So: you made your list of beauty and style resolutions at the start of 2012.  With the beginning of February, how many have you stuck to in the past month - and what do you think you should have aimed at instead?  We look at what resolves do the quick revolve - and how to stick to get some permanent pros on your life list, rather than the cons…

Saint-like Skin is Rarely Simple

Resolved to completely change the way you look after your skin?  Decided to throw out all of your old brands and start again perhaps. A word of advice - if you go too hard and heavy, your skin could be the one that suffers - rather than being radically improved.

Changing all of your skincare in one swoop can lead to break-outs, blemishes and rashes - and increased oil production, especially if you go for 'what's hot' rather than 'what's right'.  Make sure that you consult a beauty professional regarding which products are best for you - and change gradually, working out what works and what doesn't.  If you have tried and true skincare secrets - don't try to fight them!  Introduce new products that suit your skin; and use the ones that already work to complement any new cult faves.  Classic is not necessarily uncool...

Imitation Is Not The Sincerest Form of Flattery

Trying to make an unworkable resolution is always a beauty and fashion mistake - 'I will change my style completely this year - I will look like…(insert model/actress/celebrity here)' - unless you actually are a model or actress or celebrity, the best idea? Be inspired - don't imitate!  Take elements of specific individuals' style that suit your body type, skin and hair; don't try to follow fashion slavishly, or be someone you aren't -  the chances are you will not achieve idol-status - but could look like Billy Idol...

There is nothing wrong with following fashions - being a slave to them is another matter!  And you are unique - and also unairbrushed...

A Strange Eco

If you have resolved to get more involved in products that are natural, eco-excellent or ethically produced - take a cautious approach.  This is often a time when expert advice is not a bad idea - people within the industry who know what is actually organic and what is a wanna-be are there to guide and provide terrific tips on what will work for you.  There can also be a big difference between 'natural' and 'organic' items - make sure you use a company or distributor that gives clarity on this contentious point.

The team here at bellabox know how hard it is to achieve every tick on your life list - that is why workable goals can be the winner.  So throw out that huge ream of reasons to change yourself - and instead, take a gradual approach to making yourself the best beauty you can be - and in your own inimitable style!

(image of Cate Blanchett courtesy of iStock; other images writer's own)