To restore your skin to its pre-party season glory, Vogue presents a detox for your beauty regime – from embracing the double cleanse to decluttering your make-up bag.

Good intentions are everywhere in January: Instagram is awash with posts declaring 2019 resolutions; your favourite cafe is offering raw energy balls in lieu of cake; and the gym is bursting with eager new recruits. Whether you’re fully on board with the current mood for positive change or defiantly avoiding dry January, beauty is one area in which we can all happily embrace a refresh.

“The holidays are undoubtedly stressful for skin – a boozy, indulgent, sleep-deprived December can easily lead to a lacklustre, clogged complexion that may be more sensitive and prone to irritation, especially given the cold January weather,” says London-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting. “What I do advise is to declutter your routine. Hone in on the right basics, strip out any steps that deliver little in the way of benefits and then carefully select appropriate actives and introduce them gradually to stimulate repair and regeneration.”

To restore your skin to its former glory, Vogue presents a post-party detox for your beauty regime. After all, ‘tis the season for hunkering down and getting cosy, letting your skin breathe and embracing a natural, nourished look.

Cleanse like a Pro

Embrace the double cleanse, taking the time to cleanse the skin morning and night. The best kind of formulas are balms that you can warm up on your skin, removing make-up, dirt and pollutants using warm water and a flannel or soft muslin cloth. Cleansing oils will also emulsify smoothly, getting deep into the skin to leave it clean and fresh. Follow with a micellar water for two-step freshness.

Peel away those Skin sins

A peel is a great way to rejuvenate lacklustre skin, bringing back a healthy glow. Pre-soak cotton pads with the peel solution, especially if you have sensitive skin (more common at this time of year), as this makes it easier to apply a milder concentration to avoid any reactions. You can then increase the intensity with a second application if you like. “Retinoids are especially helpful at getting dull, bumpy skin back on track. Start slow and build up gradually and don’t be afraid to lean into moisturising to manage any initial transient dryness,” says Bunting.

Detox with Mud

A deep cleanse twice a week will give your skin the clean slate it needs for an effective detox. Try a mud-based mask to draw out any toxins and stimulate skin cells to accelerate regeneration, restoring natural radiance.

Hands-on Nourishment

Now for the nourishment phase. Treat your skin to some TLC, with a morning skin routine that allows time for the products to really get to work. Apply a hyaluronic-based serum after cleansing, then give the face a quick five-minute massage – this stimulates lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness, and activates layers of the dermis for a revitalised complexion. Finish with a rich, hydrating moisturiser. “Give yourself four to six weeks – one skin cycle – to get your glow back,” advises Bunting.

When it comes to make-up, strip it back to the bare necessities

There’s no better time of year to clear out your make-up bag. For complete commitment, go full Marie Kondo and ask yourself which products you truly love, and when you last used each one. To simplify, the main staples for any daytime look – the more natural the better – are: tinted moisturiser or foundation, concealer and mascara.

It’s all about the base

Pared-back make-up shifts the focus to the complexion, so it’s important that the base is just right in texture and tone – a mismatched or cakey application of foundation will only exacerbate any appearance of tiredness. “My trick when applying make-up is to use two or three foundation shades – our skin isn’t all one tone, so we shouldn’t just cover it with one,” explains Gucci Westman, celebrity make-up artist and founder of Westman Atelier.

Look for the Multi-taskers

Choose foundations and base products that will treat the skin, as well as provide the daytime coverage you need. Formulas that include ingredients such as peptides and antioxidants will soothe and hydrate the skin, while smoothing out skin tone. “My Vital Skin Foundation Stick also has skincare benefits, giving you the confidence that what you’re putting on your skin is good for you,” says Westman. These dual-approach products are more than just skin deep, they really boost the complexion.

Glow-Getters

An often underrated product, the right blusher is the easiest trick to bringing a little life back to the skin. “I love creating that healthy outdoorsy, post-sports flush with my Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks. Glow isn’t just about highlighting, there are so many different finishes – bronzed, glossy, warmth,” says Westman.

Vogue