As we gather ourselves to celebrate the year’s end and take that step into an entirely new half-decade (no, us neither), front of mind for many beauty enthusiasts is how to refresh one’s beauty regimen for the coming January.
From the sight of brushes in dire need of cleaning, to the accumulation of one too many rarely used lip products, perhaps de-cluttering is taking priority. Or on a different beauty page, you may wish to swap out certain trends—maybe your scalp has wearied of slicked back buns or you’ve decided that the ‘no mascara’ look isn’t for you after all.
And what of the incoming beauty resolutions to prioritise? There are a bevy of wellness practices to consider incorporating, and ideas for getting more experimental—or consistent—on the make-up front. Understandably, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—as Singaporean make-up artist and Sahur’s Art founder Sahur Saleim tells us, a worthy mantra is to ‘give yourself grace’.
With that in mind, Vogue Singapore reached out to four of Singapore’s most esteemed beauty creators—alongside Saleim, Michelle Sielman, Zafirah Zakaria and Leanne Ho—to find out the beauty resolutions they’re prioritising for 2025. From holy grail skincare products to time-saving make-up hacks, they offer a wealth of inspiration. Read on…
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Sahur Saleim
Instagram: @sahursart | TikTok: @sahursart
What was your favourite beauty find of 2024?
I bought this USB-C chargeable Fillmilli Heating Eyelash Curler in Seoul two weeks ago, and it has been life-changing! Previously, eyelash curlers didn’t have as lasting an effect as I wanted, and I found all other heated lash curlers inconvenient. This is perfect and it really opens up my eyes, even without make-up. I ended up buying five more as gifts from Olive Young the next day!
How about a new beauty routine that you’ve incorporated?
[Using] a heated eyelash curler, waterproof mascara and a waterproof mascara remover! Mascara is my favourite make-up step but because of my eczema, I’ve previously stayed away from waterproof formulations—removers would typically make the skin around my eyes sensitive and lead to a flare-up. But this year, we’ve been developing a waterproof mascara for my brand Sahur’s Art. Waterproof is the best formula for Singapore’s humidity, and I’ve learned that it really can work for me, with a dedicated mascara remover and comb.
What’s one beauty habit that you plan to leave behind in 2024?
No more neutral or ‘clean girl’ make-up looks. There’s always a time and place for them, and because of the pandemic in 2020, it became the standard for a few years but I’m ready to have some fun with my make-up again!
What new beauty hacks or rituals do you plan to incorporate in 2025?
Bring back eye maximalism! I want next year in beauty to be full of fun eyeshadow looks and graphic liner looks using my Sahur’s Art Gemliners, which are double-sided matte and glitter liner duos.
What is your beauty mantra for 2025?
My motto is always to give myself grace. My skin is easily irritated, which was the inspiration behind me launching my own brand almost four years ago, formulating products without ingredients that would irritate my skin. That made a huge difference. But even now, sometimes my skin is not ideal and I have to go to important work events without any make-up or contacts on. I try not to get into my own head about feeling underdressed in such situations, and just enjoy the moment.
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Michelle Sielman
Instagram: @bubblymichelle
What were your favourite beauty finds of 2024?
There’s been only a handful of beauty game-changers for me this year, but since blush has been so huge and I am a sucker for products that keep me looking fresh and youthful, the Huda Beauty Blush Filter was all I reached for most of the year. The formula is just perfection—easy blending, a luminous finish and really good shades.
I also have a few top ‘lip picks’ since I’m very much a lipstick gal! Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Satin Lipstick in Goldie Red is a must-have for red lip lovers; Chanel Rouge Allure Laque in Sea Shell is the perfect soft colour in an excellent formula; and Nars Explicit Lipstick in No Rules is one of my favourite launches of 2024.
How about a new beauty hack that you’ve adopted?
Having a quick, five-product routine that works for days when I’m running late. It’s been a life-saver—no need for overthinking.
In my kit there’s Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Concealer, Givenchy Prisme Libre 4-Color Loose Powder, Givenchy L’Interdit Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz and my Chanel Sea Shell lipstick.
What’s one beauty habit that you plan to leave behind in 2024?
No more long nails! I’m into shorter, ‘classic’ nail looks right now and that’s what’s going to continue into 2025.
What new beauty ritual do you plan to incorporate in 2025?
2024 taught me the importance of Vitamin C in one’s [skincare] routine. It’s truly the number one ‘anti-ager’ you need to maintain great skin, apart from sunscreen. Since I’ve used it on and off in 2024, and had great results, 2025 will be a year of celebrating its amazing benefits.
What is your beauty mantra for 2025?
Consistency. Everything works better with consistency—especially when it comes to skincare.
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Zafirah Zakaria
Instagram: @zaffy14 | TikTok: @skincarezaffy
What was your favourite beauty find of 2024?
This year, my ultimate beauty discovery has been Benefit Cosmetics’ The POREfessional Wow Polish Triple Pore Exfoliating Powder, which works wonders on my skin. Every time I use it, my skin feels incredibly smooth and literally polished, like I’ve just stepped out of a professional facial. It’s now a must-have in my routine, especially before events or when my skin needs a little extra love.
How about a new beauty ritual that you’ve adopted?
I’ve started incorporating sheet masks into my night-time skincare routine every other night. On the nights I use a sheet mask, I skip my serum entirely. The serum-infused masks provide all the hydration and nutrients I need, leaving my skin plump and glowing. It’s also a great way to unwind and indulge in a moment of self-care after a busy day.
What’s one beauty habit that you plan to leave behind in 2024?
I’ve realised I need to stop switching shampoos so often. I’m always tempted to try the latest haircare products, but I’ve learned that my hair thrives on consistency. Experimenting too much has disrupted my scalp health in the past, so I’m making it a goal to stick with what works for me in 2025 and avoid over-experimenting.
What new beauty ritual do you plan to incorporate in 2025?
In 2025, I’m committing to making under-eye patch masks a regular part of my beauty routine. I’ve used them sporadically and have always been amazed at how they reduce puffiness, brighten my under-eye area and make me look more refreshed. It’s a small yet impactful step that I wish I prioritised earlier.
What is your beauty mantra for 2025?
“Nourish your soul, and your beauty will follow.”
To me, beauty is about growth and self-discovery as much as it is about physical care. Whether it’s picking up a new skill, diving into a hobby or challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone, I believe that learning and exploring are powerful ways to nourish the soul. When you take time to invest in yourself and expand your horizons, that confidence and joy naturally shine through. That’s the kind of beauty I’m embracing in 2025.
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Leanne Ho
Instagram: @loveforskincare
What was your favourite beauty find of 2024?
I’ve been wearing Guerlain’s Parure Gold Skin Double Veil Primer daily, and it truly lives up to its versatility. I use this multi-tasker on its own, whether as a sunblock, primer, or make-up alternative on non-foundation days. Its anti-ageing formula works well on my skin, giving it an added natural, sheer glow.
How about a new beauty hack that you’ve adopted?
This isn’t exactly a new hack—I used to do it years ago but I’ve recently revisited it. I create ‘SOS jars’ using sample-sized skincare products like lip balm, hand cream, face mist and sunblock, then place them in different areas of the house for easy access.
What’s one beauty habit that you plan to leave behind in 2024?
It’s not so much a beauty habit as it is a shift in focus—from anti-ageing to pro-ageing. This approach aligns more with my philosophy of supporting skin health at every age and promoting healthy ageing, rather than trying to prevent it.
What new beauty hacks or rituals do you plan to incorporate in 2025?
I plan to level up on my use of beauty tools and devices. While in-clinic treatments performed by trained professionals generally provide more noticeable results, using lower-risk yet effective devices at home—like light therapy or gua sha—can help to maintain and prolong the effects of these treatments, in addition to enhancing our skincare routines.
What is your beauty mantra for 2025?
In 2025, I’d like to embrace wellness-infused beauty by incorporating workouts (yoga and pilates), spa treatments and superfoods more regularly to support my all-around wellbeing.
