We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Everything You Need To Know About AW20's Fresh-Faced Beauty Trend
Because the beginning of the year is the perfect time to get your beauty routine in order.
Whilst we might not have the highest hopes for 2021, the fact that 2020 is finally over is bringing us some semblance of comfort. Optimism may be sparse but a new year calls for new beginnings and if you haven't nailed down your New Year's resolutions quite yet, may we suggest getting your beauty routine in order?
AW20 was all about pairing back and putting your best (fresh) face forward. Whether that's being religious with your skincare routine, or giving your nails a much-needed break, we've rounded up the best tips from backstage for getting your beauty routine in tip top shape so you can kick the new year off with at least one thing in place.
And don't worry, it doesn't involve any exercise - phew.
The Key
New Year’s resolutions are usually gym-themed. Not this time. When the enthusiasm runs out, it’s good to know we can cheat a post-exercise glow with beauty products instead.
Get The Look
Start by tapping Gucci Beauty Éclat De Beauté Effet Lumière Gel Face Gloss - £18, onto cheekbones, as seen at Isabel Marant. All the sheen without the sweat.
The Skin Basics
The word from backstage at the shows was to put your skin first, with foundation-free faces seen at Etro, Hugo Boss and JW Anderson.
Get The Look
Start with Fenty Skin Total Cleans’r Remove-It-All Cleanser - £20, which creates a gentle lather to break down any dirt and grime, without leaving skin feeling like chalk.
The stress of 2020 took its toll on our collagen levels, so give them a boost with Peter Thomas Roth Firm X Collagen Serum - £95, to firm and smooth.
Finish with Decorté Lift Dimension Enhanced Rejuvenating Cream - £84 – it works like scaffolding to help sculpt jawlines and cheekbones and makes skin look as perfectly carved as a Roman statue.
The Ends
Ringing in the New Year is all about repairing the damage you’ve done over the festive season (overzealousness with hot tools for Zoom parties).
Get The Look
SHOP NOW
Add the healthy lengths seen at Prada to your vision board and spritz INKEY List PCA Bond Repair Hair Treatment - £14.99, onto damp ends to mend and revitalise hair that has been through the wars.
The Inspiration: Naomi Campbell
The winter chill leaves lips parched.Naomi Campbell circa the Nineties perfectly sets the tone, showcasing a subtle and nourishing wash of lip colour.
Get The Look
SHOP NOW
If you’re after damage repair with a bit of added colour, go for a hybrid lip balm and lipstick such as NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in Laguna - £23.
The Nail Files
January pairs nicely with a social detox, so wipe off that polish and go au naturel with your nails.
Get The Look
SHOP NOW
The equivalent of a green smoothie for your cuticles, Nails Inc NailKale Superfood Nail Oil Capsules - £20, is a nourishing oil to replenish and strengthen fragile tips that have seen one too many manicures.
The Fragrance
SHOP NOW
Dry January has its perks: your body recovers from seasonal indulgence, and it frees up your evenings. Sink into the tub with Maison Margiela Replica Bubble Bath Candle - £45, with notes of jasmine, oak moss and rose, to give the sensation of a 5* spa in the comfort of your home.
Charlotte Bitmead (she/her) is the Senior Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. She has over six years experience writing about beauty and has previously written for ELLE and The Sunday Times Style, covering everything from politics to sustainability to inclusivity within the beauty industry. When she’s not writing in-depth features, testing out the newest skincare fad or trying to decide what nail art to get, you can find her overspending in bookshops or shouting at Arsenal matches. Find her on LinkedIn
How Korean Tweakments Are Delivering Glass Skin
Best Korean Face Masks For Extra Dewy Skin
The 11 K-Beauty Skincare Serums To Try
ELLE Edits: Best LED Face Masks For 2025
