beauty resolutions for 2013

I hope everyone is having a nice start to the new year. I know some people think resolutions are silly, but I like to think of them as goals for the new year. So, I just wanted to share some of my beauty-related goals for 2013. Let me know in the comments what your goals/resolutions/plans are for 2013!

Continue removing my makeup every single night. 

Unfortunately, washing our face in the morning and at night is just not as fun as the Neutrogena commercials make it out to be. Regardless, no matter how tired, exhausted, or crazy of a night I’ve had-- makeup must come off. I made this resolution last year. And I can say that out of the 365 days in 2012, that I stuck to it 99% of the time. The key is just to make it routine. I don’t always go through a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer routine, but at the very least I do use makeup remover wipes before calling it a night.  And I’ve seen what a huge difference taking that 5 minutes to properly cleanse before going to sleep can do for my skin. Therefore, this routine will continue for 2013!

Drink more water. 

I also made this resolution last year. I didn’t follow through until about October when I quit drinking Diet Coke. I have my fix about once a month, but I’ve stuck to mostly water and Gatorade. Again, my skin is thanking me, but I just need to stick to only water. I’m getting there, slowly…

Toss makeup every three-four months. 

There’s no need to keep makeup past its prime. Especially mascara, eyeliner and lipstick. Those products can become full of bacteria fast. I’ve been pretty good about cleaning out my drawers a couple times a year, but I need to make it a habit more regularly.

Use up my products in “storage.” 

The closet that should hold towels, linens and toiletries is now just a storage closet for half-empty hair and beauty products. I’m making it a goal to completely use up my products before purchasing new ones. If I don’t like it, or if it breaks out my skin, then I’ll be tossing them. Other than that, it’s time to just use what I have.

Happy New Year! xo

Tips for Your New Year's Night Out!

Happy Friday, y'all! 
I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas. I've been enjoying some time off of work by stepping away from the computer and just enjoying a break! But today I wanted to share a few tips I'll be using on New Year's to help my makeup last all night long.

My friends and I have a fun night out planned for New Year's Eve. I'm looking forward to being with my friends-- getting ready, doing our hair & makeup, and seeing how much glitter and sequins will cover the floors of our hotel room by the time we are ready to leave. Even if you aren't planning to do anything on December 31, you can use these tips for any night out! 

Exfoliating Face Wash

The first step is starting with a fresh face. Use an exfoliating face wash. I prefer to use the Neutrogena Deep Clean daily scrub. It contains rice protein, which soaks up excess oil and keeps you shine-free for hours. 

Foundation Primer

I feel like I can't preach the benefits of using foundation primer enough. Primer is key for helping your foundation adhere to a fresh face. Without a primer, your foundation can more easily fade away throughout the day/night. Especially if you have oily skin. I recommend Smashbox or Prestige primer.

 Eyeshadow Primer
Just like foundation, your eye shadow also needs a base to stick to in order for it to last. Many brands make an eyeshadow primer. Urban Decay primer potion (in Eden) works best for me. It has a light neutral color to it, which cancels out redness and discoloration on my eyelids, and creates a nice base for eye shadow. Using a lighter colored base will also help your vibrant, shimmery shadows pop just a little bit better. Another tip-- apply a little primer under your lower lashes to keep eyeliner in place.

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder

If you wear a liquid foundation, you should set it with a powder to “lock” it in. This powder will instantly mattify your foundation and concealer without it looking cakey. Do yourself a favor and pick up Rimmel Stay Matte at your nearest drugstore if you haven't already! 

MAC Fix + (or just plain water!)
MAC Fix + is a versatile product. Its most popular use is as a setting spray after you've applied all of your makeup. However, if you plan to use glittery eyeshadow and want to prevent major fallout, I suggest spraying your shadow brush with MAC Fix +, then pick up the glitter, and apply to your eye lids. You can get a similar effect by just wetting your brush with running water. 

Makeup Setting Spray
The last step to ensure long-lasting makeup is using a setting spray. Urban Decay makes the All Nighter spray that you can get at any Ulta or Sephora. Just spritz a little bit all of your face after your makeup is done and you're good to go. 

What should you keep in your clutch? 
I'm not one to touch up my makeup throughout the night. After using a few extra steps in your makeup application, you really shouldn't have to! But I do like to pack just a few things in case I'm in the restroom and need to do a quick touch up. You just never know! Aside from the usual necessities, I'll have my NYX blotting sheets to keep oil at bay, my favorite lip balm, lip stick, eyeliner and some mints! 

What products or tips do you use for long-lasting makeup?
What kind of NYE plans do you have? 

Have a great weekend and... Happy New Year!