skinmedica (and specifically the TNS serum) - hitting pause on this for the time being, for a couple of reasons (i) I've got a couple of other serums to make my way through and (ii) I've come upon a serum that boasts similar results at a fraction of the price from a brand I've had good results from with other products. I have some more research to do on this.

Beauty Projects 2026:

✔️1. Contouring - it's an ongoing project but I have found a technique and tools that work for me for jawline contouring and am working on nose contouring and of course, contouring the hollows of my cheek (or creating the illusion that I have hollows there)

2. Use up certain already open, partially used products - in progress; 4 of the 7 skin tints / foundations should be finished before the end of summer and the Laneige lip sleeping mask is making steady progress as part of the Pan It! - 2026 Challenge 

3. Work on / get better with my photography - haven't really spent any time on this

4.  Significantly pare down a few makeup products in my collection - lip products (all categories - liners, lipsticks, lip glosses, oils, lip balms); face primers; setting sprays; and blush - decluttered / re-homed a few primers at the end of January and have identified some foundations I may pass along after doing an inventory of my collection for the Beauty Challenge -- Twelve Months of Beauty Inventory . Setting sprays has been a category that I've been working on whittling down since 2024 😜 I've gotten my collection down quite a bit but could pass on a few more; working on something forBeauty Product Battles, Throw Downs and Showdowns 

5.  Look into retinol products - I have found a low concentration one that I *think* may work out for me but I won't start until later this month. 

6.  Be on the lookout for replacements for pencil / gel liner for waterline; liquid liner; and eye patches - all are in progress

All in all, not too bad. Happy that most things are in progress or that I've made a conscious decision to put a "to do" on hold (as opposed to forgetting about it, which is entirely possible). Going to aim to check-in again at the end of summer @missjeanie. 🤞

[PDXXXX]

Ah, a couple of those are on my list to try as well @itsfi ! I'm very curious about the new Tatcha moisturizer and have been looking for something like the Eadem. I can't believe Sephora is going to carry BORNTOSTANDOUT! I fell in love with the description for Dirty Rice last year as I like basmati fragrances and hunted down a sample somewhere but haven't given it a thorough try and will have to. These are all great goals.

[itsfi]

@PDXXXX, the Tatcha Longevity moisturizer I like but consistency-wise, it'll work better for me in the summer and I had my sights set on the Aestura gel-cream for that time of year - it worked very well last year.  That said, I could see both in my warm weather routine. 🤔 

Will keep you posted on the Eadem. Going to do a patch test on my arm and on my neck, behind by ear and if that works, then I'll start with it on my face. 

Oh, I just looked up the notes for Dirty Rice - it sounds really good, completely understand your love for the description. I hadn't thought about an order I wanted to try fragrances but that one is going to be in the first half. If you do a deeper dive into testing it, would love to know how you like it, in general, but also how it compares to other basmati scents you like.

[missjeanie]

@itsfi Looks like you're well on your way to hitting those goals!  I've got my calendar marked to do a quarterly check in as well. Seeing the progress on that lip liner declutter is so satisfying, I love goals that have a good visual!

[itsfi]

@missjeanie, I kinda stacked the deck in my favor with this first one with the lip liners, set myself up for success so I will be more motivated to tackle the harder categories - hello, lip balms! Hey there, lipsticks! Looking at you, glosses! This gives me some inspiration (hopefully) to keep at it with those other areas. 🤞 The visual definitely helps - it was sobering seeing how full that case was and that I couldn't wrap my hand around all the lip pencils in the "before" pouch. 😬 What's worse, there were more than a few that I had no idea when or why I purchased it - best guess is that I must have bought it to pair with a lipstick I bought at the same time 🙄 Note to self, Self, no more doing that. Actually, no more lip liners for a while.

[missjeanie]

@itsfi @It’s funny you say ‘sobering’… that’s the exact word I used to describe the situation when I lined up a few categories for the Beauty Challenge -- Twelve Months of Beauty Inventory 

[itsfi]

lol, of course; that makes total sense @missjeanie. I held off on that challenge a couple of years ago, in large part because my things were in boxes and not with me, but also becuase I knew it would be sobering and I was not ready for that. I've said for years that just thinking about what I had in some of the categories was sobering; and, I mean, if it were 5 years ago, "sobering" wouldn't even begin to describe trying to gather and line up my sheet masks into a group photo - Volumes I - V: sheets looooong expired 😂, Volume VI - VIII: the "where did you come from?" masks, Volume IX - XI: the "ohhh, there you are" sheet masks, Volume ... 😂🤣😂  I'm feeling much better about this year's sheet mask photo op. Well, for now at least. But first, I have treatments to put up and at some point need to look into whether that drawer really does hold all my serums. Ha!

[missjeanie]

@itsfi Ohhhh I could fill five volumes of the 'long expired' masks!  I completely understand!

[PDXXXX]

I'm a little late to the resolutions party here but here goes:

• Decluttering, shopping and purging my stash is a biggie and I'm finding @itsfi's capsule challenges as well as the Beauty Challenge -- Twelve Months of Beauty Inventory are helping a lot,
• Getting my bleached blonde hair to grow back out is major goalz so I'm really focused on products that minimize breakage and damage (got any you love? Drop some hints purdy please - I'm especially looking to fall in love with a new shampoo and conditioner and be more consistent with my Act+Acre 2% Stem Cell H-2 Grow Complex ™ Scalp Serum For Thicker-Looking Hair again),
• I want to learn to stick with products that work for me and not fall for shiny objects where I already have the job covered. I may start using Empties - V2 to motivate myself,
• I've been using Tretinoin but need to be more consistent,
• Keeping up with the SPF and finding a SPF resetting spray I can use throughout the day,
• Sticking with ordering perfume samples rather than full or travel size bottles (and then only buying when it's L-O-V-E),
• I finally found eye glass frames I love so I would love to get tips and tricks for eye makeup for glasses, but finally...
• Convincing Patrick Ta to make more eye shadow palettes. I love my PATRICK TA Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette and the PATRICK TA Major Dimension Eye Illusion Eyeshadow Duo  but I'm panning out on the two colors I use the most. C'mon Patrick - give us some singles already or a warm OR neutral palette already!!!

[missjeanie]

@PDXXXX Youve been doing such a great job on the Beauty Challenge -- Twelve Months of Beauty Inventory  thread at culling items you aren't in love with!  

You also hit the nail on the head with "falling for shiny objects" comment.... I think this is something a lot of us here do!