2012 is almost here and at the Beauty Tips office we're busy wrapping up 2011 while planning for the new year. In the spirit of making a resolutions here are our beauty resolutions for 2012.

Remove Makeup

We're guilty of not doing this. Yes, it's terrible and it needs to stop. Sleeping with your makeup on will clog your pores and lead to acne/skin irritation. In 2012, we vow to remove our makeup every night—no matter how tired we are.

SPF Everyday

SPF is essential to protecting your skin and slowing the affects of aging. With so many moisturizers including SPF in their creams there is no excuse not to apply it everyday. Go the extra mile in 2012 and apply SPF to your neck, décolleté and hands. These areas typically show aging first and need daily sun protection too.

Toss Out Old Products

It's hard to let go of the makeup you love, but when in doubt toss it out. Once your products begin to dry/flake it's time to star anew. Makeup bag bursting at the seams? If you haven't used something in the last 30 days get rid of it. Your make up will look better, your skin will thank you for it and you'll be more organized.

Become a Salon Regular

Regular trims are essential to the health of your hair. This year when you go in for your first trim/cut make another appointment for three months later.

Signature Scent

If you don't have one already, make 2012 the year that you find your signature scent. A good perfume is the final detail in bringing together a great beauty routine so why not make the new year the best smelling one you've had yet?

Clean Up Regularly

Add cleaning your makeup brushes to your beauty routine. It's easy to do and will make your brushes last longer, makeup application look better and stop any bacteria from transferring onto your skin. Mix baby shampoo and olive oil together and wash in warm water. The baby shampoo will offer gentle cleansing without drying out your brushes while the oil will return softness to the bristles.

That concludes our beauty resolutions for 2012. What are yours?

1. Magnetic Makeup Board: Operation organization! This is a great idea for gals with small bathrooms and it's a cute way to display your goodies.


2. Mustache Nails: November is Movember in honor of Prostate Cancer. Us ladies may not be able to show our support by growing a sweet 'stache but we can have some cute nail art.


3. Fishtail Bun: Bun? Like it. Fishtail braid? Like it. Put the to together? Love it! This hairdo is easy and totally unexpected, don't be surprised if you catch your girlfriends rocking this after seeing how effortlessly good you look.


4. Blue Eyeliner: Blue eye makeup may conjure images of Mimi, but this look is just the right pop of color on Gwen Stefani. We may need to go out and purchase some blue eyeliner for ourselves now.


5. Katy Perry Pink: We love Katy's pink hair—even as it's growing out and she's showing her roots.

1. Chanel Shade Parade: This video is so fun! It's such a creative way to present new nail shades.


2. Smashbox O-Glow: The gel in this product comes out of the tube clear and turns your perfect shade of blushing pink when applied to your cheeks. Talk about a natural glow!


3. Cat Eyes: We love cat eye makeup but it's not always easy to apply, this step-by-step photo makes it easy peas-y.


4. Color Bug: Kevin Murphy's color bug can give you an edgy style without the commitment. Wild weekend hair anyone?


5. Top Knot: The windy winter weather has us reaching for hats but when we've forgotten to grab one as we're rushing out the door a top knot will do the trick. Check out our tutorial on how to make one here.

Any beauty products, tricks or styles you're loving this week? Let us know!

Here's a roundup of some of our favorite makeup tutorials for Halloween:

Black Swan Makeup Tutorial

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After watching this tutorial you'll be able to achieve a look that's as dark and stunning as Natalie Portman's in Black Swan.

Lady GaGa Makeup Tutorial

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There are so many Lady GaGa looks to choose from but this Poker Face tutorial is our favorite.

Katy Perry California Gurls Makeup Tutorial

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Katy Perry's candy land inspired look is perfect for anyone who is looking for a playful costume this Halloween.

Marylin Monroe Makeup Tutorial

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Marylin Monroe is always a classic and this look will have all eyes on you while you enjoy a frightful night.

Katy Perry is a style icon in her own right with her over-the-top outfits and rainbow hair color changes but her nails seem to be her favorite way to express her ever changing style. At the MTV VMA's Perry had as many nail changes as she did costumes. Doesn't she make you want to match your nails to all of your outfits too?

Photos via MTV Style

We have a girl crush on Zooey Deschanel. She is especially cute in this music video. Her teased half up half down hair-do and cat-eye makeup are adorable without looking fussy. Natural beauty!

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