Beauty Resolutions

First of all, I would like to say happy new year to all of my readers.  I hope that this year will be your best and most beautiful yet!

Every year, I create New Years Resolutions.  I love using the new year as a time to plan, set goals, and evaluate the progress I made over the past year.  If you would like to read a post about new years resolutions in general, please check out my post from last year here.

 In the spirit of the new year, I thought I'd share a few of my beauty-related resolutions with you. 

1. Quality over quantity.
This a goal I started working on over the past few years.  In the past, I owned every trendy drug-store brand makeup item that existed.  I had piles of makeup in every imaginable color and formula.  I did use it, though.  I had fun matching my makeup colors perfectly with my outfit, and trying all types of looks.  

However, when I went away to college and was forced to scale back, I realized that I actually preferred a more streamlined makeup routine.  I noticed there were certain colors that I wore regularly, and that, when it came down to it, most of the inexpensive items that I had were pretty similar.  After being forced to toss all of my mint-green eyeliners and hot pink lip glosses in order to conserve space, I began to favor my new more neutral and natural look.  So, over the past few years I've weeded out all of the drugstore junk in favor of a few key higher-end products.  Nowadays, I'd rather have one amazing pallet than a pile of inexpensive shadows, or one really luxe foundation instead of 5 ho-hum ones.  This is one resolution I generally stick to, unless I manage to get a super-deal on the cheap stuff.

2. Take care of my hands and feet.
This goal always makes my yearly list.  I like the idea of well-manicured hands at feet at all times.  I think it looks polished and shows the world that you care about yourself and the impression you make.  But sadly, since I stopped getting salon manicures in order to save money, I don't always keep this resolution!  

 3. Add a little lip.
This resolution is a new one this year.  In my past high-maintenance makeup routine, I wouldn't have been caught dead without lip gloss.  The thing is, though, that I have horribly dry lips that flake and crack regularly.  It is so severe that  I'm pretty sure it is some type of skin condition.  As I downsized my makeup routine, I started using lip gloss and lipsticks less and less often until I finally gave them up altogether.  I decided that most lip products further aggravate the dryness and that adding color to dry flaky lips just draws attention to my problem.  These days, I just smooth on some Nivea lip balm and call it a day!  The items pictured are the last few glosses that I have yet to throw out.  I decided I should use them here and there, and then finally, toss them for good.   

4. Use up all my samples.
I request lots of samples online, and generally, I use them up as I get them, with the exception of a few that I stash for travel.  However, lately I've had some around that I either saved, forgot about, or procrastinate on writing reviews for.  So, I'm going to finally give these products a try.  Expect to see some new reviews in 2014!

5. Take excellent care of my skin.
This means using gentle face washes, removing makeup, and washing my face no matter how lazy I'm feeling, then following up with toner, lotion, and eye cream.  I want to exfoliate and moisturize my body more regularly as well.  I also believe that regular massage is essential to help circulation. 

So, do you make resolutions every year? (Feel free to post a link) What is your top beauty resolution this year?