As we bid farewell to 2025 and head into 2026, the Leinster Express / Laois Live spoke with well-known Laois locals on their New Year's Resolutions. To read more resolutions and see what Laois locals are looking forward to in 2026, keep an eye on our website!

Known for his work on Paris and London Fashion Weeks, along with featuring as a finalist on Netflix's 'Glow Up', renowned Abbeyleix makeup artist James Mac is ready to mark the start of a new year.

"New Year’s resolutions are always important to me, especially in my professional and personal life. They often cross over when working in the beauty and wellness industry," makeup VFX artist and TV star James Mac said.

Pictured: Two pieces from James Mac Inerney displayed in his 2024 exhibition

"In 2026, I’m choosing to commit to a beauty & skincare regime that’s more practical, sustainable, also reassuring better decision making.  First off, less is more with skincare for 2026. I’m choosing consistency rather than complexity," he said.

"I’ll never skip my daily sunscreen application,  UV rays exist 365 days of the year. How I treat my skin is also how I’m practising better overall wellbeing including my mental health," he said.

"I’ve found 10 minutes morning meditation and breathwork helps me focus better. I’m less anxious, feel calmer about life, more likely to exercise and stick to any extra goals that come up throughout the year. I switch between either the app Headspace or Wake up that guide me through my meditation," the Netflix star revealed. 

Pictured: James Mac, 2024

"It’s helped with my nervous system and especially for living with Tourette’s Syndrome, for better control on motor-neuron tics, twitches and muscles stims. This is a practice I’m continuing from recent years and improving on for 2026. 

"I love to try and learn a new skill each year. I’m currently learning small amounts of Spanish, as I travel to Europe for work more often with TV/Film, fashion and education. I’m currently using 2 apps for learning Spanish, “Synergy Spanish” and “Promova” Both are brick-work language learning platforms," he said.

"One is more AI led, in today’s AI world I believe in trying to have AI work for us rather being a slave to its technology. I’m a firm believer that language and culture will keep the mind inspired and exercise a fundamental part of the brain, especially to keep life interesting and being intrigued to meet people from all walks of life. 

"With that said, I’m super excited for what else will come in 2026 as I continue my work as an international makeup artist. More news is to be announced about my “Makeup X Art” Gallery exhibition travelling throughout Ireland in the second half of 2026. So, stay tuned!" James Mac finished.

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